7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn’t any hot water. It’s an annoying scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most common reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspicious rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Shut 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 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 issue can be tricky to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears intact, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating correctly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, 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 & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to operate effectively. If the light goes out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn 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 dissipate before trying to relight it. Consult with a professional for assistance if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set accurately to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, examine 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 homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it might be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, but it can happen anyplace.

Regular maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already happened, you might need professional 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 even more challenging to address.

6. Defective 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, check 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 might be to blame. Water heaters usually provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the faulty components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may find yourself 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 & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, dedicated customer service and reputation for excellent craftsmanship, 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 schedule your appointment!

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