What to Do When There is No Hot Water

Tips & Tricks / Article
December 23, 2022

Check the Water Heater

The first thing you should do is check the water heater. If it's turned off or if the pilot light has gone out, it won't produce any heat. If it's not either of those things, then it's time to move on to step two.

Test the Temperatures

Turn on the cold water and test it first. It should be running cold. If it's not, then you have a bigger problem on your hands and you should call a plumber.

Next, turn on the hot water. It should be hot—but not scalding hot. If it's not, then the problem is likely with your water heater. Again, it's time to call a plumber.

Check the Cold Water Intake Valve

If your hot water isn't working, the first step is to check the cold water intake valve. This is the valve that controls the flow of cold water into your home. It's located on the wall near your water meter.

Make sure the valve is in the open position and that there is plenty of cold water running into your home. If there is, try resetting your water heater.

Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater

The next thing you can do is adjust the temperature on your water heater. If it is set too low, it may not be heating the water enough to get it to your desired temperature. This can be easily adjusted by using a wrench to turn the small knob that is located on the side of your unit. Make sure to check the label for recommended settings and be careful not to exceed them, as this could cause damage to the unit or even create a safety hazard.

If adjusting the temperature does not solve your problem, then there may be another issue such as a faulty thermostat or an element that needs replacing. In this case, you should contact a professional plumber for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs quickly and efficiently.

Examine Plumbing Connections for Leaks

The next step is to examine the connections on your hot water line. Look in the places where the pipes connect, like valves and faucets, and check for any signs of water leakage or loose connections. If you detect a leak, then this could be why you don’t have any hot water coming out—because it’s all leaking away!

Fortunately, if the leak is minor, it shouldn't be too hard or expensive to fix. Start by tightening up any loose screws and bolts on the pipelines that you can see. You could also use plumber's tape to create a tighter seal around joints and on threaded pipes. Of course, for more complicated pipe leaks or major water damage, it's best to call in a plumbing professional for help.

Call a Professional for Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried all of the above, and still no hot water, it’s time to call in a professional. There may be more serious issues that require special attention and expertise. For example, you may need to replace the heating element in your hot water heater or there may be a problem with your thermostat that requires an electrician or plumber to diagnose and fix.

A professional plumber can also check for corrosion or calcium build-up on the inside of the tank that could be blocking the flow of heat to the water. In most cases, these problems are relatively easy to fix, however it's always best to get it checked out by a plumbing expert for peace of mind.

Calling in an expert can save you time and money by getting to the root of the problem quickly and efficiently — ensuring that you're back up and running with hot water ASAP!