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 situation, but don’t fret. Learning the most frequent 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 troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Do you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Close 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 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 issue can be challenging to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, inspect the gas valve to make sure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing correctly but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Stevenson Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function effectively. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured 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 that's the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly 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. Also, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, buying a new one could be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, 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 could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, but it can happen anytime.
Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already happened, you could potentially need a specialist's assistance to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
6. Faulty Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, examine 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 to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the problematic components.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, 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 countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Stevenson Service Experts
At Stevenson Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues fast, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, unmatched 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 affect your life any longer! Get in touch with Stevenson Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 937-503-7896 today to arrange an appointment!
