There’s nothing as frustrating as turning on the shower and being met with a stream of cold water when you’re expecting it to be hot water. Experiencing no hot water or a cold morning shower can disrupt your daily routine, making simple tasks like washing dishes or taking a quick shower a hassle. In this article, we will explore common problems that might cause your hot water tap to stop working properly, and provide some solutions you can try to get your hot water system running again before calling a professional plumber.
Need a plumber’s advice? Don’t hesitate to contact Swan’s Professional Plumbing for all hot water system services!
Common Reasons You Might Have No Hot Water Coming From the Taps
The first step in figuring out what to do about the lack of hot water coming from your shower or hot water faucet is understanding the common causes, such as:
Sediment Build-Up in Your Hot Water Tank
Sediment build-up in the hot water tank of your storage tank hot water system can lead to several issues that result in a lack of hot water supply. As minerals and debris from the water supply settle at the bottom of the water heater tank, they create a barrier between the heating elements and the water, reducing heating efficiency. This means the water heater has to work harder and longer to heat the water, leading to increased energy consumption and potentially causing the heating element to overheat and fail.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker can be a common reason for no hot water in homes with electric hot water systems. The circuit breaker protects an electric hot water system by cutting off the power supply during an overload or a short circuit. If the breaker for your electric water heater trips, it cuts power to the water heater, preventing heated water. This can occur due to an electrical surge, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit.
Broken Thermostat
A broken thermostat in your hot water system can lead to a hot water problem by failing to regulate the water temperature correctly. If the thermostat settings malfunction, it might not signal the heating element or gas burner to activate, leaving your hot water tap running on cold water. Additionally, it can cause an inconsistent water temperature or trigger safety shut-offs if the hot water supply overheats.
Broken Heating Element
A broken heating element in an electric hot water system is a common reason for no hot water. The heating element is responsible for warming the water tank. When they fail, the water remains cold despite the hot water unit being operational. This can happen due to wear and tear, sediment build-up, or electrical issues. Signs of a broken heating element include no hot water, lukewarm water, or the water heater taking unusually long to heat up.
Problems with Gas Supply
Gas hot water systems need a reliable gas supply to ensure enough hot water. Common problems with your gas line may include a closed or partially closed gas valve, preventing a gas water heater from receiving sufficient natural gas. The pilot light, essential for igniting the gas burner, may also go out, requiring a relight. A faulty thermocouple can cut off the gas supply even if the pilot light is on, necessitating replacement.
Additionally, obstructions in the gas line or interruptions in supply from your utility company can affect your gas hot water systems’ performance. Inadequate gas pressure due to regulator issues or supply system problems can also impede proper hot water flow. Gas leaks are also a serious concern to watch out for. If you smell rotten eggs, you likely have a gas leak. Contact a professional plumber or a gas utility company immediately. Gas issues should never be handled alone.
A Hot Water System Too Small for the Household Size
Has your household grown in size recently? Or maybe your need for a hot water supply on demand has increased? You may have simply outgrown your existing hot water tank. With storage tank systems, once the water tank is depleted, hot water will stop flowing through your other taps.
In that case, consider upgrading from a storage tank hot water system to a continuous flow system or, if you already have one, upgrading to a larger hot water unit that’s designed to provide enough hot water for your household.
At Swan’s Professional Plumbing, we have no call-out fees! Call one of our Perth plumbers for a free quote and advice on the new hot water service that suits your needs.
Leaking Hot Water System Tank
If you notice water leaking around your hot water system, the lack of hot water may be due to a leaking tank. There isn’t a single cause of a leaking hot water system; however, some common reasons could include corrosion, sediment build-up (especially common in Perth due to hard water) or loose connections.
Old Hot Water System
Hot water systems don’t last forever. With proper hot water system maintenance and servicing, most people will get around 10-15 years of hot water service before it needs replacement. If your hot water unit is older than this, the problem may simply be old age.
Remember, as there are so many different types of hot water systems, there could be plenty more reasons as to why the hot water tap isn’t functioning properly. If you can’t figure out why your hot water system isn’t delivering heated water, call your local professional plumber at Swan’s Professional Plumbing ASAP.
What Can You Do to Try Fix the No Hot Water Issue
If you’re experiencing no hot water, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue yourself before calling a plumbing service.
However, if at any time you don’t feel comfortable, it’s best to call a professional plumber straight away. Tampering with a faulty water heater when you don’t know what you’re doing can cause more harm than good. You don’t want to accidentally break something and cause a plumbing emergency!
Troubleshooting No Hot Water From a Gas Hot Water System
If you have a gas water heater, try following these steps:
- Check the pilot light: Ensure the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple might be faulty and need replacement.
- Inspect the thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If it’s dirty or misaligned, clean or adjust it. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Examine the gas supply: Ensure the gas valve is fully open. Check for any obstructions in the gas line and ensure there are no gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply and contact the gas utility company immediately.
Troubleshooting No Hot Water From an Electric Hot Water System
If you have an electric water heater, try following these steps:
- Check the circuit breaker: Locate your home’s fuse box and check if the circuit breaker for the water heater has tripped. If it has, you can try resetting it by switching it off and then on again. If the breaker continues to trip, there may be an underlying electrical issue that needs attention from a professional plumber.
- Inspect the thermostat: Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. Open the access panels on the water heater to check the thermostat settings. Ensure they are set to the desired temperature, typically around 49°C.
- Check the heating elements: After turning off the power, drain the water heater tank to expose the heating elements. You can use a multimeter to test the elements for continuity. If one or both are defective, they will need to be replaced by a plumber.
Troubleshooting Steps For All Hot Water Systems
The next steps are relatable to any type of hot water system.
- Flush the water heater tank: Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency and causing issues. Turn off the water supply and power/gas to the heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank. Flush the tank by opening the cold water supply valve briefly while the drain valve is open.
- Check for water leaks: Inspect the tank and connections for any signs of leaks. Tighten loose connections, as these may have been the cause of the leaking tank.
- Adjust thermostat settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature for properly heated water. A setting of around 49°C is recommended for optimal performance and safety.
When Should You Call Hot Water System Experts?
By performing these checks and maintenance tasks, you may be able to resolve common issues that cause no hot water. If these steps outlined above do not fix the hot water problem or you don’t feel comfortable carrying them out, we recommend contacting a professional plumber for a hot water service, inspection, or repair.
How Can You Prevent Being Left With No Hot Water
Avoid losing hot water by scheduling a free annual hot water service from Swan’s Professional Plumbing! During the inspection, a professional plumber will check your hot water pipes for potential issues like sediment build-up, faulty thermostats, and heating elements. They will also inspect for leaks and assess the overall efficiency of your system. A regular plumbing service can identify and address problems before they lead to a complete lack of hot water, ensuring a consistent and reliable hot water supply throughout the year. Book your free plumbing health check today!
Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing Today
We don’t expect you to have to figure out your own plumbing problems; that’s what we’re here for! If you’re dealing with no hot water or cold water coming from the hot tap, don’t stress. We’ll send an emergency plumber promptly to solve the problem so you can get back to enjoying your showers with an endless supply of hot water. Call us today or submit an online enquiry for prompt hot water services.
Frequently Asked Questions
If cold water is freezing, but there’s no hot water, it usually points to a problem with your hot water system rather than the plumbing. Common causes include a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty heating element, or a pilot light that has gone out on a gas system.
If your water is coming out lukewarm instead of hot, it might be because of a thermostat issue, sediment build-up in the hot water tank, or increased demand from multiple taps running at once. Regular maintenance, like flushing your water heater, can help keep the temperature consistent.
Having normal water pressure but no hot water usually means the water is not being heated. This could be a malfunctioning heating element, a broken thermostat, or a problem in gas systems. The pipes themselves are fine; your hot water system just isn’t doing its job.
Start by checking the simple things: if it’s an electric system, make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. For gas systems, check the pilot light or gas supply. If those are fine, the problem could be with the heating element or thermostat, and it’s best to call a licensed plumber.
