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 an irritating scenario, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely reasons your home has 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 issues so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Do you have a gas water heater? It might not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

  • Turn off the gas valves at your home.
  • 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.
  • Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
  • Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be hard to identify, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating correctly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Regrettably, this may mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to operate properly. If the light isn’t lit, you’ll have no hot water. Recently manufactured 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 your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to air out before you try to relight it. Call a professional for advice if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed 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. As long as you’re looking at it, 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 broken, replacing it could be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can accumulate 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 common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already happened, you might need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to catch 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, 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 could be the problem. 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 water heater rather than repair the problematic hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm 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 countless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a competitive price 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 any longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to set up your appointment!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
parts and labor icon

$50 OFF Any Repair

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!
plumbing services icon

Free Plumbing Inspection

  • Prevent costly damage from water leaks, drain clogs and tank damage
  • Written 100% Expert Service Guarantee

© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.