7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a look at 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 generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a questionable rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Shut off the gas valves at your house.
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 a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears secure, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning properly 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 invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Peitz Service Experts to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to operate correctly. If the light goes out, there won't be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to disperse before attempting to relight it. Consult with a professional for assistance if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set properly to provide 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. While you’re at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a frequent reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it might be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Regular maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need professional help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Defective Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid 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 could be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters typically provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, 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 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 unlimited back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Peitz Service Experts

At Peitz Service Experts, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, dedicated customer service and reputation for quality work, 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 a moment longer! Reach out to Peitz Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 605-223-0307 today to arrange an appointment!