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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 scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most common reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It might not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Turn 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 so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
  • Call the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be challenging to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working the way it should but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this may 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 necessary for older gas water heaters to function properly. If the light isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to learn 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 you try to relight it. Consult with a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set correctly to provide 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. As long as you're looking 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 might be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can happen anyplace.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need a specialist's assistance 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 larger issue.

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 haven’t tripped, the heating elements might be to blame. Water heaters usually have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each 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 fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life a moment longer! Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!