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 to discover that your house doesn't have hot water. It’s an annoying state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be making 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:

Turn 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.
Call the fire department and your utility provider.
Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be difficult to detect, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, inspect the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working correctly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. If that's the case, this might mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function correctly. If the light isn't lit, there won't be any hot water. Modern water heaters feature 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 confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down 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 common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it might be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the lower part of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can take place anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you might need a specialist's assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to detect sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If you notice there isn't any hot water, examine 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 to blame. Water heaters generally provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the problematic hardware.

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 sick and tired of putting up with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air

At Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, 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 disrupt your life any longer! Reach out to Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 210-404-4233 today to schedule your appointment!