Why Is There No Hot Water in My Home?
No hot water in the house? No problem. We will help you determine what could be causing your hot water shortage so that you can put the issue to rest once and for all.
Broken Pilot Light
Your water heater can’t warm the water in its tank without a lit pilot light. If you have no hot water in your house, you will need to relight the pilot light by reading the instructions on the unit. Otherwise, the root of the problem could be an unopened gas inlet value or a faulty thermocouple sensor.
Keep in mind that pilot lights are more common amongst older models, so you may need the help of a trained HVAC repair professional from Snell Heating and Air Conditioning to sort it all out.
Gas Leak
Natural gas itself is odorless—the only reason you notice that sulfuric or “rotten egg” smell during gas leaks is that mercaptan is added to the gas by your utility company. This makes it easier for you to perceive gas leaks. If you notice a rotten odor or no hot water in your house, turn off or lock the gas valve, leave your home, and call your utility company.
No Natural Gas Supply
If you realize there’s no hot water in your house, then it’s not a bad idea to check your gas supply. That’s because the lack of warm water could be due to an accidental gas setting change or just a malfunction from regular wear and tear. Turn your gas setting to “pilot” and remove the pilot light and burner cover to check.
Defective Temperature Cutoff Switch
If there’s no hot water in your house, it could be because of something as simple as a flipped high-temperature cutoff switch. You’ll be able to tell if this was the cause when you open the switch, push the button, and hear a “click.” It means the power is being reset unless the switch needs a replacement.
Tips & Insights: Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
Flood
Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to check on your water heater compartment for flooding. If so, it means your water heating unit has been compromised, or more specifically, your thermostat. This could be why there’s not enough hot water in your house.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
The reason you have no hot water in your house may not be related to your water heater unit. It could be because of a misaligned or tripped breaker at your circuit breaker box. Reset it by switching it off and powering it back up again. If it keeps coming off: call an electrician to fix your circuit breaker.
Malfunctioning Heating Elements
It’s not hard to believe that the reason you have no hot water in your house is related to the unit’s heating elements. These are what directly heat the tank water. Water heaters last for roughly 10 years, but you may need to replace your heating elements sooner than that.
4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Old Water Heater
As with any appliance in your home, eventually, it’s time to replace your water heater. But how do you decipher a water heater repair from a water heater replacement? If you’re experiencing the following signs, contact a Snell technician right away to discuss a potential water heater replacement.
Reach us at (703) 543-9649 or online so we can give you our expert opinion on the situation.
Tips & Insights: Top Signs & Symptoms Of Dry Air in Your House
Knocking Sounds
Have you noticed knocking sounds coming from your water heater? Sediment buildup could be the culprit, gathering at the bottom of your water heater and permitting that unsettling sound. As layers of sediments collect, this forms blockage between the water and the heating elements, causing the tank to overheat. This can lead to leaking or even an explosion if not addressed right away.
Water Leak
If you’re notice a leak near your water heater and have no hot water in your house, this indicates it may be time for a water heater replacement. The area in which the leak occurs largely depends on if you’ll need a replacement or not. If you find leakage coming from the drain valve, pipe connections, or cold water valve, you may just need a repair. Either way, it’s best to contact a plumbing professional near you. Leakage can result in the bursting of the water heater if not treated properly.
Discolored Hot Water
Are you starting to notice brown, rusty water when you turn on your hot water? Does it have a metallic taste or smell? Your water heater is likely corroding from the inside. This comes down to two possible reasons: a failing water heater or a corroding anode rod. If it’s an anode rod, you just need to replace that singular piece; however, you’ll need to replace your unit if your water heater itself is corroding. Let a professional plumbing help decipher the difference.
Tips & Insights: 7 Causes Of Weak Airflow From Your Vents & Ways to Fix
Water Heater 10+ Years Old
An average tank water heater has a lifespan of 10-15 years. If not maintained well, its lifespan may be shorter than that. If you have no hot water in your house, this is a sign it’s time to replace your old system. Once your water heater is nearing its 10th year, you’ll start to notice some signs of failing. This includes all the following signs mentioned above: discolored hot water, frequent leaks, strange sounds, and overall constant water heater repairs.
Water Heater Repair and Replacement Services
If there’s no hot water in the house, it’s hard to take care of responsibilities such as washing dishes and doing laundry. Even hot baths after a long day can be affected. Let’s get your house running smoothly again. Our staff of emergency plumbers in Arlington, VA and other areas offer reliable plumbing repair services for homes such as water heater repair, sump pump installation, sink replacement, and water heater installation. Contact our team of local plumber at (703) 543-9649 or on our website.