Why Is There No Hot Water in My House? 9 Possible Reasons
- Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
There is nothing worse than finding out after a long day that you have no hot water to take a shower. While a cold shower can be refreshing on a warm day, you really want a hot, steamy shower. Your hot water is gone, and so is your patience. Don’t worry; we are here to help!
Before you call a professional, you might want to figure out the reason. This article goes over the top reasons why you might not have hot water and what you can do about it.
Why Is There No Hot Water in My House (9 Reasons):
1. A Tank Leak
A tank leak can be a big problem. Not only is it an inconvenience, but it could wind up costing you a ton of cash. If there is a leak, you may not be able to notice right away from the outside looking in.
One of the first and most noticeable signs before water damage can be sound. You may hear drizzling or rushing water before you see it. The faster you catch the problem and fix it, the better off you will be. A leaking tank won’t work long after it begins dripping.
If your leak isn’t as extensive, you may be able to fix it yourself with some simple do-it-yourself tactics; however, more severe leaks may require a licensed plumber.
2. Weather
You may be surprised to learn that weather can significantly affect your hot water heater. Freezing temperatures commonly in the colder months can cause frozen pipes and other plumbing issues.
If your hot water isn’t warming up as quickly as usual, understand that the water underground is much colder than normal and that your hot water heater takes longer to heat because of how old the weather is.
You can solve these problems by adjusting your thermostat. If you’re concerned about freezing pipes, you can keep your faucet dripping or use heating tape to cover exposed areas.
3. Gas Leak
If you happen to be using a gas-powered hot water tank, you may experience a gas leak. A gas leak is a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
If you suspect a gas leak, you should call a professional. It’s not only a hassle but a danger to you and your family.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Breathing problems
Once a professional from your gas company confirms your gas leak, you will then need to have your hot water heater repaired to prevent further problems.
4. Broken Electric Hot Water Heater
There are a few ways to tell if your hot water heater is simply broken. If your water pressure is low, the temperature is inconsistent, or there may be discolored or smelly liquid.
If your plumber is unable to fix it or you can’t repair it yourself, you may have to shell out money for a working water heater which can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on where you purchase and the size of the tank. There are ways to fix a hot water heater, and they can usually last for 10 to 15 years; however, if you don’t maintain your tank regularly, that time may vary.
5. Gas Valve Problems
If you are someone who happens to have a gas-powered water heater and you’re showering in freezing water, you may need to check the tank’s supply line. If you’ve had a professional check for a leak and there is none, then you should probably check the valve.
If it’s not loose and in the right place, then double-check to make sure gas is getting to your tank. If the valve seems fine, then you may need to relight the pilot light a few times to get your hot water going again.
6. Issue with Thermostat
A thermostat that has gone bad might be a little easier to fix than some other reasons for the lack of hot water on this list.
The EPA recommends placing your thermostat temperature at around 120 degrees (48 C). If your tank is set to the recommended degree and you are still experiencing issues, then a replacement may be necessary.
Regular maintenance, flushing your tank, and proper insulation can keep your tank healthy and working correctly.
7. Blown Fuse
A blown fuse is one of the more common reasons for a hot water heater to stop giving you nice warm baths. It’s also one of the first things you should check if you have an electric hot water heater.
You can determine if this is a problem by checking the breaker in your circuit box or where your fuse for your water heater is and reset the fuse. If that doesn’t give you access to your hot water, then you may need to try a different method.
8. Clogged Water Heater
If you go to turn on your hot water and nothing happens. You may be hit with a panic feeling, especially if you don’t have the cash to throw at a plumbing company to fix your problem.
Stay calm! It may just be due to a clogged tank. That can happen from minerals building up over time. It’s possible to flush out your tank to unclog it. You may need to place a hose inside the drain valve and allow the water pressure to do its job.
9. Simple Wear and Tear
Finally, your water tank might just be getting older. If you’ve had your tank for a decade or longer, you may just need a replacement.
It’s a difficult choice to make, and it could cost you some well-earned cash, but if you don’t maintenance your hot water heater regularly, it takes a toll on your appliance.
If you’ve tried all the above methods and you still are chilling in cold showers, then it might just be time to lay your tank to rest and get a new one.
Conclusion
Hot water is one of those household necessities you don’t think about until you don’t have it anymore. It can be a huge frustration and a time-consuming hassle. If you go to hop into a hot shower after a long day and aren’t met with steam, then your long day just got longer.
Take a deep breath and try a few of the methods above before you start panicking and checking your savings. It may just be a blown fuse or a clogged tank. Good luck!
Featured Image Credit: gorodphoto, Shutterstock
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