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 a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most common causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a questionable rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Close 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.
Notify 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 tricky to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems secure, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating the way it should but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. 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 Fras-Air/General Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to function correctly. If the light isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Newer 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 dissipate before attempting to relight it. Consult with a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately 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. While you’re at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a frequent reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, buying a new one may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can happen anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already happened, you could potentially need Expert services 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 even more challenging to address.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, look over 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 problem. 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 unit rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with not very hot 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 Fras-Air/General Service Experts

At Fras-Air/General Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues quickly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life any longer! Reach out to Fras-Air/General Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 908-448-2154 today to arrange an appointment!