What To Do When You Lose Hot Water

It’s inevitable. You get up in the morning after hitting the snooze one too many times. Now you’re in a rush. You turn on the shower, wait a few minutes, and then jump in as usual—only to find yourself with no hot water! You’re late, so you don’t have a choice but to shiver through it. Once out of the shower, you dry off and begin to think, “What do I do now?”

As experts point out, most water heaters have a lifespan of only 10 years on average. However, most of us feel like they seem to give out without warning. If you find yourself without hot water, heed these tips from our plumbers at Indy Renovation.

1. Check the pilot light.

If you have a gas water heater, first check that the pilot light is still functional. Many homeowners aren’t sure how to do this, but don’t worry. You can always call your gas company and ask if they can send a technician to your home. They’ll check the pilot light and assess whether it’s a gas-related issue.

2. Take in your surroundings.

No matter what kind of water heater you have, go take a good long look (and listen) at it. See whether you can see any signs of damage or water leaking around the base. Be sure also to listen for loud clanking or banging. All these things are signs that your water heater may have quit or is in need of repair.

3. Check the temperature settings.

Your water heater should have a knob on the outside that allows you to adjust the temperature. Make sure the knob didn’t accidentally get turned to the lowest setting. That will definitely affect your water temperature. If that’s the case, turn it up to about mid-way (many experts say about 150 degrees to stay safe) or where you had it previously.

4. Call a professional.

If you’ve done all you can and still have icy cold water, then it’s time to call a plumber. The good news is that our crew at Indy Renovation has your back. We specialize in both water heater repair and installation. We can help you assess your water concerns and find the most reasonable, cost-effective solution.

To schedule a service, call with one of our plumbers by contacting us today at (317) 375-4464.

photo credit: Water Coming from a Kohler Showerhead – 3 via photopin (license)