Hot Water Not Coming Out Of My Shower

2 Oct

reasons why hot water not coming out of the shower

If you've ever turned your shower knob to the 'hot' side and were unpleasantly greeted by a burst of cold water, you're not alone. Several underlying issues could be causing this unwelcome surprise. This article uncovers some common reasons why hot water may not be coming out of your shower. Let's break down possible causes and provide helpful solutions to get you back to enjoying hot showers.

hot water heater issues

A potential source of the problem is your hot water heater. If it's old or improperly set, you may run out of hot water quickly or not receive it at all. In such cases, the best course of action is to get the heater checked and repaired by a professional.

faulty tempering valve

When you find yourself faced with a shower stream that's erring on the side of too icy or a roasting bath that's more of a health hazard than a relaxation station, chances are you're dealing with a faulty tempering valve. This humble component is often a golden key to the mystery of your missing hot shower.

The tempering valve, also known as a 'mixing valve,' acts as an arbitrator between the hot and cold water flowing into your shower. It balances the two, maintaining the perfect temperature you'd prefer for your watery reprieve. A properly functioning tempering valve prevents uncomfortably hot or cool water from invading your shower time. It's a true unsung hero in your plumbing system.

However, when your shower water stubbornly refuses to heat up, it could indicate a faulty or failing tempering valve. A telltale sign is fluctuating water temperature, veering from hot to cold and vice versa without any adjustments to the shower controls on your part.

In some cases, sediment or mineral buildup might be a culprit, affecting the valve's functionality. More severe cases may require outright replacement of the tempering valve. You might need to call in a professional to diagnose or fix the problem properly.

Ultimately, if the tempering valve is indeed the issue, you're dealing with a fundamental failure in regulating your shower's water temperature. A thorough inspection and subsequent action are vital in reclaiming your hot-shower comfort zone.

Pilot Light Gone Out

If you have a gas water heater, the culprit behind your cold showers could very well be a pilot light that has gone out. The pilot light is essentially a small flame within the heater that is kept alight continuously, allowing your water heater to fire up on demand. When the pilot light goes out, your water heater won't heat water anymore, leaving you with chilly showers.

The reasons for a pilot light to go out can be various. One common issue includes drafts that actually blow the light out. If your water heater is located in an area prone to gusts of wind or air, such as a basement door or a ventilated space, this could be the problem. Other reasons could be a faulty thermocouple, which is the device that senses whether the pilot light is on. If it doesn't sense the flame, it will shut off the gas supply to the light.

Plumbing obstructions

Plumbing obstructions are another cause for concern. Over time, mineral deposits or rust can form inside your pipes, preventing hot water from reaching your shower. Regular pipe maintenance is necessary to avoid such issues.

Conclusion

While these issues are some of the most common causes, a myriad of other problems could lead to no hot water in your shower. Always ensure regular maintenance to preempt issues and seek professional help at the sight of persistent problems. Remember, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, soothing shower at the end of a long day.

We can service and replace all types of hot water systems, including popular brands like Thermann, Rinnai, Rheem, and Bosch and more!