If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn't have hot water. It’s a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It might not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Turn off the gas valves at your house.
- Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
- Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
- Open windows and doors so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
- Call the fire department and your utility provider.
- Never try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water dilemma can be hard to identify, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears secure, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing correctly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Regrettably, this may mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Strogen's Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to work correctly. If the light is out, you won't have any hot water. Newer water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn if your unit has a pilot light. If your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to air out before attempting to relight it. Call a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set properly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. As long as you're looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, getting a new one to replace it could be the best solution.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, sediment can build up in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can happen anytime.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn't have any hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If you don't find any tripped breakers, the heating elements might be to blame. Water heaters generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty hardware.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water demands, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Strogen's Service Experts
At Strogen's Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, first-class customer service and reputation for quality work, you can rest assured we will go the extra mile to meet all your plumbing needs.
Don’t let a lack of hot water affect your life a moment longer! Contact Strogen's Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 603-923-4570 today to arrange an appointment!