7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an irritating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most frequent causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It could very well not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a questionable rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Close off the gas valves at your house.
  • 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.
  • Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be hard to identify, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears intact, inspect the gas valve to make sure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to get 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 vital for older gas water heaters to work properly. If the light goes out, you won’t have any hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn 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 disperse before attempting to relight it. Call a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned 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. 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 broken, getting a new one to replace it could be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anytime.

Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need professional services 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 bigger problem.

6. Defective Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid 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 the breakers appear normal, the heating elements could be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the faulty elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water needs, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm 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 countless back-to-back showers.

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

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, unmatched 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 interrupt your life any longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!

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