7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s 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 annoying situation, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

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

  • Shut 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
  • Contact 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 difficult to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, inspect 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 do not have hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced 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 goes out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out 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 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 provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, look at 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 broken, getting a new one to replace it might be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can take place anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, 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 to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If you notice there isn’t 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 could be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically have a life span of 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 bad elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water needs, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire 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 are dedicated to solving your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, first-class 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 affect your life for even a minute 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 schedule your appointment!

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