No hot water? Don't worry. Today we are going to give you the possible reasons why there is no hot water in your home and some great solutions to fix this problem.
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and water softener industry; and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We'll outline the probably causes for no hot water and let you know how we can help. So, let's get started.
No hot water? Here’s help
No Hot Water? Possible Cause for All Types of Water Heaters
Your water heater is too small for your household
Water heaters typically range in size from about 30 to 80 gallons. If you are the only one in your household then a 30 gallon water heater will be sufficient for your needs. If there are more people and if you use a lot of hot water, then you will need a larger sized unit.
Solution: Take a look at the size of your water heater. If if isn't large enough for your family's needs, then you may need to buy or rent a larger one. If you would like some advice on what size unit would be best for your household, contact the experts at WaterSmart.
A hot water tap was left on
Having no hot water could be caused if someone left a hot water tap running by mistake or if someone has been taking an unusually long shower.
This could drain your tank and your hot water heater hasn't had enough time to re-heat more water so the water coming from your tap is cool.
Solution: Check to make sure that all of the hot water taps in your home have been turned off and that no one else is running the hot water.
Make sure all your hot water taps have been turned off
Your thermostat is not set high enough
Perhaps you have no hot water because your thermostat isn't set high enough. The optimum temperature range for your hot water heater is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius (122 and 140 degrees Fahrenehit).
If your thermostat is set any lower, then you not only run the risk of not having hot enough water, but you also run the risk of Legionella bacteria growing inside your tank. This is a dangerous pathogen that can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease.
Solution: Turn up your thermostat to a safe level. If you are not sure how to do this, consult your owner's manual or contact us and we will help you.
Once your thermostat is set, it should take about 30 to 40 minutes for your hot water to return and about 2 hours to stop the growth of Legionella bacteria.
If the water in your tank isn’t hot enough, harmful bacteria can grow and make you sick
No Hot Water? Possible Causes for Gas Water Heaters
If you own a gas water heater, there could be a few reasons why you have no hot water.
Your water heater's gas pilot light has gone out
Your water heater's gas pilot light could be blown out from a downdraft coming through a vent pipe on a blustery day or a breeze coming in from an open window.
Solution: You can follow the instructions posted on the side of your hot water tank to re-light your pilot light. If your heater has an enclosed burner chamber, then you may need to call a professional plumber to re-light if for you.
Note: If at any time you smell gas, get out of your house immediately and call the gas company.
The following video will show you the steps you can take to re-light your pilot light.
Follow the instructions on the side of your water heater to re-start the pilot light
Your gas-to-air ratio may be wrong
If your pilot light looks yellow instead of blue, then your gas-to-air ratio may be wrong.
Solution: Check for any drafts that could be making your pilot light inefficiently. If there are, close the windows or block areas where the drafts are coming from.
If getting rid of drafts doesn't remedy the problem, then it's time to call a professional to take a look at it.
Note: A yellow flame could also mean that your boiler is giving off carbon monoxide. Check for any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning such as dizziness, faintness, or nausea and if you do have those then leave your home an get medical attention immediately.
You may have a problem with your gas line
If after trying to re-light your pilot light, you don't see a flame and you don't smell gas, then there may be an issue with your gas line.
Solution: Verify that the gas valve is open and take a look at your line for any kinks. Also check with your gas company that there is nothing wrong with the service in your area. If everything seems okay, then it's time to contact a plumber.
Check that your gas is on and that there are no kinks in your line
No Hot Water? Possible Causes for Electric Water Heaters
If you have an electric water heater, there are a few things that could cause you to have no hot water.
There was a power surge
Sometimes power surges caused by electrical storms can mess up your electrical current and cause your electric water heater not to work.
Solution: Try turning off your water heater and then turning it back on. If after about half an hour you still don't have water, then it's time to call a professional.
Your circuit breaker was tripped
Sometimes circuit breakers trip and you can't really see it. They can be slightly out of align with your other breakers, yet it is hard to notice.
Solution: Switch the dedicated breaker to your electric water heater to the "off" position. Wait about 15 seconds and then switch it back on. If your breaker switch won't stay in the "on" position, then it may be too old and will need to be replaced.
Check to see if your circuit breaker tripped
A short in your wiring
If there is a short in your wiring, then your water heater may not be working properly. This could also be a fire hazard so it is important to get it checked out.
Solution: Check all of your wires to make sure there are no signs of damage. If they are damaged, they will need to be replaced. Contact a professional for this type of repair.
Trust WaterSmart For All Your Plumbing Needs
Having problems with your hot water tank? You can trust WaterSmart with all of your plumbing needs including hot water tank repairs. We are your local plumbing experts in the Kitchener-Waterloo region proudly celebrating 25 year of professional service.
If you are having problems with your sewer or would like to have it inspected, contact us today. We also provide a full range of other plumbing services that include but are not limited to:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Leaks
Toilets and Taps
Clogged or Slow Drains
Countertop Pre and Post Installation
Dishwasher Installations
Sump Pumps
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovations
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
Backflow Testing or Device Installation - see specials for savings
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