Why Is My Hot Water Not Working?
For Ontario homeowners, especially during the winter months, understanding why your hot water is not working can save time and prevent costly damage before you call in a qualified plumber.
This article will help you assess and isolate why there’s no hot water in the house. Let’s get into the top 8 reasons why your hot water might be giving you the cold shoulder!
9 Reasons for No Hot Water in the House
1. Thermostat Malfunction
The ideal desired temperature for a water heater is somewhere between 60ºC / 140⁰F. In some instances, all you have to do is adjust the thermostat or hit the reset button to get your hot water running again.
If the thermostat is broken, however, you may have a faulty heating element or sediment build up inside the tank, affecting water temperature. A simple drain and flush of the drain valve can help restore performance.
2. A Defective Diverter Valve
If your boiler is the culprit, the diverter valve may not be properly sending hot water from the tank to taps and showers. This is more common in combi boilers that heat water on demand. System and conventional boilers store hot water in a tank, negating the need for a diverter valve to disperse it throughout the house.
3. Gas Valve Failure
In gas water heaters, a failed gas valve can lead to hot water hot working but cold is. Since the gas valve regulates fuel to the burner, no ignition = water not getting hot.
Check that the gas inlet valve is fully open and that the power supply and gas lines are intact. If not, a professional plumber may recommend replacing the valve or upgrading to a new water heater.
4. Leaking Water Heater Tank
This one is pretty easy to assess. If you see a water leak around the base of your hot water tank, this kind of failure means you’ll need a new water heater rather than a repair.
5. A Burned-Out Pilot Light
For gas systems, a burnt-out pilot light can explain no hot water from the tap. Pilot lights are little flames responsible for lighting the gas as it leaves the main burner, heating the water inside the heater. Peek through the small window on the front of your water heater. If you see the flame, then everything is good.
If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing, leave immediately and call the fire department, as this indicates a gas leak. A yellow flame could also mean carbon monoxide, which requires emergency attention.
6. A Small Water Tank
Hot water not working, but everything seems to be working fine? If your family has grown or water use has increased, your current tank may simply be too small. As a result, you might find there is no water coming out of the tap because there is just not enough to go around.
It might be time for a new, energy-efficient water heater with more capacity. This will ensure you don’t run out of hot water in the middle of a shower!
7. Bad Weather
Cold Ontario winters put added strain on your heater. Extra energy demand can leave you waiting for hot water. Consider insulating your tank and pipes to reduce inefficiency and prevent no hot water from taps or showers during freezing weather.
8. Sediment Buildup
A common reason for no hot water in the house is sediment buildup in the water heater tank. Over time, minerals from your water supply, especially hard water, settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a barrier between the burner and the water. This causes the heater to work inefficiently or stop altogether, leaving you with hot water not working properly.
Regular flushing of the tank with the drain valve helps prevent buildup and keeps water temperature stable.
9. Tripped Circuit Breaker
For electric water heaters, a tripped circuit breaker can be a surprisingly simple reason why your hot water is not functioning properly.
If your hot water is not working but cold is, check the electric panel to confirm if the breaker is off. Resetting the breaker may solve the problem; however, if it continues to trip, it may signal a deeper electrical fault and should be inspected by a professional plumber or electrician.
Restore Hot Water Fast with PlumbWize
When the hot water isn’t working, don’t suffer through cold showers! The experts at PlumbWize are available 24/7 for water heater repair, replacement, and plumbing emergencies.
Whether it’s an issue with the hot water faucet, a leaking tank, or a faulty pressure relief valve, rest assured that our qualified plumbers in Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington, and the surrounding area are just one call away.
FAQs
Why is my hot water not working but cold is?
If your hot water is not working but cold water is, the issue is often with the water heater. Common causes include a tripped breaker, faulty heating elements, or a gas valve failure. A professional plumber can quickly diagnose and restore service.
How do I know if I need a new water heater?
If your heater is over 10 years old, leaking, or struggling to keep a consistent water temperature, it may be time for a new water heater. Frequent repairs, rusty water, or loud noises are also warning signs.
How often should I flush my water heater?
To prevent sediment build up, it’s recommended to flush your water heater through the drain valve once a year. This helps extend the life of the unit and ensures your heating elements work efficiently.
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