No Hot Water: Common Faults

One of the best feelings at home is having hot water whenever you want it. Some confusion arises when your tap or shower is not producing hot water, which we will clear. It could be due to various issues, but what matters most is getting that hot water pouring out again! To solve the problem, you need to know the causes. Described below are some causes of no hot water and how to solve them.

The main problem usually originates from the water heater, and there are two main types of water heaters, the electric water heater and the gas water heater. They almost have the same functionality. The structural difference is that the electric heater relies on electric resistance coils, and the gas relies on a gas supply. I have described common problems associated with each type of water heater for further understanding.

The Pilot Light is Out

The pilot light is a small flame on your water heater that ignites the gas to provide hot water. The gas water heater model has special instructions for relighting the pilot light. First, check the gas valve as the pilot light relies on a gas source to solve this problem. Any issues with the gas valve will lead to the pilot light malfunctioning. Besides the gas valve, other factors can cause the pilot light to go out. A thermocouple’s job is to turn off the gas supply when the pilot light is out. A faulty thermocouple will cause the pilot light to turn off. If your thermocouple is broken, you should replace it as soon as possible for your heater to return to standard functionality. Improper ventilation is also a factor to consider. It can blow out the pilot light, as a flame needs oxygen to light, and without it, the chemistry is simply impossible.

Gas Leak

A gas leak is a perilous situation, and extra care must be taken when dealing with this problem. It is easy to tell if there is a gas leak present due to the smell of sulphur or of rotten eggs. A leak is also detectable through auditory means, as you can hear a hissing sound near the gas lines. Take these events seriously and as your warning signs. In case of any of these situations, you should immediately turn off the valve responsible for the gas supply to the house.

If you have diagnosed the fault with the gas lines going to the water heater, you should replace them. If you cannot do it yourself, it is better to call a professional gas supply engineer. It is essential to follow these steps to the letter as leaving this fault unattended could result in a fire burning the house.

Below are some problems associated with the electric water heater that is not producing hot water :

Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you find that water is still cold when you’re expecting it to be hot, you should check the circuit box. There is a high likelihood that the circuit breaker has switched off. You can quickly locate it by finding the switch that is not in line with the rest of the controls. Once you locate the switch, you can reset it by turning it on and off then finally turning it on. If the circuit is not fixed, you have to check if it is a faulty fuse. It would be best to try calling a professional when you have tried the above with no success. They will check for the problem and also fix it.

High Temperatures

Since we are dealing with heaters, they can cause the cut-off switch to trip if temperatures get too high. It is best then to avoid overworking the heater as in the end you will be left with nothing but cold water. However, this problem is easier to fix. To fix this trip, all you have to do is switch back on the button, and your water heater will be working promptly. It is prudent to let it cool down before switching it back on. Switching the heater back on during high temperatures will cause the switch to turn off again. Patience is of virtue in this case.

Faulty Thermostats

The latest water heaters have an upgrade, and they constitute both an upper and lower thermostat. A thermostat regulates the internal temperature by controlling an automatic switch when the temperature reaches a certain level. If there is an error with the upper thermostat, no hot water is produced. It is so because the upper heating element has to heat the water on the upper side first for the lower heating element to be activated.

If there is a fault with the lower thermostat, the water will be warm but not hot enough. To diagnose the problem with either thermostat, you first need to check the power supply. If the problem lies there, press the reset button. Once reset, the problem with the thermostat is likely gone. If, however, the problem persists, it is better to replace the faulty thermostat.

The following, however, are common problems found between the two different types of water heaters:

Water Leakage

There are so many variables that can result in water leaking within the heating system. A damaged water tank usually causes a leak. Leaks can also result from incorrect plumbing connections or damage due to uncontrollable factors such as corrosion. To fix a water leakage, you first and foremost have to find the area of the leak. If plumbing connections are loose, you should tighten them, but you should replace them if they are damaged. Unfortunately,  there is not much you can do with a damaged leaking tank. The most popular option with a damaged tank is a replacement. Since water leakages can cause severe damage to your house, it is advisable to act quickly on the matter. More work is involved with installing the heater and tank; therefore, it is better to call an experienced person.

Lack of Grounding

Grounding is one of the safest ways to discharge excess electricity from the panel to the earth directly. In the absence of a grounding wire, there lies a risk of damaging your electric water heater. A damaged water heater means no hot water.

Electric Short

Electric wires need to be covered. If electric cables are left naked, there is a possibility of a short electric circuit. Electric shorts interrupt the water heater’s standard functionality, resulting in no hot water. To prevent this complicated situation, you should cover your cables or buy new ones.

When there is something with the parts of a water heater, it usually shuts off because the components are complementary and work together. Sometimes there is no hot water due to the consequence being a safety measure to avoid the worst-case scenario. In other cases, it happens to prevent further damage to the water heater. The methods we discussed above aimed to educate a water heater owners on what to do when they experience a fault.