Why Is There No Hot Water in My House? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Living without hot water in the house is like involuntary camping. It’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. So, what happens when there’s no hot water in house pipes all of a sudden? Here’s what you need to know.
There are several reasons why the hot water could have stopped flowing through your pipes. So, check the water heater first. Make sure it’s turned on and doesn’t need reset. Then, make sure there aren’t any plumbing obstructions. And if all else fails, call a professional to help.
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What Causes Hot Water to Stop Working?
Hot water stops working in old and new houses alike. That’s because the problem is usually with the water heater itself. Water heaters produce much less hot water if they’re not receiving power. Plus, one of the heating elements can burn out at any time.
Meanwhile, the limit switch on your heater may have gotten tripped somehow. If electricity to your home was interrupted for any reason, that could cause an issue too. Also, you can experience poor water pressure from hot or cold pipes if there’s a leak, crack, or break anywhere in the line.
To determine the root cause and fix it, you have to examine a few things. However, doing so might require an expert eye. Working on faulty water heaters and plumbing can be challenging to untrained hands. So, don’t get intimidated. Just get prepared.
What to Check When There’s No Hot Water
It’s not always easy checking for issues to determine why you’re not getting hot water in your house. But, you can always start somewhere to begin crossing off the possibilities. Here’s a checklist to help:
- Water Heater – You should always examine your water heater first. Ensure it’s in good working condition and doesn’t need to be repaired, removed, or relocated.
- Circuit Breaker – Check the circuit that leads from your fuse box to the water heater. If the fuse tripped, switch it off and then switch it on again to reset the connection.
- Pilot Light – The pilot on your water heating rig may have gone out. Extinguished pilot lights are standard in winter and bad weather conditions, so be on the lookout.
- Gas Line – This can be dangerous to check, which means you have to be careful. Still, make sure the gas line is adequately connected and pumping fuel through your pipes.
If none of those things do the trick, you may need to call HVAC services. But before you do that, crank up the thermostat in your house. Also, make sure the forecast doesn’t have anything to do with it (e.g., frozen water lines, busted pipes, etc.).
NOTE: To save more time and money, try to troubleshoot the problem through the manufacturer.
What’s the Most Common Problem with Water Heaters?
Water heaters are a headache sometimes. Even the most expensive models can be faulty, malfunction, and break. But the most common issue usually isn’t a technical one. No hot water in house pipes is typically a sign that there’s a leak somewhere.
If you’ve checked the circuit breaker, water heater, and gas lines, and to no avail, a water leak could be your problem. All water heaters eventually leak because water rusts the tank and components. Still, you shouldn’t have to take an icy bath.
Easy fixes are why it’s essential to check the lines and troubleshoot on your own before paying for help. So, try to reset your water heater first. It could be that the system just needs to be rebooted for it to act right again.
NOTE: Most contemporary models use high-tech components to regulate temperature. That means you have to reset it once in a while to prevent system malfunctions.
How Do I Reset My Hot Water Heater?
All water heating units are different, so check your owner’s manual for details. However, most water heaters are easy to reset by design. You can usually find a red reset button somewhere on the top of the machine.
The button you’re looking for is generally beside the thermostat. Yet, some manufacturers hide it behind the front panel. That panel is removable, but you’ll find the switch behind the insulation.
Once you find it, press it for three to five seconds. Then, release. Your water heater should turn off for a few seconds before starting back up on its own. If it doesn’t, you should call the manufacturer or contact a certified HVAC technician for help.
When to Use the Reset Button on Your Water Heater
Remember that you shouldn’t use the reset button on your water heating unit unless you have to. That’s because doing it too much could damage the delicate components inside. Instead, only reset it if the machine keeps messing up or if an expert tells you to.
If the reset button keeps tripping on its own, you could have a technical problem. And that’s when you should call for help to prevent voiding your warranty or getting hurt. In the meantime, remember that the reset button automatically cuts power once your water reaches 180°F.
Try not to press reset if your heater is working correctly. Doing so could confuse the system and cause unnecessary problems. So, if you suspect an issue with your gas lines, plumbing, or electrical, then it’s best to wait.
How Long Does It Take for a Water Heater to Reset?
Unless you have an on-demand water heater, you’ll have to wait for a while after you reset it. However, the length of your wait depends on how big your tank is. Larger tanks naturally take longer to reheat after the power goes out.
Expect a 30-minute to 90-minute wait on most electric tanks. For gas-powered water heaters, expect a slightly shorter downtime. And if you end up waiting longer than that, you may have a different issue to address.
What to Do If Resetting Your Water Heater Doesn’t Work
If resetting your water heater doesn’t fix the problem, move to the circuit breaker. It could be that you have the wrong size wires for your machine. Flip any tripped switches, and then wait for your unit to revive. Then, double-check the electrical components to make sure they all fit.
Remember that you may also have to spark the pilot light if your power goes out. Relighting may also be necessary if the flame is exposed to wind or bad weather conditions. So, consider moving it to a new location if that’s the case.
Next, examine the water pipes and gas lines. Look for signs of a leak, crack, or break in either one. Ensure your pressure relief valve is opening as it should. f you notice something awry, try to discover as many details as you can.
Then, contact a professional for more information. Do so before tampering with any dangerous utility lines that are under pressure. And always read your owner’s manual for facts about the machine and any warranty you may have.
Related Questions
Why Do I Suddenly Have No Hot Water?
If you suddenly have no hot water coming from your tap, check the other fixtures first. The issue could be a minor glitch in the pipes that run to that faucet. After that, check the water heater. It may have turned off or lost its pilot light. Reset the machine and contact an expert if you have more problems.
Why Is My Water Heater Blinking?
There are four main reasons why water heaters blink. There could be a thermostat issue. The pilot light could also be out. Plus, you may have a problem with the tank filling up all the way. Or there could be some electrical issue causing the light to flash.
What Are the Signs of My Water Heater Going Bad?
Look for these seven signs that something is wrong with your water heater. Water leaks are primary. The age of your machine is secondary. But if you notice that it’s taking longer for your water to warm up, that’s also a sign.Temperature inconsistencies may reveal issues as well. And so can discolored tap water, unusual noises coming from nowhere, and decreased water pressure. To prevent those problems, have your rig tested often and keep it maintained.
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Get Hot Water Again
Stop taking cold showers when you don’t have to. The hot water in your house is about to be restored. Just remember that the problem could be a simple fix. So, don’t panic yet.
However, the issue could be something that only an HVAC expert can handle. Go through the checklist and determine the case based on what you can see. Then, reach out for help if all else fails or if something bigger seems to be the problem.
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Tiffany Nichols specializes in aesthetics, design, marketing, and manufacturing. She's a copywriter and editor for several home renovation companies in the U.S. and works alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her hobbies include architecture, art, mental health, and fashion.
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