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 an irritating scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with 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 experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

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

Turn off the gas valves at your residence.
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.
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 challenging to diagnose, 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 it all appears secure, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. If that's the case, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Knochelmann Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to operate effectively. If the light goes 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 see if your unit has a pilot light. If so, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to disperse before attempting to relight it. Call a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down 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. Also, 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 broken, replacing it might be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can accumulate in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you might need professional services to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can identify 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 are not immune to problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, examine 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 might be to blame. Water heaters usually last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad 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 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 Knochelmann Service Experts

At Knochelmann Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, dedicated 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 disrupt your life any longer! Reach out to Knochelmann Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 859-905-0834 today to arrange an appointment!