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 discover that your house doesn't have hot water. It’s a frustrating situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most common reasons your home has 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 challenges so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It could very well not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Turn off the gas valves at your home.
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.
Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be tricky to identify, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by evaluating 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 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 blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this might mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Robinson Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to function effectively. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn 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 help if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set properly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save 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 a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it could be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can build up in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need a specialist's services to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If your home doesn't have any hot water, check 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 generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the problematic 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 not very hot showers when you’re the last person to get ready each 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 Robinson Service Experts

At Robinson Service Experts , we know it's important to solve 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 excellent craftsmanship, 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 for even a minute longer! Reach out to Robinson Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 847-306-8730 today to schedule your appointment!