If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most common causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.
Do you have a gas water heater? It might not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
This hot water issue can be tricky to identify, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, inspect the gas valve to ensure 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 blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Calverley Service Experts to be sure.
The pilot light is essential for older gas water heaters to function properly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to find out 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 dissipate before trying to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save 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 common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, replacing it could be the best remedy.
With time, sediment can accumulate in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in areas with hard water, but it can happen anywhere.
Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need a specialist’s assistance to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to 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 haven’t tripped, the heating elements may be the problem. Water heaters generally last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the faulty elements.
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, 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.
At Calverley Service Experts, we are dedicated to solving your hot water issues quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 interrupt your life a moment longer! Contact Calverley Service Experts and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 817-380-5647 today to schedule your appointment!
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