Discovering cold water pouring from your hot water tap is a major inconvenience. You use hot water daily, especially for bathing and cleaning. The last thing you want to do is not have any hot water in your home for an extended period.
If there’s no hot water in the house, your water heater is a likely culprit. By knowing what’s wrong with your hot water, you can quickly take action. Check out the guide below to learn why your home’s water isn’t getting hot and what you can do to fix this problem.
Common Reasons You Have No Hot Water in Your House
Wondering why your hot water isn’t working? Consider the common reasons a property doesn’t produce hot water.
1. Gas Leak
Is your gas-powered water heater not working? The problem could be a gas leak.
Their water tanks burn natural gas to produce hot water. If the gas line leaks, the water heater won’t have enough fuel to heat the water. Ignoring the leak could result in severe consequences, such as a house fire or illness from prolonged gas exposure.
Inspect the water heater’s gas line connections for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or other damage. Gas has a sulfuric, rotten egg odor, so immediately turn off the gas valves and call the local gas company for help if you smell this.
2. Water Leak
A water leak isn’t as dangerous as a gas leak, but it’s still problematic. If you have a traditional water heater, the water will heat inside the tank before it flows through your taps and showerheads. A leaky tank means a lack of water available for heating.
Check around the tank for water puddles. Replacing your water heater might be the best way to address a hot water tank leak.
3. Gas Valve Failure
The gas valve on a gas water heater can also fail, resulting in no hot water in the house. While checking the equipment for signs of trouble, be sure to inspect the gas valve. The valve should be secure in the correct position with the gas on.
4. Electrical Issues
If you have an electric water heater, your lack of hot water could be the result of an electrical issue instead of a plumbing problem. Loose electrical connections and frayed wiring are common electrical problems. A power surge could also cause the circuit breaker box to trip the water heater, stopping the flow of electricity to the unit.
5. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater has a thermostat to control the water’s temperature. Average temperatures range from 120 to 140 degrees. Setting the thermostat closer to 140 degrees without exceeding that temperature could increase your hot water flow.
A faulty thermostat can’t regulate temperatures correctly and should be replaced.
6. Faulty Heating Element
If your water heater doesn’t heat water using gas, then it has a heating element. If the heating element fails, you must replace it to restore your hot water supply.
7. Water Heater Tank Size
If your household grows or you experience lifestyle changes, your hot water needs could change as well. Most traditional water heaters can hold up to 80 gallons of water in the tank. A 30-gallon tank might work well for a two-person household, but a five-member family would need a bigger tank to meet everyone’s hot water demands.
Hot Water FAQs
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Why Do I Suddenly Have No Hot Water?
You might suddenly lose hot water in your home for several reasons. The problem could be anything from a faulty thermostat to water heater tank corrosion. Contact a professional to identify the cause.
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What Should I Do if I Have No Hot Water and Need to Shower?
If the hot water is not getting hot and you need to shower, you might have to settle for a cold shower. The shower will still do its job, though the water temperature might be uncomfortable.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Hot Water Back After It Runs Out?
Your water heater model will impact how quickly it runs out of hot water. Tankless water heaters produce hot water on demand while traditional water heaters heat a tank of water at a time, which takes longer.
The tank variety will hold a specific amount of water. A larger tank will take longer to run out of hot water. Still, you could wait up to an hour or longer if the tank needs to refill before reheating the water.
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How Do You Reset Your Water Heater?
It’s sometimes necessary to reset a water heater. For an electric model, press the reset button.
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What Is the Most Reliable Type of Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are the best option for many households. Since they don’t store water in tanks, the equipment instantaneously heats water using a heating element. They also have fewer moving parts, resulting in less wear and tear and fewer repairs over time.
Still No Hot Water? Call Hurley & David for Emergency Assistance.
Don’t fret if there’s still no hot water in your house. We offer comprehensive services—including water heater repair and replacement—in Springfield, Massachusetts, and neighboring communities.
Call (413) 315-5588 to request an appointment with Hurley & David, or contact us online.