7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

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 find no hot water. It’s an irritating situation, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a review of the 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 might not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Close off the gas valves at your residence.
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.
Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be difficult to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. If that's the case, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Wesley Wood Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to work effectively. If the light isn't lit, you won't have any hot water. Newer water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from 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 disperse before you try to relight it. Contact a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, check 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 malfunctioning, buying a new one could be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can build up in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can take place anytime.

Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you might need a specialist's services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Defective Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements may be to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, you may find yourself 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 every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also ask an Expert for more information about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for unlimited back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Wesley Wood Service Experts

At Wesley Wood Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, first-class customer service and reputation for excellence, 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 a moment longer! Contact Wesley Wood Service Experts and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 484-401-7577 today to schedule your appointment!