If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn't any hot water. It’s an irritating situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most frequent reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water challenges 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 making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspicious rotten egg odor, 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.
- Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water dilemma can be difficult to diagnose, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems secure, check out the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this might mean it’s time to get 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, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to see 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. Contact a professional for assistance if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, look at 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 damaged, getting a new one to replace it could be the best solution.
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 neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.
Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of 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 can have problems. If your home doesn't have 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 problem. Water heaters typically 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 bad hardware.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water demands, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, 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 strive to resolve your hot water issues quickly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, first-class 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 for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 403-279-5760 today to set up your appointment!