7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most common causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It may not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspect rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

• Close 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
• Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
• Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be hard to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to ensure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning the way it should but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. If that’s the case, this might mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced 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 work properly. If the light isn’t lit, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If so, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting 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 has to be set properly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to conserve 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 frequent reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, getting a new one to replace it may be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anywhere.

Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need a specialist’s services 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. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you’re experiencing no hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically 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 problematic elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water needs, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the 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 know it’s important to solve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, unmatched 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 disrupt your life for even a minute longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!