7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s likely 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 common things that leave you with 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 issues 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 making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

• Close 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 issue can be tricky 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 it all appears secure, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing properly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to invest in 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 essential for older gas water heaters to operate properly. If the light isn’t lit, there won’t be any hot water. Modern water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult 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. Contact a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has to be set properly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, examine 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 homes not having 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 bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need professional assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

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’re experiencing no 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 to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water requirements, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with not very hot showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, 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 quickly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, 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 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!