If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t fret. Learning the most frequent causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
Do 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 odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
This hot water issue can be tricky to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, 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 properly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to operate effectively. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Modern 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 disperse before trying to relight it. Call a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, check 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 very common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, getting a new one to replace it may be the best solution.
With time, sediment can collect in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anytime.
Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already developed, you may need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can detect sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they can have 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 may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the faulty components.
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, at a fair 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 any longer! Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 866-397-3787 today to set up your appointment!
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing problem for a very long time. Today’s total student debt has reached some $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your academic journey or advising someone who is, it’s crucial... Continue reading
Plumbing is an essential part of your day-to-day life. When you hire a plumber to clean your drains, fix your water heater or install a water softener, you'd expect the assurance of a job well done. While reading reviews and considering the company's reputation can help, the number one thing to... Continue reading
Are you happy to be a new homeowner? Congratulations! It’s a relief to own your home and not answer to a landlord. Still, homeownership comes with all sorts of new responsibilities. For one, you are now accountable for keeping the pipes and plumbing fixtures in good condition. The last... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
