REASONS YOUR HOT WATER ISN’T GETTING HOT
Before you continue reading, make sure you know what type of water heater you have, especially whether it has a tank-type storage system or is tankless, as this is the most important factor. Here are some of the reasons why your home's hot water isn't getting hot:
- OVERUSING HOT WATER
Though we may enjoy the long hot showers, your hot water tank can only hold so much hot water at any given time. If you have a big family and everyone showers simultaneously, you may run out of hot water. Of course, this leaves the last individual to take a chilly shower.
Even if you only have one or two people in your house, taking long showers might deplete your hot water supply faster than you think.
Furthermore, suppose you operate the washing machine or dishwasher while taking a shower. In that case, the enormous volume of hot water consumed may exceed the capacity of your heating systems or storage tank to keep up. Even if one uses hot water to wash dishes in the kitchen and other showers in the bathroom, this can exceed the water heater capacity.
- SMALL HOT WATER TANK SIZE
If you have numerous people living in your home and you frequently run out of hot water, your hot water tank may be too small for your needs. Perhaps your family has increased, your household has expanded, or you have visitors.
Do you have family members who use hot water for activities or hobbies daily? Do you frequently wash uniforms, socks, and towels in hot water for family members who work out often or participate in sports? These are things to consider when determining the size of your hot water tank.
- TANKLESS WATER SUPPLY SIZE
A tankless water heater heats water on demand as you use it at the faucet or appliance. There is no supply on hand. Because there is no reserve supply, if your unit has not been appropriately sized, your hot water supply may be reduced. Tankless water heaters are a terrific and long-lasting alternative, but they must be appropriately sized for your current and future hot water demands by an expert. For optimal performance, your unit should be serviced once a year.
- SEDIMENT OR MINERAL BUILDUP
Sediment, any solid object transported by water, accumulates minerals as it passes through the pipe and into your home's hot water tank. Sand or rubble from a well or water main could be found in water heater sediment. Minerals, mostly in the form of calcium carbonate, are frequently found in sediment.
Although your water heater contains a filter to eliminate contaminants, it does not catch "good" minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. Minerals take up more room in the bottom of your water tank as they accumulate, leaving less space for water. As a result, the hot water tank's capacity to hold the amount of water it should decrease.
As a result, your water heater becomes less efficient in heating and supplying hot water to your home. Your house begins to run out of hot water more frequently. If you hear popping or cracking noises coming from your hot water tank, this could mean sediment has built up.
- DAMAGED OR WORN-OUT PARTS
If parts of the water heater are damaged or worn out, the problems may manifest as a lack of hot water. The "dip tube," which is immersed in water, is one item that may wear down and break over time. The dip tube is a conduit that carries cold water down to the heating element at the bottom of the tank. When a dip tube is damaged, warm water is mixed with cold water, resulting in lukewarm water when it reaches you through the tap.
A defective or damaged thermostat might also cause the water heater to operate incorrectly, resulting in tepid or cold water being delivered. However, the thermostat may be set too low in some instances, and a simple adjustment may suffice.
The aluminum rod in your gas-powered water heater may be damaged if you smell rotten eggs. You may have a blockage if your water is pouring out in spurts. Mold or puddles around the base of your heater could signal a leak, which could mean your tank isn't holding the quantity of water it was designed to hold.
- BURNED-OUT ELEMENTS
An electric heater's heating elements will not be able to heat all of the water in the tank if they are old, burned out, or simply not large enough. Sediment build-up might cause the heating element to lose its function. You can use a continuity tester to check the heating element voltage yourself or hire a professional to diagnose the problem and change the elements as needed.
WHICH REASONS APPLY TO MY SITUATION?
Now that you're aware of some of the reasons homes run out of hot water, you'll need to figure out which ones apply to your heating system and household scenario. If you're still running out of hot water, look into your water heater as a possible cause, and utilize the list of possible causes above to determine which ones relate to your situation.
To discover the root of your problem, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it possible that numerous persons are showering at the same time within an hour of one another?
- Are you using hot water for multiple appliances at the same time?
- What is the age of your water heater?
- When was the last time you had your water heater serviced?
- When was the last time you replaced your water heater?
- Do you have a gas or electric water heater?
- Have you ever had a leak before?
You'll be able to apply the proper remedy to cure the problem in the long run and keep it from occurring again after you figure out why you're running out of hot water. You may be able to resolve the issue yourself, or you may need to seek expert assistance.
If you are in need of plumbing help, call (631) 234-0687 now or schedule a service online!