If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn’t any 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 are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.
Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
This hot water dilemma can be tricky 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 these both seem intact, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working correctly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Regrettably, this could mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.
The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to work properly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference 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 dissipate before you try to relight it. Contact a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
Your water heater thermostat must be set properly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, check 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 a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, buying a new one may be the best solution.
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 areas with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already developed, you could potentially need professional help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you notice there isn’t any hot water, check the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements may be the problem. Water heaters typically last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty components.
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!
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