7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn't have hot water. It’s an irritating situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most common 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 issues so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Close 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
- Call the fire department and your utility provider.
- Never try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water dilemma can be hard to detect, but it’s often the 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 these both seem undamaged, check out 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 have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to operate correctly. If the light is out, you won't have any hot water. Newer water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see 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 air out before trying to relight it. Contact a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to use less 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 common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it might be the best solution.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, 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, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already taken place, 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 bigger problem.
6. Faulty 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 could be to blame. Water heaters usually 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 components.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with not very hot 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 unlimited back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues quickly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, dedicated customer service and reputation for excellence, 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 any 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 303-647-5749 today to arrange an appointment!
