From cooking and cleaning to bathing and washing clothes, hot water is crucial to the smooth operation of any home. As such, running out of hot water can significantly disrupt a household. While a plumber can identify and resolve the problem, here's what you should know about how you can lose access to heated water.

What Are Some Common Causes of No Hot Water in the Home?

1. Water Heater Leak

Your water heater tank holds your supply until it is needed to ensure you don't run out. But when the tank leaks, there will be no reserve for the appliance to draw from and no hot water to deliver to the home's plumbing. You can often hear water dripping or rushing out of the tank when there's a leak, and you may see water collecting on the floor around the heater.

2. Electrical or Gas Line Issues

If an electric water heater isn't generating hot water, the problem could be in your home's electrical system, such as a tripped circuit breaker. If the heater is run by gas, the gas line may be shut off or have a leak. 

A gas leak is a potentially dangerous situation and will give off signs like a rotten egg smell, a hissing sound, or a white cloud visible near the gas line. Never ignore these red flags, and contact the gas company and a plumber as soon as possible.

3. Faulty Thermostat

A standard electric water heater has two thermostats, one at the top of the tank and another at the bottom. In most cases, the temperature of the upper thermostat is set between 122 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is broken or has been inadvertently moved to a lower temperature, your home's hot water supply will be noticeably colder. A plumber can determine whether the thermostat needs adjusting, repair, or replacement.

If your home is experiencing a lack of hot water, contact Arrowhead Plumbing in Lawrenceville, GA. These plumbers have served homeowners in Gwinnett, Dekalb, and Fulton counties since 2005. Their residential services include water heater repair, installation, and maintenance. They'll evaluate your system to restore hot water to your home as quickly as possible. Call (678) 226-2959 to discuss your needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.