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 an annoying state of affairs, but don’t fret. 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 getting the hot showers you deserve.
Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
This hot water issue can be difficult to identify, but it’s often the 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 the way it should but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to buy 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 work effectively. If the light is out, you won’t have any hot water. Modern water heaters have 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 air out before attempting to relight it. Contact a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set properly to furnish 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. 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, replacing it might be the best solution.
Over time, sediment can build up in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Routine maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you might need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on 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 sometimes experience 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 the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters generally have a life span of 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 problematic 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 sick and tired of putting up with tepid 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 know it’s important to solve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, unmatched 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 disrupt your life for even a minute longer! Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!
Student loan debt in the United States has been a growing concern for many years. Today’s total student debt is more than $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 important to weigh... Continue reading
Everyone needs clean water for everyday routines like cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. Many the U.S. homeowners wonder which is better—a water filter or a water softener? Explore the important differences between inline water filters and whole-house water softeners, the advantages they... Continue reading
Unblocking a clogged drain can be unpleasant work, so many homeowners turn to chemical drain cleaners to wash away the crud. Bottles of these chemicals are commonly found in cleaning closets, but are they truly safe? Dive into the world of chemical drain cleaners, see how they function and learn... 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.
