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 discover that your house doesn't have 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 an answer. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It might not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Turn 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
Notify 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 tricky to identify, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, inspect the gas valve to ensure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Regrettably, this may mean it’s time to purchase 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 vital for older gas water heaters to work effectively. If the light is out, you won't have any hot water. Modern water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from 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 disperse before attempting to relight it. Consult with 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 provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, look at 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 very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, getting a new one to replace it could be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction 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 prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can detect 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 are not immune to 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 you don't find any tripped breakers, the heating elements might be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing 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 demands, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, 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 know it's important to solve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, unmatched customer service and reputation for excellent craftsmanship, you can rest assured we will go the extra mile to meet all your plumbing needs.

Don’t let a lack of hot water interrupt your life any longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 352-414-4006 today to set up your appointment!