HELP - No hot water coming from taps

[kevinacker]

I just purchased a condo. The previous owner had not occupied the unit for a while, so had turned off the hot water heater.

When I moved in yesterday, I opened the cold water valve next to the (electric) water heater and turned on the breaker controlling the heater. The problem is, I can't get any hot water to come out of any of the taps.

I am almost certain that there is water in the tank, since when I open the pressure relief valve, water comes out. I also hear a hissing sound when the heater engages. The bottom of the cold water pipe near the heater is warm, but the hot water out pipe is cold. There is also a small leak coming from the top of the dip tube (the leaking water is hot).

My first thought was that there is a valve on the hot water pipe that had been closed, but I have not been able to locate one.

Is there any other explanation for this situation?

Any help appreciated.

[majakdragon]

kevinacker, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Are you getting ANY water out of the hot faucets? If not, there are valves under the sinks that may have been turned off. The shower and tub don't usually have shut-off valves though so you should get water there. Check these valves. Good luck.

[kevinacker]

Thanks for the reply majakdragon.

I've checked the valves under the sinks - they are all on.

When I turn on a hot water tap after it being off for a while, a little cold water will come out, then it stops.

[majakdragon]

There must be a valve closed somewhere. The cold water you get could be a crossover from a faucet. I would try to check with the previous owner or maybe your condo association has a maintenance man that knows the system.

[Ejbogusch]

To help you determine where the problem might be, open your T&P valve and keep it open for a few seconds to see if you have a full pressure release or just a build up in the tank. If you have a continues full pressure release look for a closed or broken valve after the heater. If your pressure dies quickly after release then check the valves before the heater.

[LVShane]

I have seen this issue before if the water has not been used in quite some time, there could be water calcification in the hot line.

You may need a plumber, but you can first try giggling the fauset handles and listening for what sounds like little rocks breaking free in the pipes. Sometimes this will work.

Good luck