Quick Summary
- Several problems may cause you to have no hot water, including a pilot light that goes out, a tripped breaker, sediment buildup, and more.
- The experts at Thermo Direct provide professional hot water services to restore hot water to your home.
- Certain water heater issues can be fixed DIY, while others may require the help of a trained professional.
Why Am I Not Getting Hot Water in My Home?
When you return from a great day at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the last thing you want to face is no hot water. Several issues can cause water heater problems, leading to a loss of hot water. It’s crucial to understand how to identify these causes and address them. The pros at Thermo Direct Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical are available to help you with all of your water heater needs, including expert repairs, maintenance, and new water heater installations.
8 Common Problems That Cause No Hot Water
Several things can cause you to have no hot water in your house in Raleigh, NC. However, these eight common problems are what often cause you to lose hot water.
1. The pilot light went out
If your gas water heater is not working, it may be because the pilot light went out. This “light” creates a continuous flame that ignites the main burner to produce hot water in your home. However, if it goes out, the thermocouple or flame sensor detects the absence of heat and shuts off the gas supply automatically. This safety mechanism is designed to prevent gas leaks and other issues, but it also stops your water heater from producing hot water.
To fix this issue, relight the pilot light by turning your gas valve to pilot. Press the knob while holding the igniter button, and continue holding the knob for about 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the light to warm the thermocouple and turn the water heater back on. If this doesn’t work or if the pilot light won’t stay lit, you may need to contact the experts at Thermo Direct for assistance.
2. Tripped breaker or electrical issues
An electric water heater not heating your water may have an electrical issue, or the breaker that goes to the water heater may have tripped. A tripped breaker could be caused by a simple power surge, such as those that occur during inclement weather. In other cases, a tripped breaker may indicate a separate underlying issue, such as a bad heating element or a malfunctioning thermostat. Damaged, disconnected, or loose wiring can be the cause of many electrical issues.
Locate the water heater breaker inside your electrical panel and flip it back to the “on” position to see if this turns the water heater back on. While this is a simple fix, repeated issues with the breaker could indicate a more serious problem that requires professional repair.
3. Faulty thermostat
If hot water is not coming out, the water temperature is inconsistent, or the hot water runs out quickly, it might be due to a faulty thermostat. You may notice a higher energy bill than normal, which could be due to issues with the thermostat. Since the water heater is working harder to keep up with demand, it doesn’t know how to turn off once the water reaches the desired temperature. When this important component stops working, it can cut power to the heating elements or stop regulating the water temperature as intended.
Start by locating and pressing the red reset button on your water heater to see if this corrects the issue. You can also look for signs of moisture or damage on the actual thermostat. If the thermostat gets wet, it could impact the connections, resulting in no hot water. While these are simple troubleshooting steps you can take, only a skilled pro should replace the thermostat to make sure it’s installed correctly.
4. Broken heating element
If you ask why your water is not hot, it might be due to a broken or malfunctioning heating element. Signs of a broken heating element include strange popping noises or the high-limit reset button keeps tripping. Age and excess mineral buildup are common causes of a broken heating element. When the heating element stops working, the water inside your tank can’t heat up.
Before checking the heating element, turn off the power to the water heater at the breaker, and turn off the main water supply. Look carefully for any water pooling around the water heater, which may indicate a more serious issue. Always have a trained professional replace your heating element if you suspect it’s broken.
5. Sediment buildup in the tank
Over time, minerals and other particles build up inside your water heater tank. This tends to happen more frequently if you have hard water. Once this sediment starts to build up excessively, your water heater will not work. The best way to fix this problem is to flush and refill your tank so it rinses the excess sediment away. You can attempt to do this DIY or call Thermo Direct for service.
6. Water heater leak
A water heater leak is a serious issue that could be from loose fittings, a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, high water pressure, or a damaged tank. Turn off the water and power and inspect these components as well as all pipe connections to look for leaks or corrosion. A professional plumber should typically replace a leaking water heater tank.
7. No hot water after high demand
If you experience no hot water when using the shower or only cold water comes out of the hot water tap, it may be due to high household demand. This is often caused by an improperly sized water heater that’s too small based on household size and usage. It could also be caused by sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or pilot light issues. If the water heater is too small, it’s best to replace it with a larger one that can keep up with demand.
8. Old or failing water heater
Most water heaters last between eight and 10 years. If your water heater is older, it may simply start to fail. Thermo Direct provides professional water heater replacement services to restore hot water to your home. Check our promotions page to find coupons and discounts that help you save on the cost of a new water heater.
How Thermo Direct Fixes Hot Water Problems
Thermo Direct fixes hot water problems with a variety of services, including routine maintenance and inspections that find issues early before they turn into costly breakdowns. We also provide professional troubleshooting, repairs, and new water heater replacement services. Our innovative plumbing solutions for smart homes include smart water monitors and leak detection devices that help you monitor household water use, leaks, and other important plumbing issues.
Service Areas: Water Heater Help Near You
We proudly serve homeowners across the Triangle, including:
- Raleigh, NC: 27601, 27603, 27604, 27610
- Durham, NC: 27701, 27703, 27707
- Cary, NC: 27511, 27513, 27519
- Surrounding Wake, Durham, and Orange County communities
Call Today for Water Heater Repair and Replacement
If you have no hot water, the team at Thermo Direct Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical is available to help. We proudly serve customers in Raleigh, NC, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your water heater repair or replacement, contact us today!
