No Hot Water in Knoxville? Here’s Why Cold Still Works

So, the cold water is flowing through your plumbing fixtures, but turning on the hot water gives you nothing but more cold water – or no water at all. Sound familiar? Experiencing no hot water in your Knoxville, TN home is a common complaint, but what’s the cause?

Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is Knoxville’s go-to home service company for plumbing troubles, a title we’ve proudly held since 2001. We also deliver same-day service guaranteed, or the visit is free so don’t wait and call Pipe Wrench today for both small and large scale plumbing issues! Let us figure out what’s going on with your hot water and what you can do about it.

Troubleshooting Reasons Why Your Hot Water Is Not Working

Several things could be preventing your hot water from flowing, even while your cold water seems totally fine. Here’s a look at the most common issues and how to tell what’s wrong.

Air Lock

Air can become trapped in hot water pipes and block the flow to the faucet.

Signs of an air lock:

• The hot water tap hisses, spits, or drips slowly.
• Cold water runs fine, even from the same faucet.
• Hot water doesn’t flow from one or two fixtures, while others throughout the house work fine.

How to fix it:

• Turn off all the taps in your home.
• Choose a sink or bathtub on a lower level.
• Open the hot water tap only and let it run for about one minute.
• Without closing the hot tap, slowly open the cold tap.
• The added pressure from the cold line might force the air out of the hot pipe.
• Let both taps run for about one to two minutes, then shut them off and test again.

If the hot water still doesn’t flow properly, that’s your cue to call a professional plumber. We’ll help clear the blockage in your pipes and inspect your plumbing system to prevent it from happening again.

Sediment Buildup

Knoxville water supply is hard, meaning it contains minerals that gradually settle in your water heater tank and can build up in your pipes and water lines. If not flushed regularly, sediment in your water heater can interfere with heat exchange or clog the hot water outlet.

Signs of sediment buildup:

• Water comes out warm but never gets truly hot.
• Hot taps flow more slowly.
• Grit or rust-colored water flows briefly.

How to address it:

• Drain a few gallons from the tank to flush out sediment.
• Remove and clean faucet aerators.
• Inspect the anode rod inside the tank for corrosion.

If it’s been more than a year since your last water heater flush, call us for service on your water heater and to perform a plumbing system inspection. We can clear sediment blockages, replace parts, and extend your water heater’s lifespan.

Tripped Breaker

Your electric water heater won’t heat anything if it has no power. A tripped breaker is the first thing to look for.

Signs of a tripped breaker:

• The water in the tank is cold.
• The breaker switch is halfway between on and off.
• The reset button on the water heater has popped.

Steps to Try:

• Turn the breaker fully off, then on again.
• Press the red reset button on the heater panel.
• Wait one hour and test for hot water.

If the water never heats or the breaker trips again, a licensed plumber or electrician should inspect for wiring problems or a failed heating element.

Broken Heating Element

Speaking of the heating element, this is another common reason for no hot water in Knoxville, TN.

Here’s what happens:

• The hot water flows as cold as the water from the cold water tap.
• The hot water may flow lukewarm if one element in a dual-element water heater fails.
• The water heater tank hums or clicks, but no heat builds.

What to do:

• Turn off the power.
• Remove the access cover and test the element with a multimeter.
• Replace faulty parts with OEM-rated replacements.

If you don’t feel comfortable with these troubleshooting tips, call a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and restore full heating.

Gas Supply Issue

A gas water heater needs a steady supply of fuel, flame, and airflow. If any of these are interrupted, the unit shuts down.

Signs of a gas supply issue:

• The pilot light is out.
• There’s no sound or warmth from the burner.
• You detect a strong sulfur or gas smell near the unit.

DIY checks:

• Make sure the gas valve is fully on.
• Relight the pilot light using the built-in igniter.
• Look at the flame. Steady and blue is good, while flickering yellow or orange means you should call for help.

Gas supply issues are a serious safety concern. If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the burner won’t fire, hire a professional to inspect the thermocouple and regulator.

Faulty Thermostat

Every water heater has a built-in thermostat to control the water temperature. If it’s stuck or misreading, the heater might shut off early, or not heat at all.

Signs of a faulty thermostat:

• The water is too cold or scalding hot.
• Adjusting the temperature dial has no effect.
• You only get hot water in short bursts.

Basic fixes:

• Check for visible damage or burn marks.
• Reset the dial to 120 degrees F and test after one hour.
• Replace the thermostat if the temperature doesn’t change.

Thermostats are affordable but delicate. Leave the installation to a professional.

Why Choose Us?

Is your hot water not working despite your efforts to follow this guide? Don’t worry—Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has your back. Over the past two decades, we’ve helped more than 75,000 customers with their plumbing system, furnace, air conditioner, and water heater problems. We use only the finest products and materials in the industry to get your hot water flowing again.

Contact us online or call now to schedule plumbing services in Knoxville, TN.