So what to do when there’s no hot water?
You turn on the gas hot water heater and step in for a nice hot shower. You let the stream run for a while, waiting for it to heat, but the water remains icy cold. Meanwhile, you know you left enough time for the water heater tank to fill up, and there wasn’t anyone else in the house to use up the hot water.
So, what’s the issue? Whether you own or rent a natural gas hot water tank or an electric hot water heater, read on as our Hot Water Ottawa experts provide some insights.
If You Have a Gas Water Heater
Here are a few possible issues that may occur with gas water heaters:
- A gas leak. If you notice the smell of sulphur or rotten eggs, you might have a gas leak through your gas line. Turn off the gas valve immediately and call your gas utility company immediately.
- Pilot light problems. A strong breeze could put your pilot light out. Turn off the regulator, wait a few minutes, and try to re-light the pilot light with the self-ignite button or a lighter. One sign is your water heater keeps turning off.
- Faulty burner. Does the burner ignite when you run hot water? You need professional repair if the burner stays off even on high thermostat settings.
If You Have an Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters may stop working for many reasons. First, try activating the reset button and checking for leaks if you have a hot water tank.
Also, check for a tripped circuit breaker. If the breaker that controls your water heater is off, try to reset it. If the breaker keeps tripping, call an electrician.
If you notice no visible problem but your heater still won’t heat the water, it may be due to:
- Failed heating element. Heating element failure is a frequent problem with electric water heaters. Common signs of faulty heating elements include lukewarm water or no hot water.
- Wiring problems. If you have a rodent issue, critters can loosen or chew on the wiring leading to your water heater.
- Thermostat issues. A failed thermostat may also result in lukewarm or cold water. Thankfully, thermostat replacement is relatively simple.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Water Heater in Ottawa?
What are the signs it’s time to replace your water heater? If you run out of hot water all the time, or if your water heater acts up in other ways, it might be time to replace it. Consider how old your heater is before you invest in costly water heater repairs. Storage tank water heaters usually last from 10-12 years in Ottawa, so you will likely need replacement if your heater is near that age. You may want to check the age of your water heater by inspecting the serial number.
A modern tankless water heater should last longer, possibly 15-20 years, but may fail earlier in some cases. A water heater inspection can help you decide whether you should repair or replace your water heater.
Hot Water Ottawa: Fast, Reliable Water Heater Service
If you’re looking up “what to do when no hot water,” call us at Hot Water Ottawa. Whether you need water heater repair, replacement, or rental, we offer top-quality services and high-performing water heaters by top brands.
For water heater repair or replacement in Ottawa, call us at 613-729-5052 or request a quote online.