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 an irritating scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most common causes of 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 troubles so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Do you have a gas water heater? It might not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense 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.
- Contact 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 tricky 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 everything seems secure, look at the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct 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. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Epperson Service Experts 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 goes out, there won't be any hot water. Modern water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult 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 advice if you’re confused about 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 lowered 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. Also, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it may be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need a specialist's assistance 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 bigger problem.
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’re experiencing no hot water, look over the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If the breakers appear normal, 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 water heater rather than repair the problematic elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water demands, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, 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 Epperson Service Experts
At Epperson Service Experts, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, dedicated 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 interrupt your life a moment longer! Reach out to Epperson Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 843-619-3781 today to schedule your appointment!