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 state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg aroma, 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 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 issue can be challenging 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 these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to ensure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. If that's the case, this could mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Neal Harris Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential 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 seek advice from 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 air out before trying to relight it. Call a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, check 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 frequent reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, replacing it could be the best solution.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.
Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need Expert help to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Faulty Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn't have 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 to blame. Water heaters typically last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the bad hardware.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm 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 unlimited back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Neal Harris Service Experts
At Neal Harris Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price 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 Neal Harris Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 816-787-0500 today to schedule your appointment!
