Help! I Have No Hot Water

Shower Head with Water Stream on Black Background.

Few things are more annoying than running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. But do not fret if this happens. When you have no hot water coming out of your faucets, it is more than likely an issue with your hot water heater.

If you run into this situation, try some of our troubleshooting tips or give Elite Air Heating and Cooling a call. One of our experienced plumbers can promptly come to your Grand Haven, MI, home to get your water flowing hot and running again.

Table of Contents: No Hot Water DIY Troubleshooting Tips

  • Verify Tank Size Is Adequate
  • Increase Thermostat Temperature
  • Specific Repair Tips for Electric Water Heaters
  • Specific Repair Tips for Gas Water Heaters

No Hot Water Repair Tips for Tank Water Heaters

There are a few options for powering water heaters: electric, gas, propane, and fuel oil. We will take a look at the two most common types, electric and gas.

For each of these two, there are different steps to diagnose where the problem lies. However, for either type, you may first want to:

Verify Your Tank Size Is Adequate For Your Grand Haven, MI, Home’s Water Needs

Depending on what was installed before you moved in or if your family has grown, you may need a larger tank than what you currently have. Anyone using the hot water before you may have drained the tank of heated water. It takes time to reheat enough water to refill the tank. Wait about 30 minutes and retry the hot water.

If hot water returns, it might be time to consider upgrading to a larger, more accommodating tank size. Or maybe a tankless water heater would be best for your home to ensure you have access to endless hot water. Call Elite Air Heating and Cooling to discuss your options.

Increase the Thermostat Temperature by a Couple of Degrees

Ideally, you want your water heater temperature set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees is ideal for energy savings and reducing risks of scalding). If you perform an adjustment, allow about 30 to 40 minutes for the water to heat up to its new setting.

If these two options do not produce hot water, read on for more troubleshooting.

But before you continue, please heed this word of caution. Any time you work with water heaters, you aren’t just working with plumbing; you are also working with a fuel source. Turn off the power and/or gas connection to the tank before attempting any troubleshooting. Call one of our Grand Haven, MI, plumbing professionals to help if you have any doubts.

No Hot Water? Repair Tips for Electric Tank Water Heaters

If your unit is electric-powered, consider these possibilities:

Restart Your Water Heater

Sometimes, a power surge can shut down your heater. Turn off the tank for a few minutes, then turn it back on and wait about 30 minutes. If you still have no hot water, this is not the problem.

Check the Fuse or Breaker

If the fuse has blown or the breaker has been tripped, sometimes it is not apparent that this is the problem. Reset the breaker, even if it does not look tripped. Flip it off, wait about 30 seconds, and then flip it on. If it will not stay on, you need to call a professional electrician.

Call One of Our Elite Air Heating and Cooling Professionals

Sometimes the technical side of electricity mingled with a water repair makes everyone feel more secure if handled by a pro. We can address the issue without causing further damage to other components, like a heating element or thermostat.

Install a New Electric Water Heater

The average life span of a water heater these days is 10 years. If your tank is close to that age, it may be smarter to invest in a new tank rather than replacing a costly component. After replacing that component, the tank itself could fail, and you would have wasted money.

Purchasing a new water heater with higher efficiency and energy savings can save you money in the long run. ENERGY STAR® reports that higher efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Since heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of your Grand Haven, MI, home’s energy use, going with a higher efficiency tank could add up to a nice savings on your utility bill.

A new water heater may also qualify you for an energy tax break or rebate. Check with your local energy company and/or tax professional.

No Hot Water? Repair Tips for Gas Tank Water Heaters

If your gas water heater isn’t producing hot water, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you identify the issue:

Check the Ignition System

Most newer gas water heaters use an electric ignition system instead of a traditional pilot light. If your unit has a reset or ignition button, try pressing it to restart the burner. For the exact steps, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions—these are often printed on the tank.

If your heater still doesn’t ignite or you hear clicking but nothing happens, there could be a problem with the ignition system, gas valve, or burner. In this case, it’s best to contact one of our Elite Air Heating and Cooling professionals for safe diagnosis and repair.

For Older Gas Water Heaters: Check the Pilot Light

If your water heater has a standing pilot light (common in older models), the flame may have gone out, oftentimes due to a draft or wind down the vent pipe.

Follow the relighting instructions on your water heater’s label. Most units require you to press and hold a button while lighting the pilot.

Not comfortable relighting it yourself? Call a licensed Elite Air Heating and Cooling plumber—we’re happy to help. And if the pilot won’t stay lit, the issue could be a faulty pilot assembly or thermocouple that needs professional replacement.

Inspect the Thermocouple

If your pilot light keeps going out after being lit, the thermocouple may be the culprit. This safety device shuts off the gas supply if it doesn’t detect a flame.

Thermocouples are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced by a handy homeowner. But if you’re unsure how to handle it safely, a Elite Air Heating and Cooling technician can take care of it quickly and ensure everything works properly.

Check the Gas Supply

If your water heater is not heating, it could be because it is not receiving fuel (gas). If, after you check to be sure the gas valve is turned on, you do not see a flame or smell gas, this could indicate the problem is the gas supply.

Be sure the valve is open and assess the gas line. Is anything leaning against it, or does it have a twist or kink? If nothing appears out of the ordinary, call your gas company to see if they are working on the gas line in your area or if your gas has been turned off. If the answer to both of these is no, you should call one of our plumbers.

Install a New Gas Water Heater

A gas water heater’s life span is typically 10 years, just like an electric water heater. Unfortunately, it may be time for a replacement. Call Elite Air Heating and Cooling to discuss what type and size tank would be best for you.

We Are Your Water Heater Experts

At Elite Air Heating and Cooling, our certified plumbers can help with whatever water heater issue you may have. Talk to us about a new installation or replacement, a repair, or water heater maintenance. In the case of no hot water, we are here in Grand Haven, MI, to help. Give us a call at 231-903-2077 or request service online today.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Elite Air Heating and Cooling.

Call us at 231-903-2077!