No Hot Water? Common Causes and How to Fix It

Engineer from A&C Heating and Plumbing Ltd inspecting an unvented water cylinder in a London home.

Having no hot water can be frustrating – especially when your boiler seems fine or your immersion heater shows no signs of life. In this article, we’ll guide you through the most common causes, what you can check yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.

🔍 Why You Might Have No Hot Water

  • Thermostat Fault: Your thermostat may be set incorrectly or malfunctioning.
  • Tripped Fuse or Breaker: Electric water heaters may stop working if the fuse or RCD has tripped.
  • Immersion Heater Element Failure: Burnt-out elements are a common cause in electric systems.
  • Low Boiler Pressure: If your boiler pressure is below 1 bar, it might not produce hot water.
  • Frozen or Blocked Pipes: Especially in winter, pipes can freeze or get blocked.

🛠️ DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  • Check Boiler Pressure: It should be between 1–2 bars. If it’s low, top up using the filling loop.
  • Reset the Thermostat or Timer: Sometimes a simple reset solves the issue.
  • Inspect Visible Leaks: Look for dripping pipes, tank leakage or wet patches.
  • Test the Immersion Switch: Make sure it’s turned on and hasn’t tripped.
  • ⚠️ If You Smell Gas or Hear Clanging: Stop and call a Gas Safe engineer immediately.

📞 When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and still have no hot water, the problem may be more serious:

  • Faulty diverter valve
  • Burnt-out heating element
  • Fault code on boiler display
  • Thermostat or control unit failure

📞 Our Gas Safe and NICEIC certified engineers can diagnose and fix the issue quickly and safely.

💧 Our Hot Water Repair Services in London

We offer full repair services across North & West London, including:

All our work is carried out by experienced professionals with fast response times.

📅 Book Your Hot Water Repair Today

Don’t stay without hot water. Book your repair with A&C Heating and Plumbing Ltd today:

📞 Call us now: 0779 559 5757
📝 Request a Free Quote

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Why do I suddenly have no hot water?

It’s often due to a tripped breaker, faulty thermostat, immersion heater failure, or boiler pressure drop. Frozen or blocked pipes can also stop hot water flow.

🔹 Should I reset my boiler if I have no hot water?

Yes, in some cases a reset might solve the issue. However, if the boiler continues to fault, it’s best to contact a Gas Safe engineer.

🔹 Can I fix a hot water problem myself?

You can safely check the boiler pressure, thermostat setting, or circuit breakers. Avoid DIY on gas appliances or internal wiring — leave that to professionals.

🔹 Is the problem with my boiler or my water heater?

If you have central heating but no hot water, the issue might be a diverter valve inside your boiler. Electric systems may fail due to immersion element or thermostat faults.

🔹 Do you offer same-day hot water repairs in London?

Yes. A&C Heating and Plumbing Ltd provides same-day service across North and West London, including weekends.