7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s an annoying situation, but don’t fret. Learning the most likely things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Shut off the gas valves at your home.
  • Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
  • Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
  • Open windows and doors to air out the home and evacuate the building.
  • Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be difficult to detect, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem undamaged, check out the gas valve to make sure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to operate correctly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If that’s the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to air out before you try to relight it. Consult with a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, look at the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. Also, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, replacing it may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can build up in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need professional assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn’t have any hot water, look over 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 may 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 thing rather than repair the bad hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, unmatched customer service and reputation for excellent craftsmanship, 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 for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to set up your appointment!

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