7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn't any hot water. It’s a frustrating scenario, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspect rotten egg aroma, 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.
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 dilemma can be hard to detect, but it’s often the 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 everything seems intact, look at the gas valve to confirm it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Norrell 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 goes out, you won't have 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 air out before trying to relight it. Call a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, look at 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 broken, buying a new one might be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier 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 neighborhoods with hard water, but it can happen anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, you might need Expert help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Faulty 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, look over 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 usually last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the bad components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of not very hot 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 endless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Norrell Service Experts

At Norrell Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues quickly, affordably 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to Norrell Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 205-267-0023 today to set up your appointment!