7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an irritating state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely reasons your home has 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 issues so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It could very well not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Shut 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 to air out the home 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 problem can be tricky to detect, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning correctly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. If that's the case, this could mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to function properly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to see 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 you try to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down 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 common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it might be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
With time, sediment can collect 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 could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.
Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need a specialist's assistance to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
6. Faulty Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, look over the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements might be the problem. Water heaters typically last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the bad elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for unlimited back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 540-302-8645 today to schedule your appointment!
