7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
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 annoying province of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Do you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Shut 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
- Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
- Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water dilemma can be challenging to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off 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 correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like A1 Chesney Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to work correctly. If the light goes out, there won’t be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn 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 trying to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save 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 frequent reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, replacing it could be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
With 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, contributing to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.
Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you may need Expert help to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are reliable 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 you don’t find any tripped breakers, the heating elements may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater 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 wind 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 in the morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact A1 Chesney Service Experts
At A1 Chesney Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life a moment longer! Get in touch with A1 Chesney Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 587-315-5271 today to schedule your appointment!
