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 irritating state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent causes of 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 troubles so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It might not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a questionable rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Close 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 so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be tricky to detect, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem secure, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this might mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function properly. If the light isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult 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 disperse 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 must be set properly 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 no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, buying a new one might be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over 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, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need a specialist's help to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to identify 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 your home doesn't have any hot water, examine 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 the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with 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 ask an Expert for more information about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless 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 quickly, affordably 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 for even a minute longer! Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 561-629-1826 today to set up your appointment!