Nothing feels worse than stepping into the shower expecting to be met with a pleasant stream of hot water, only to find out the hot water isn’t working.
It could be something minor or an issue that needs further investigation. Understanding what’s causing the lack of hot water can help get the system back up and running. But, of course, when mixing water and electricity or dealing with gas-powered appliances, a professional should be called in; this is no time for DIY.
Let’s break down the most common causes of why the hot water isn’t working.
THE THERMOSTAT
Most modern water heaters come with an adjustable thermostat, allowing users to set different temperature levels for each outlet. While this can provide personalized comfort for everyone in the home, incorrect settings can lead to cold or lukewarm water.
Setting the temperature too low will mean colder-than-expected water flowing through the pipes, while setting it too high can waste money and cause damage over time due to excessive heat.
If unsure what temperature is ideal in each home or office space, a professional plumbing service can suggest optimal settings.
THE PILOT LIGHT
This light is a small flame inside gas-powered water heaters that ignites when the unit turns on or the temperature settings increase. If the pilot light extinguishes, it can cause the heater to stop functioning entirely.
LEAKS OR BLOCKAGES
If neither of these issues is the culprit, there may be a leak or blockage along the plumbing system, preventing hot water from flowing through effectively. This could be due to an accumulation of rust or calcium deposits on pipes or fittings throughout the system.
To determine if there’s a blockage, have a plumber inspect and clean all pipes to get the water flowing again at total capacity.
FAULTY HEATING ELEMENT
A faulty heating element is among the most common causes of hot water problems. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the heating element. This process is complicated and should only be done by an experienced professional.
LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST
Cold winters can cause pipes to freeze or become blocked with ice, leading to poor water flow or even no flow, and could lead to burst pipes in some instances.
GAS VALVE FAILURE
A gas valve failure may be responsible for the lack of hot water in gas-powered systems. A faulty valve means insufficient amounts of gas are sent through pipes powering the heater, resulting in cold or lukewarm showers.
The electricity and gas supply lines need to be shut off and the old valve parts replaced with new ones to address this issue. Again, this should only be done by a licensed plumbing professional.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.