What to Do When You Have No Hot Water in the House

If you are like many homeowners, you probably take hot water for granted. You turn on the tap and expect hot water to come out – but what do you do when it doesn’t? If you are having problems with no hot water in the house, this guide can help.

In this guide, we will discuss some of the most common problems that can cause a lack of hot water and how to fix them. Keep reading for more information.

Reasons for No Hot Water: Common Causes

Every situation is different, but there are some common causes of no hot water in the home. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Faulty water heater

This is probably the most common reason for no hot water. If your water heater is old or not working properly, it may not be able to generate enough heat to produce hot water. A faulty water heater can also be a safety hazard, so it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Broken or clogged pipes

Broken and/or clogged pipes are another common cause of no hot water. If there is a problem with any part of the plumbing system where hot water is being delivered, then it can cause an interruption in supply.

A tripped breaker

A tripped circuit breaker is another common cause of no hot water. If you notice that your hot water heater isn’t working, check to see if the breaker has been tripped and reset it if necessary before calling a professional.

Gas leak

If your home uses gas, a gas leak can cause the hot water heater to shut down. Gas line leaks should always be handled by a professional, so if you suspect that you may have a gas leak, do not try to fix it yourself.

Pilot light out

If your water heater is gas-powered, the pilot light may have gone out. If this is the case, you can relight it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bad thermostat

A bad thermostat can cause the water heater not to work properly or even shut down completely. If you think this may be the problem, have a professional check it out.

Let’s cover the signs and solutions for each of these in more detail:

Faulty Water Heater – Signs and Solutions

If your water heater is not providing any hot water, the first step is to determine whether the problem is with the water heater itself or something else. There are a few common symptoms of a faulty water heater:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional. A plumber will be able to diagnose and repair your faulty water heater. This may involve repairing parts or replacing the whole unit if necessary.

If you want to try to fix the problem yourself, there are a few things you can do:

  • First, check that your water heater is turned on and has power.
  • Next, make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.
  • Finally, clean or replace the filter (if there is one).

If you’ve tried these solutions and your water heater still isn’t working, it’s time to call in a professional.

Broken or clogged pipes – Signs and Solutions

If you are having problems with no hot water, one of the first things to check is whether there is a problem with the pipes. A few common symptoms of broken or clogged pipes are:

  • No hot water coming from taps
  • Water that is either too hot or too cold
  • Leaking or pooling water around taps or pipes

You can try to fix a broken or clogged pipe yourself by checking for blockages and clearing them away. However, if you are not comfortable doing this, it is best to call in a professional.

A tripped breaker – Signs and Solutions

If your hot water heater isn’t working, one of the first things you should check is whether the circuit breaker has been tripped. If a circuit breaker trips, it means that the flow of electricity through the wires is too high and needs to be reduced or simply that there was a recent power outage.

The most common symptom of a tripped circuit breaker is no hot water in your home. However, you can try resetting the circuit breaker yourself by turning off all appliances and devices on that circuit and then turning them back on one at a time.

Gas leak - Signs and Solutions

A gas leak is dangerous and should be dealt with immediately. For example, if you suspect that your hot water heater has a gas leak, turn off the gas supply at the meter and call in a professional to repair it.

The most common symptom of a natural gas leak is no hot water coming from taps, but there may also be strange smells or sounds. A professional will be able to locate the leak and repair it.

If you want to try to find the leak yourself, start by turning off the gas supply at the meter and then checking all the joints and connections for leaks. Be very careful when doing this, as a gas leak can be dangerous.

Pilot light out - Signs and Solutions

If your water heater is gas-powered, the pilot light may have gone out. If this is the case, you can relight it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you need to use a flame to light your pilot light, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and away from any flammable materials.

If you are unable to relight the pilot light, or if it goes out again after being relit, it is best to call in a professional. There may be something wrong with the gas valve or another part of the water heater.

If the thermocouple is the issue, contact your gas utility company.

Bad thermostat - Signs and Solutions

Both electric and gas water heaters rely on thermostats to keep the water at a constant temperature. So if your hot water heater is not working, it could be because the thermostat has failed.

A bad thermostat can cause the water heater not to work correctly or even shut down completely. If you think this may be the problem, have a professional check it out.

You can try resetting the thermostat yourself by turning it off and on again. However, if this doesn’t work, you should call a professional to repair or replace it.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

If you want to avoid having problems with your water heater, here are a few things you can do:

  • Clean the filter - If your water heater has a filter, make sure to clean it regularly. A clogged filter can cause the water heater to work less efficiently and may even prevent it from working altogether.
  • Drain the tank – Draining the tank regularly helps prevent sediment from building up in it and reduces wear and tear on the system. You can do this by turning off the cold water supply and opening all of the hot water taps to let the sediment drain out.
  • Test safety features – Make sure that all of the safety features are in good working order and test them regularly. These include pressure relief valves, gas controls, and thermostats.
  • Check anode rod – The anode rod is a metal bar that is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Check it regularly to make sure that it is not corroded or damaged.

Maintaining your water heater will help keep it in good working order and prevent problems from arising. Additionally, water heaters only have a lifespan of approximately ten years, so if yours is nearing that age, parts like the heating elements may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What causes hot water to stop working?

There are many things that can cause hot water to stop working, including a tripped breaker, a gas leak, or a pilot light being out.

Additionally, some electric water heaters require two circuit breakers (one for each heating element). If one is tripped, the top half of your hot water tank may still function.

2

Why is my hot water not working, but my cold water is?

There are a few potential reasons why you might not have hot water, but your cold water is working fine. For example, your water heater could be broken, or it might be a faulty thermostat, element, pressure valve, etc.

Your home may also have air in the pipes, which can block the flow of hot water and cause low pressure/flow as well as scalding issues when you turn on the hot water. If your home has a gas water heater, the pilot light could be a problem.

3

What causes a lack of hot water from the taps?

This could be due to many factors, including a faulty water heater, a problem with the plumbing, or a broken water heater thermostat. If you have an electric water heater, make sure that it is turned on.

If you’re not getting any hot water at all, here are some things you can try:

  • Check the thermostat on the water heater and make sure it’s turned on.
  • Check to see if there is a fault with your plumbing or boiler system.
  • If not, replace the fuse that powers your hot water tank. Ensure it is plugged in properly if you have an electric immersion heater.
  • Test all circuit breakers that could be associated with your hot water heater.

If you are still not getting any hot water, contact a qualified plumber or electrician to inspect the problem. You may need them to repair something like a faulty thermostat on the water heater itself, which causes it not to heat up properly even when turned on.

A water heater can stop working for many reasons, but the key is to identify and fix it as soon as possible. This may require some DIY skills or professional help, depending on your situation. If you’re having problems with your water heater, don’t hesitate to call in a plumber for help.