7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s a frustrating situation, but don’t fret. Learning the most likely causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to enjoying 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 notice a suspect rotten egg odor, 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
  • Call the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be difficult to identify, but it’s often the 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 these both seem 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 performing the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. If that’s the case, this could mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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, there won’t be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If so, 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 must be set accurately to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save 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, getting a new one to replace it might be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, 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, contributing to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.

Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can identify sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If you’re experiencing no hot water, look over 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 the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the faulty hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water requirements, you may end 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 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 & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues quickly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, dedicated 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 disrupt your life a moment longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to set up your appointment!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >

$50 OFF Any Repair

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

Free Leak Detector

  • Get a free leak detector when you sign up for a Maintenance+ membership
  • Expire date December 31st

© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.