7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s an irritating scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most common 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 challenges 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 generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious 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.
• Call 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 tricky to identify, 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 secure, look at the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct 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 blocked in some way. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted 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 properly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to learn 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 you try to relight it. Contact a professional for assistance if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately 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. While you’re at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it may be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can accumulate in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you may need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can detect 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 you’re experiencing no 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 could be to blame. Water heaters generally 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 not big enough to handle your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of not very hot 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 strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 disrupt your life a moment 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 arrange an appointment!