No Hot Water in the House? Here’s What To Do

There are several things that can wear out or stop working on your water heater, resulting in what may seem like the hot water is not working.

Once you have identified the source of the problem, a trip to a major hardware store and a few common tools can get things heated up again.

No Hot Water – Electric Water Heaters

There are only a few reasons why an electric water heater will not function at all. Start troubleshooting by looking at these areas:

Faulty Heating Element

A heating element can fail and is actually one of the most common (eventual) problems on an electric water heater. Water heater element replacement would be necessary but fortunately it’s pretty simple.

 

Faulty Thermostat

The upper thermostat on an electric water heater actually controls both the upper and lower heating elements. This causes the dreaded hot water not working situation. The lower thermostat controls only the lower heating element so if it fails (but the upper thermostat works), the result is hot water not getting hot enough. Solution: Replace the thermostat.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Check your circuit breaker box to see if the breaker for the water heater has been tripped. A water heater (like other major appliances) demands its own dedicated electrical circuit. The water heater breaker should be easy to spot if tripped–it won’t be in-line with the other breakers in the box.

To reset it, simply flip the breaker to the “off” position and then to the “on” position. If it trips again, you will need to call an electrician to diagnose the issue.

Other Causes of Hot Water Not Working:

Accidental Grounding

Look for foreign objects shorting across wiring connections.

Tripped Reset Button

Tripping repeatedly could be the sign of a failed reset button. First try resetting the water heater and if that doesn’t do anything, you will likely need to replace the component.

Wire Short

Frayed or scratched wiring could lead to a direct short. Replace all defective wiring immediately to prevent potential fire.

Water Leak

If you don’t have hot water, it’ll be pretty obvious if a water leak is the problem since it won’t be a typical slow drip type leak. Leaking connections can sometimes be tightened, and can be replaced if tightening does not work. Many water heater leaks can be easily fixed but a leaking tank means the water heater must be replaced.

Undersized Fuse or Breaker

Replace the faulty device with one rated for more amperage. This is not something that would likely occur out of nowhere but if you’ve just replaced your water heater with a newer model, it may be the culprit.

Weak Breaker

This is especially true with older homes, but circuit breakers can fail over time and need to be replaced. Replace the breaker.

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No Hot Water – Gas Water Heaters

Gas units have different problems than electric ones, but both types can usually be repaired. When dealing with natural gas, extra precautions are necessary and do-it-yourself repair should only be done if you feel 100% confident in your abilities. Otherwise, see the form above to at least get a free quote from a local plumbing expert.

If there is no hot water in your home, here are some common causes to check:

No Gas Supply

Something is preventing gas from reaching the pilot light and burner. The gas supply may have been inadvertently shut off. Simply make sure that the gas is on and the gas valve is not in the closed position. If that was the case, open the valve and follow the steps on relighting the pilot light.

Pilot Light is Out

If the pilot light is not lit but you do have gas flow, check the components below.

See Also:  5 Reasons Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

Thermocouple

The tip of the thermocouple should be in the flame of the pilot light and must be tightly connected to the gas line. If these things check out, look for blockage in the thermocouple and replace the thermocouple if necessary.

Air in Line

Verify the gas flow and relight the pilot light several times to force air out of the line.

Clogged Pilot Orifice

This component can be removed and cleaned to improve water heater operation.

Clogged, Bent or Defective Supply Line

Pinholes in the gas line can cause intermittent heating. Replace defective lines immediately.

Defective Gas Control Valve

This component can prevent gas from reaching the pilot or burner. Gas valves cannot be repaired, but are inexpensive to replace.

Dirty or Clogged Burner

Soot can build upon the main burner, preventing proper heating or even blocking burner ignition entirely. Remove the part and clean it.

Ventilation

The flue can become obstructed by external events such as storms or rodents. Cleaning the flue is not difficult but has the tendency to be messy. Excessive or unusual winds can blow down the flue, extinguishing the pilot.

Water is Not Hot Enough

If the unit is still functioning, but produces intermittent results, you may have components of the system beginning to fail. If you are certain that the water heater is large enough for the desired application, one of the following suggestions is most likely the component in need of repair:

Check Thermostats

If the temperature control is correctly set, the thermostat itself may need to be replaced. As mentioned above, a failed thermostat is often the culprit when hot what is not hot enough.

Inspect Burner

Sediment build up on a gas water heater's burner can prevent the water from heating correctly. While rare, burner assemblies themselves can fail over time. DIY replacement can be done but it's recommended to let the pros handle it.

Examine Dip Tube

While failure of this component is not common, it does happen on occasion. It's unlikely you have one of the 20 million water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1996 with brittle polypropylene tubes, but even those in the past few years have no guarantee against failure. If it has failed, you will need to replace the water heater dip tube.

Loose Wiring

Loose connections on an electric water hear can cause the unit to function erratically. Turn off power to the unit and confirm that all connections are tight and free of corrosion. This issue is quite uncommon but worth checking anyway.

Tank Leak

A leak in the tank itself could prevent water from reaching the desired water heater temperature. Leaking tanks can lead to water damage, short circuits or even a fire. Replacing the water heater is the only solution for this problem.

Are you looking for a little bit more specific advice? Check out A.O. Smith Water Heater Manuals.

PLumber Q&A

Anthony (WaterHeaterHub): Hello Daniel, thanks for joining us today to discuss a common household issue - no hot water in the house. What are the usual suspects?

Daniel (Water Heater Development Group): Thanks, Anthony. The problem could be with either a gas hot water heater or an electric hot water heater. First, check if the cold water supply valve is open to the water heater.

Anthony: What if it's a gas model?

Daniel: For a gas powered water heater, the issue could be a disrupted gas supply, gas leaks, or something as simple as the water heater's pilot light being out.

Anthony: And for electric models?

Daniel: Electric models might have power supply issues. Ensure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Sometimes, a power surge can affect the system.

Anthony: What about tankless water heaters?

Daniel: Tankless models are different. They could suffer from sediment buildup affecting the heat setting, or issues with the power supply.

Anthony: What's the role of the pressure relief valve in all this?

Daniel: It’s crucial for safety, but doesn’t usually affect heating unless there's a leak.

Anthony: How about storage tank water heaters?

Daniel: With storage tanks, the anode rod is essential. If it corrodes, you might end up with rotten egg smell or sediment buildup, which affects the water temperature.

Anthony: Is there a difference in troubleshooting steps for warm water instead of hot?

Daniel: Yes, if you're getting warm but not hot water, it could be a thermostat issue. Check the heat setting.

Anthony: What should people do if they experience an unexpected cold shower?

Daniel: First, check other hot water faucets in the house to determine if the issue is isolated or affecting the entire water heater.

Anthony: And for those with gas water heaters?

Daniel: Check for gas leaks or issues with gas pressure. Also, ensure the pilot light is on. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, contact your utility company immediately.

Anthony: What about electric water heaters?

Daniel: Check the power supply and ensure the circuit breaker is functioning properly. A qualified electrician should handle more complex issues to prevent further damage.

Anthony: Are there any maintenance tips to avoid losing hot water?

Daniel: Regularly check and clean the drain valve to prevent sediment buildup. Also, ensure the water heater tank is functioning properly.

Anthony: Lastly, any advice for someone considering replacing their water heater altogether?

Daniel: Evaluate your needs. If you frequently run out of hot water, consider a larger tank or switching to a tankless model for a steady supply. Also, consider the desired temperature for tasks like washing dishes or taking hot baths.

Anthony: Daniel, let's delve deeper. What if there's no hot water in the house at all, regardless of whether it's a gas or electric model?

Daniel: If there's a complete lack of hot water, the issue could be fundamental. For a gas water heater, it might be a gas leak or a problem with the pilot light. In electric models, it could be a tripped circuit breaker or a major component failure.

Anthony: When should a homeowner suspect a gas leak?

Daniel: If you smell something akin to rotten eggs or hear hissing near your gas water heater, it’s a potential gas leak. Immediate professional attention is crucial in these cases for safety.

Anthony: What about issues with the hot water faucet itself?

Daniel: If the problem is isolated to one faucet, it’s likely a local issue with that fixture, not the water in your house. It's different if you lose hot water at all faucets.

Anthony: How do water heaters actually produce hot water?

Daniel: Gas models heat water by burning gas, while electric models use heating elements. Both types transfer heat to the water in their tanks & may need water heater repair.

Anthony: Can thermostat issues lead to insufficient heating?

Daniel: Absolutely. Faulty thermostats can prevent a water heater from heating water to the desired temperature, resulting in not enough hot water or water that's too hot.

Anthony: What's a common issue with pilot lights?

Daniel: A common issue is a faulty thermocouple, which can prevent the pilot light from staying lit in gas models. This safety device needs functioning properly to keep the system running.

Anthony: And for those with electric models experiencing a lack of hot water?

Daniel: With electric models, it could be a failure in the heating elements or issues with the power supply. It’s also important to ensure the water heater is working properly and there are no water leaks.

Anthony: Any final tips for our listeners when there's no hot water in house?

Daniel: Regularly check your water heater, whether it's gas or electric. Ensure the pilot lights are functioning, and there are no signs of gas leaks or water leaks. Proper maintenance is key to a long-lasting and efficient water heater.

Anthony: Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your expertise on why people might experience no hot water in their house and how to address it.

Daniel: You're welcome, Anthony. Always glad to help!