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 find no hot water. It’s an annoying state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be making 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:

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.
Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be hard to detect, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems secure, look at the gas valve to ensure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. If that’s the case, this may mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled 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 function properly. If the light isn’t lit, there won’t be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to learn 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 trying to relight it. Consult with a professional for advice if you’re unsure 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. As long as you’re looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, replacing it may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can happen anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you may need a specialist’s services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have 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 cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more 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 quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, 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 interrupt your life a moment longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 403-279-5760 today to schedule your appointment!