What to Do If You Have No Hot Water in Your Edinburgh Home

💧 Edinburgh Plumbing Tip: How to Fix 'No Hot Water' Issues

There’s nothing like turning on the tap or stepping into the shower only to be met with freezing cold water—especially on a chilly Edinburgh morning. If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, it can be frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes even a sign of a larger plumbing or heating issue.

At Able Girl Plumbing, we understand how vital hot water is to your daily life. Whether you live in a tenement flat or a modern home, here’s a practical guide on what to do if you have no hot water, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Step 1: Check Your Water Supply

Before diving into your boiler or water heater, make sure the cold water is running normally. If no water is coming out of your taps at all, it could be a water supply issue rather than a hot water problem.

Check:

Your cold water taps (kitchen taps are a good first test).
With neighbours or online if there are water outages in your area (especially common during utility works around Edinburgh).
That your main stopcock is open.

If you have cold water but no hot water, it’s time to move on to heating-specific checks.

Step 2: Determine Your Hot Water System Type

Understanding what type of hot water system you have can help narrow down the issue:

Combi boiler (most common in Edinburgh flats and smaller homes): Heats water on demand—no hot water usually points to a boiler issue.
System or regular boiler with hot water cylinder: Stores hot water in a tank—no hot water may mean the tank isn’t being heated properly.
Electric water heater or immersion heater: Common in properties without gas—check the power supply and fuse box.

Once you know your system, here’s what to check next.

Step 3: Check the Boiler or Water Heater

If you have a boiler, especially a combi boiler, this is one of the first places to inspect.

Look for:

Error codes or flashing lights on the boiler display
A drop in pressure (ideal pressure is usually around 1–1.5 bar when cold)
Whether the pilot light is on (for older models)
Unusual noises like banging or gurgling

Low boiler pressure is a very common cause of no hot water, and often easy to fix by topping it up via the filling loop. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to get advice from a qualified heating engineer.

Step 4: Check Your Thermostat and Timer

Sometimes the issue is as simple as a setting.

Is your thermostat set high enough (usually over 60°C for hot water)?
Have the heating or hot water timers accidentally reset—especially after a power cut?
Is the hot water mode actually turned on (some systems have “eco” or “holiday” modes that reduce hot water availability)?

A quick check and adjustment could restore your hot water without any tools required.

Step 5: Check the Power Supply

If you use an electric immersion heater, it may have tripped at the fuse box. Resetting the circuit may restore power.

Check for:

Tripped circuit breakers
A faulty timer or thermostat
A blown fuse in the spur switch

Electric systems are often overlooked, but they’re commonly used in flats or areas where gas supply is limited.

Step 6: Is It a Frozen Pipe?

In winter months, frozen pipes are a leading cause of no hot water. If a pipe connected to your boiler or tank is frozen, water can’t circulate properly, stopping your system from working.

Signs include:

Very cold weather
No water flow or gurgling sounds
Icy pipes outside (such as a frozen condensate pipe)

Don’t use boiling water on frozen pipes—wrap them in warm towels or use a hairdryer on low heat to thaw them slowly. If in doubt, call a professional to prevent pipes from bursting.

Step 7: When to Call a Professional

If you’ve run through the steps above and still have no hot water, it’s time to call a qualified plumber or heating engineer. Boiler issues, faulty thermostats, broken immersion elements, or limescale blockages can all stop your hot water system from working efficiently—and often require a trained eye to diagnose and repair.

At Able Girl Plumbing, we’re proud to offer quick, friendly, and reliable service across Edinburgh. Whether your boiler needs a reset or your immersion heater is on the blink, we’re here to help.

Bonus Tip: Regular Servicing Prevents Hot Water Problems

One of the best ways to avoid losing hot water is to book regular servicing for your boiler or water heater. An annual check helps identify issues before they escalate and keeps your system running smoothly—especially during the cold Scottish winters.