7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an annoying state of affairs, 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 problems 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 producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Turn 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.
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 problem can be hard to detect, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to buy 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 function correctly. If the light goes out, there won't be any hot water. Modern water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to find out 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 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 properly 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, 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 very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, getting a new one to replace it may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can collect in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction 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 areas with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need professional assistance to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Defective 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, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements may be to blame. Water heaters generally 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 doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid 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 know it's important to solve your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, first-class 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! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!