7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had a breathtakingly 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 stress. Learning the most common causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspect rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Close 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.
  • Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be hard to detect, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem undamaged, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to work effectively. If the light goes out, you won’t have any hot water. Modern water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference 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 air out before attempting to relight it. Call a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. As long as you’re looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it could be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need a specialist’s assistance to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to 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 the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements might be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically last 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 not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of tepid 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 unlimited back-to-back showers.

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

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a competitive 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 a moment longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to set up your appointment!

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