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 to find no hot water. It’s an annoying situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you 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 smell, 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
  • Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be tricky to detect, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, inspect the gas valve to confirm 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 have no hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this may 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 work effectively. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to save 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 common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it could be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water, but it can happen anyplace.

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need professional assistance to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you’re experiencing no 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 may be to blame. Water heaters generally last 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 problematic elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself 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 ask an Expert for more information about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Levy & Son Service Experts

At Levy & Son Service Experts, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, unmatched 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 interrupt your life a moment longer! Get in touch with Levy & Son Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 469-250-0932 today to arrange an appointment!

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