How to Fix Plumbing Problems that Cause You to Have No Hot Water

Turning on the hot water faucet and waiting for hot water to come to no avail is a frustrating problem. If this happens, you'll need to do a little investigating to find the problem between your water heater and your faucet. Many things could cause the problem, and through a process of elimination, you should be able to pinpoint why you can't get any hot water and hopefully fix the issue.

Water Heater

• 1

  Check your water heater to make sure it is working properly and heating the water. Feel the pipes at the top of the water heater; one should feel cold and the other very hot. If hot water is coming from the tank, go to the next section.

• 2

  Check the power to the boiler by looking at your electrical panel to see if you have a tripped switch. Reset it and then go back to the boiler to see if you can hear any activity. Alternatively, check your pilot light if you have a gas water heater. Call your gas company if no gas is coming to the heater. Call an electrician if the circuit trips again on an electric water heater.

• 3

  Call a repair technician if there is no sound of water heating up in your water tank after you have checked the power or gas.

• 4

  Check the thermostat on the water heater if you do hear activity in the tank. Turning it down is a common practice of many people when they are away for an extended period of time. Turn the thermostat up to the proper setting.

Pipes

• 1

  Turn on the hot water faucet to see if the water is leaking somewhere before it gets to the faucet. Remove the leaky section of pipe and plumb in a new connection. Test the hot water faucet again and move on to the next step if you still have no hot water or if you don't see any leaks.

• 2

  Listen to the pipes when you want to use hot water to see what appliances are running. Turn off any extra appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that might rob the hot water just when you are ready to take a shower.

• 3

  Insulate your pipes if they run through a cold basement. Wrap the pipes in insulation and then tape the insulation in place with duct tape. Cover the fittings as well. See Resources for instructions. Turn on the water for a longer period to allow the hot water to get to the faucet, especially in large old buildings during cold weather.

• 4

  Hire a plumber to install heat traps on the pipes at the top of your water heater to keep the hot water from rising up into your cold water pipe.