Nothing is worse than being in the middle of a nice, warm shower when the water suddenly becomes ice cold. In some cases, you may still have soap in your hair and shampoo on your body. If your household has been running out of hot water faster than before, you’re probably wondering what’s causing the issue. Naturally, you want to know how to stop it from occurring.
Reasons You May Be Running Out Of Hot Water
Contents
- 1 Reasons You May Be Running Out Of Hot Water
- 2 Call Robinson Plumbing For Trusted Plumbing Services
There could be a single issue or multiple issues that can lead to a problem like this. In this article, we share an overview of why you’re running out of hot water. Likewise, we discuss some ways to help you fix the problem.
Refrain From Using Appliances Just Before Or During Showers
Most water heaters can only provide so much hot water at a time. Two appliances that use the largest amounts of hot water are dishwashers and washing machines. Therefore, you will want to wait at least an hour after using these appliances before showering. While you’re in the shower, it’s also important to ask others in your household to wait until you’re done before using hot water elsewhere in the house.
Check Your Water Heater
You should check out your water heater when trying to determine what the problem is. Most water heaters last 8-10 years, some longer. If you realize that your water heater is more than 10 years old, you should have it serviced by a professional plumber. In some cases, it’s possible to prolong the life of a water heater.
Flushing The Water Heater
One way that a professional plumber can prolong the life of your water heater is by determining if there is a buildup of sediment. Minerals can sometimes sink to the bottom of a water heater. This buildup of minerals can take up space where hot water would normally be. If the buildup of sediment is your issue, your professional plumbing technician can drain the water from the water heater and flush out the excess sediment.
Water Heater Dip Tube
Yet another way that your licensed plumber can prolong the life of your water heater is by replacing the dip tube. A dip tube is necessary because it causes cold water to collect at the bottom of the tank for proper heating. Replacing the dip tube will only fix the problem of running out of hot water if it’s broken. A broken dip tube will cause cold water to rise to the top of the tank, preventing it from being heated. If your professional discovers that your dip tube is broken, replacing it will likely fix the problem.
The Hot Water Heater Thermostat
A faulty thermostat could also cause you to frequently run out of hot water. In some cases, all the thermostat needs is a quick and easy reset. If that doesn’t fix the problem then you should have your plumber take a look. They may find another problem with the thermostat, or it may simply require replacement.
Water Heater Size: Larger Households Need More Hot Water
If you have a larger household, it may be nearly impossible to refrain using hot water from appliances while showering. Also, many larger households consist of multiple bathrooms. This can result in 2 or more household members showering simultaneously from time to time. If you have a larger household, you might want to check the size of your water heater. Sometimes a water heater can be too small for the amount of hot water your household needs. If you find that your home falls into this category, then you could definitely benefit from upgrading your water heater. A larger water heater will provide adequate amounts of hot water so you’ll experience fewer episodes of running out.
Have You Considered A Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters have become popular over the years. There are many benefits to having a tankless water heater, such as its ability to save you space as well as money. One way that a tankless water heater can save you money is the fact that they last approximately 20 years. This is double the life of traditional water heaters. Another way that a tankless water heater can save you money is by lowering energy bills. They only heat water on demand, meaning that there no standby heat loss.
As mentioned above tankless water heaters can save you money. Since tankless water heaters heat on demand, the water is heated only when you turn the faucet on for hot water. Traditional water heaters hold heated water inside, which can easily supply you with enough hot water for a shower. If you use more than the tank’s capacity, then you will inevitably run out. Tankless water heaters can provide you with enough hot water, especially if you like long showers. It is important that you find the correct tankless water heater size to match your home water heating needs.
Conclusion
There is no reason to continue to take short showers in an attempt to finish before the water becomes cold. By doing a bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to identify the problem right away. Of course, the most expensive fix would be replacing your water heater, but that may not be necessary. However, if you’ve checked everything and you’re still experiencing the same frustration, you may very well have to replace it. Before making a decision, it is best to consult with a professional plumber.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Trusted Plumbing Services
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing companies. Our plumbing services range from water heater maintenance, water leak detection and repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the area. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work is guaranteed. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!