7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

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 a frustrating situation, but don’t stress. Learning the most common reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

First, is this a situation where 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 aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas valves at your residence.
• Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
• Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
• Open windows and doors so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
• Call the fire department and your utility provider.
• Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be challenging to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears intact, look at the gas valve to make sure 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 don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Midway Services to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to work effectively. If the light isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If so, 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 unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, examine 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 homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, buying a new one may be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor 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 reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If your home doesn't have any hot water, check 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 generally have a life span of 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 end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Midway Services

At Midway Services, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues quickly, at a competitive 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 disrupt your life for even a minute longer! Get in touch with Midway Services and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 727-219-2471 today to set up your appointment!