7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn't any hot water. It’s an irritating 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 remedy. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It could very well not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspect rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Turn 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.
- Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water issue can be hard to diagnose, but it’s a frequent 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 intact, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning the way it should but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Levy & Son Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function effectively. If the light isn't lit, 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 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 attempting to relight it. Call a professional for assistance if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set properly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, look at 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 common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, getting a new one to replace it might be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anyplace.
Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need a specialist's help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience 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 appear normal, the heating elements might be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the faulty elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet 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 lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also ask an Expert for more information about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Levy & Son Service Experts
At Levy & Son Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, 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 interrupt your life any longer! Get in touch with Levy & Son Service Experts and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 469-250-0932 today to arrange an appointment!
