If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet and there wasn’t any hot water. It’s a frustrating situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most frequent causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a suspicious rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
This hot water issue can be challenging to detect, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, check out the gas valve to ensure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this could mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to work properly. If the light is out, you won’t have any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If so, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting to relight it. Call a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
Your water heater thermostat has to be set accurately to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned 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. As long as you’re looking at it, 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 damaged, replacing it could be the best option.
After awhile, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.
Regular maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can detect sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If you notice there isn’t any hot water, check 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 to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of 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 problematic hardware.
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each 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 endless back-to-back showers.
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, unmatched 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! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!
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