If you’re reading this, it’s likely 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 situation, but don’t fret. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to enjoying 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 producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspect rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Close 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
- Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
- Never try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water issue can be difficult to identify, but it’s a frequent 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 these both seem intact, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning correctly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Sunbeam Service Experts to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function properly. If the light isn't lit, there won't be any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to learn 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 air out 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 supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered 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. Also, 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 damaged, getting a new one to replace it may be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, sediment can collect in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Regular maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already happened, you could potentially need professional 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 bigger problem.
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 may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the faulty hardware.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water requirements, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with not very hot 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 Sunbeam Service Experts
At Sunbeam Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues quickly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, 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 affect your life a moment longer! Contact Sunbeam Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 716-427-6807 today to schedule your appointment!