7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most common causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water challenges 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 notice a suspicious rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Turn 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.
  • Call 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 diagnose, 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 undamaged, 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 correctly but you still have no 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 a skilled 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 work effectively. If the light is out, there won’t be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from 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 air out before you try to relight it. Call a professional for help if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly 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. While you’re at it, 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, replacing it could be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can accumulate in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage 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 frequent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need Expert assistance 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 a bigger problem.

6. Malfunctioning 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 you’re experiencing no hot water, check 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 typically provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water requirements, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, dedicated 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 interrupt your life a moment longer! Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!

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