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 an annoying situation, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent reasons your home has 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 challenges 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 could very well not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a questionable 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 so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be hard to detect, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears intact, look at the gas valve to ensure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this might mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like TML Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to function correctly. If the light isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If that's the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before you try to relight it. Contact a professional for advice if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to conserve 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 very common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, buying a new one may be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can collect in the lower part 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 neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you might need Expert help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn't have any hot water, look over 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 could be to blame. Water heaters generally provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself 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 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 countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact TML Service Experts

At TML Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Contact TML Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 208-488-4892 today to arrange an appointment!