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 irritating scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. 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
Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a questionable rotten egg aroma, 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.
- 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 hard to identify, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem undamaged, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the right 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 obstructed. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Barlow Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to work effectively. If the light is out, there won't be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see 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 disperse before trying to relight it. Consult with a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set correctly 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. As long as you're looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it may be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, 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, leading to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anytime.
Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need a specialist's services to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water to identify sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If your home doesn't have any hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements could be the problem. 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 thing rather than repair the faulty elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water requirements, you may end 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 countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Barlow Service Experts
At Barlow Service Experts, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, first-class 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 any longer! Reach out to Barlow Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 801-436-8985 today to set up your appointment!