7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a breathtakingly 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 panic. Learning the most common things that leave you with 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 troubles so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

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

Close 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
Call the fire department and your utility provider.
Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water dilemma can be hard to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem secure, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. If that's the case, this may mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to function effectively. If the light is out, there won't be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out 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.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to use less 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 common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, getting a new one to replace it could be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you may need professional help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Defective 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, check the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements might be to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing 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 want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning

At Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, dedicated 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 any longer! Contact Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 215-278-9690 today to arrange an appointment!