Why is My Water Not Getting Hot?
If you've ever drawn a bath or turned on the shower only to hop in and get blasted by cold water, you know how frustrating it can be to lose your hot water.
Not having hot water can disrupt daily routines and cause major inconveniences.
What are some causes of this problem, and what can you do about it? Steve's Waterworks Plumbing in Waterford, MI, is here to help you find out.
The most common reason for not having hot water is problems with the water heater. The water heater is a simple device, but there are still a few things that can go wrong. Faulty heating elements, problems with the pilot light, sediment buildup, and thermostat issues can all prevent the water heater from doing its job.
A water heater can only hold so much water. Sometimes, the reason you don't have any hot water is simply because you've used it all. If you've recently used an unusually large amount of hot water, that could be the culprit. This is a common problem with large families, where many people are using hot water throughout the day.
The water heater works because it has time to heat the water that's in it. This is not an instant process, which is why you'll need to wait a while if you've used up all the hot water. When there's a leak, even a small one, the heated water is constantly being replaced with cold water that still needs to be heated. This can result in noticeable changes to water temperature, usually accompanied by changes in water pressure.
If you have an electric water heater, it might not be getting electricity. This could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse preventing the power supply from getting the electricity it needs. For other types of water heaters, the fuel source may be empty.
Before calling a plumber, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue yourself.
If you've tried the above steps and still don't have hot water, it's time to call a professional plumber. A plumber can perform a thorough inspection, diagnose the problem, and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements. Many issues, like faulty heating elements, broken dip tubes, and extensive sediment buildup require professional help to safely and effectively fix.
If you have a lack of hot water and can't figure out what's fixing it, call the professionals at Steve's Waterworks Plumbing. Our water heater repair services will take you from no hot water to toasty warm water quickly. To have one of our team come out and diagnose our problem, contact us today.
Not having hot water can disrupt daily routines and cause major inconveniences.
What are some causes of this problem, and what can you do about it? Steve's Waterworks Plumbing in Waterford, MI, is here to help you find out.
Common Reasons for a Lack of Hot Water
Water Heater Issues
The most common reason for not having hot water is problems with the water heater. The water heater is a simple device, but there are still a few things that can go wrong. Faulty heating elements, problems with the pilot light, sediment buildup, and thermostat issues can all prevent the water heater from doing its job.
High Demand
A water heater can only hold so much water. Sometimes, the reason you don't have any hot water is simply because you've used it all. If you've recently used an unusually large amount of hot water, that could be the culprit. This is a common problem with large families, where many people are using hot water throughout the day.
Plumbing Leaks
The water heater works because it has time to heat the water that's in it. This is not an instant process, which is why you'll need to wait a while if you've used up all the hot water. When there's a leak, even a small one, the heated water is constantly being replaced with cold water that still needs to be heated. This can result in noticeable changes to water temperature, usually accompanied by changes in water pressure.
Power Supply Issues
If you have an electric water heater, it might not be getting electricity. This could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse preventing the power supply from getting the electricity it needs. For other types of water heaters, the fuel source may be empty.
What You Can Do If There's No Hot Water
Before calling a plumber, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue yourself.
- Check the Power Supply: If you have an electric water heater, check the fuse box to make sure a circuit breaker hasn't tripped. For gas-powered heaters, ensure there's sufficient fuel and that the pilot light is working.
- Inspect the Thermostat: The thermostat on your water heater could be bad or poorly adjusted. Turn up the temperature and see if the water temperature rises. Be careful though, setting the thermostat too high can cause the water to scold you.
- Flush the Water Heater: If you believe the issue is sediment buildup, you can try flushing the tank. Turn off the water heater, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, and allow the water to flow out until it runs clear. This can improve the heater's efficiency and restore hot water production.
- Check for Leaks: Even small leaks can make a dramatic difference in the availability of hot water. Inspect all of the visible pipes coming out of the water heater to ensure your hot water isn't being dumped someplace it shouldn't be.
When to Call a Plumber
If you've tried the above steps and still don't have hot water, it's time to call a professional plumber. A plumber can perform a thorough inspection, diagnose the problem, and recommend the appropriate repairs or replacements. Many issues, like faulty heating elements, broken dip tubes, and extensive sediment buildup require professional help to safely and effectively fix.
Don't Compromise, Get Your Hot Water Running Again!
If you have a lack of hot water and can't figure out what's fixing it, call the professionals at Steve's Waterworks Plumbing. Our water heater repair services will take you from no hot water to toasty warm water quickly. To have one of our team come out and diagnose our problem, contact us today.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/l i g h t p o e t