7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an annoying scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most common reasons your home has 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 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 generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Shut 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
Contact 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 difficult to identify, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears 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 operating the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. If that's the case, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted 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 effectively. If the light isn't lit, you won't have any hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to see 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 disperse 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 has to be set properly to furnish 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. Also, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, replacing it may be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, you could potentially need Expert 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 dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience 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 you don't find any tripped breakers, the heating elements may be the problem. Water heaters typically last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the problematic elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each 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

At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, first-class 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 disrupt your life any longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 321-428-7635 today to set up your appointment!