When we’re looking forward to a nice hot shower or a soak in the tub, the last thing we want to discover is no hot water! If your home suddenly has no hot water, there might be a simple cause that can be corrected in minutes. Before you panic or call in a professional, take a moment to check out the list below. The problem might be easier to remedy than you think.
Here are some of the most common reasons for a hot water outage.
- Tripped Circuit Breaker: With electric water heaters, a tripped circuit breaker (or blown fuse in an older home) might be the cause. Electric water heaters require a significant amount of power, and if the circuit is overloaded, it can shut down. Check for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse labeled for the water heater. If you reset the breaker and it trips again, you may have a wiring issue or a failing heating element that needs professional attention.
- Pilot Light Is Out: Gas water heaters need a pilot light to ignite the burner and heat the water. If the pilot light is out due to a draft, dirt, or a malfunctioning thermocouple, your water heater won’t produce hot water. If the light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it won’t stay lit, call a plumber to inspect the unit, replace the thermocouple or clean the burner area as needed. If you smell gas, evacuate the area and call your gas company immediately.
- Malfunctioning Heating Elements: Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements (unless it is quite small). If one or both fail, you may notice a drop in water temperature or no hot water at all. A plumber can test the heating elements and thermostat. If the problem is a failed heating element, it’s usually a straightforward repair.
- Broken Thermostat: Water heater thermostats control the temperature of your water. If the thermostat is failing, your water heater may not heat water to the proper temperature or at all. Time to call a plumber.
- Sediment Buildup: If you have hard water in your area, minerals can settle in the bottom of the tank, creating a layer of sediment. This sediment insulates the water from the heating element, reducing efficiency or causing the system to overheat and shut down. The water heater must be drained and flushed annually to prevent this buildup. If the tank already has a layer of sediment, it must be professionally cleaned or replaced.
- Leaky or Broken Dip Tube: A dip tube connects with the cold water connection at the top of the water heater and carries the cold water to the bottom of the tank. In this way, the cold water is not mixed with the water that is already hot. If this tube is cracked or broken, the hot and cold waters will mix and your shower will be much less pleasant. Replacing the dip tube is a relatively inexpensive repair, but it could require a professional inspection to correctly diagnose the problem.
- Water Heater Reached the End of Its Life: Most water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is near or beyond this age and there’s been a decline in performance or frequent repairs, it’s probably time for a new one. Look for a manufacturing date on the unit. The good news is that a new one may be more energy efficient, saving you money on electricity.
- Cross-Connected Plumbing: There are several places in the home or around appliances where hot and cold water can mix instead of being kept separate. It happens when hot and cold water lines are improperly joined, allowing water to flow in unintended directions. This can happen when a valve fails or when remodels or repairs were improperly done. Turn off the water supply to various fixtures one at a time and check for changes in hot water performance. Diagnosing and repairing this problem typically requires a professional plumber.
“No Hot Water” Isn’t Necessarily an Expensive Problem
As you can see, some of these problems are simple to fix. Others can be repaired by someone comfortable with DIY home repairs. Start with simple checks like the breaker, pilot light, and thermostat settings. If the problem persists and you’re in the greater Albuquerque area, call Rocketman Plumbing. We’ll send out our fully trained and insured techs to get your hot water back on in a jiffy.
About Kyle Metcalf
Kyle Metcalf has been providing plumbing services for more than three decades. He founded Rocketman Plumbing in 2015 to provide trustworthy, quality service for residents in the Albuquerque area. He cherishes his company’s reputation for doing great work at a good price and loves what he does for a living.