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 a frustrating scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It may not be generating 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.
- 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 difficult to detect, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears secure, check out the gas valve to make sure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning properly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. 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 to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to operate properly. If the light is out, there won't be any hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference 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 dissipate before trying to relight it. Contact a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, check the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. As long as you're looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it could be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can accumulate 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 a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anytime.
Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need Expert assistance 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 bigger problem.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn't have 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 may be the problem. Water heaters generally 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 not big enough to handle your household’s hot water demands, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing 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 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, at a fair 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 interrupt your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 925-364-5427 today to arrange an appointment!
