7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. 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
First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It may not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Turn 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 so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
- Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
- Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water problem 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 these both seem secure, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating correctly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Donelson Air Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to operate correctly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before you try to relight it. Call a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat must 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, check 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 frequent reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, buying a new one could 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, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anytime.
Scheduled 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 help to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
6. Faulty 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, 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 might be to blame. Water heaters typically last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the bad components.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Donelson Air Service Experts
At Donelson Air Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Contact Donelson Air Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 615-953-9885 today to set up your appointment!
