Are you wondering why you are running out of hot water faster than usual? It could be due to a problem with your water heater—at Anderson Plumbing, we have the expertise and experience to get you the answers you need to get you back to comfort.
Reasons Why You’re Running Out of Hot Water
Running out of hot water in your home can be a major inconvenience—in some cases, you may even need to call for an emergency plumbing service. Here are some common reasons why you may be running out of hot water:
Sediment Build-up in the Water Heater
One of the most common reasons why you’re not getting hot water off of your home’s appliances or faucets is due to sediment build-up in your water tank. Sediment will naturally accumulate in water heaters over time and is composed of loose minerals such as sand and rust. This buildup lowers the tank’s capacity to hold hot water. Routine maintenance, such as draining your water heater tank at least once a year, will flush out built-up sediment and enhance hot water production.
Incorrect Water Heater Size
A water heater that is too small for the demand of a household will run out of hot water quicker than a properly sized hot water system. If you live in a smaller house but have many people living in it, you may need to consider a larger or upgraded water heater to account for the extra people.
Faulty Shower Valves
If you’re asking, “Why Does My Hot Water Run Out So Fast In The Shower?”, it could indicate that you have a damaged shower valve. This problem only affects the bathroom’s hot water so check to see if your kitchen receives warm water—if it does, then you may need a shower valve replacement. These valves are typically made of rubber and can deteriorate over time, leading to blockages and reduced hot water flow. If you believe this is the reason why you’re not getting hot water in your bathroom, then call a professional plumber in your area, they will be able to provide the correct equipment and tools to replace your faulty shower valve.
Pipe Corrosion
Older homes may have galvanized pipes that are corroding, causing minimal hot water from your shower or home appliances. If you live in a newer and modern home, then it’s less likely to have corrosion in plumbing pipes since they’re made with copper or plastic.
Issues With Thermostat Setting
Your home’s HVAC system has a thermostat that you’re probably very familiar with, letting you control the temperature and airflow in your home. However, your water heater also has a thermostat on it that allows you to control the water temperature in your home. Sometimes your thermostat needs to be reset or raise the temperature when it gets cold outside. If fixing the temperature on your water heater thermostat doesn’t work, then you may need to call a professional plumbing company to diagnose the problem.
Broken Dip Tube
A less commonly known reason as to why your home is running out of hot water is a broken dip tube. A dip tube transfers water from the top of the water tank to the bottom in order to heat the water. If there is damage to the dip tube, then cold water isn’t able to travel through your water heater too and you won’t have any hot water. Sometimes you can tell this is the problem with your hot water supply when you find small pieces of plastic coming out of your shower head or faucets, indicating that you need a dip tube replacement.
Old Water Heater
Every appliance or system in your home has a lifespan—your water heater should last you 10-15 years with proper upkeep. However, if you have an old water heater, the natural wear and tear can cause it to not produce hot water as efficiently as before. If your water heater is old and going out on your own, Anderson’s expert plumbers can assist with top-tier water heater replacement service.
What Can I Do if I Keep Running Out of Hot Water?
If you keep running out of hot water despite all of the maintenance you’ve performed, then it may be time to call a professional plumber. At Anderson Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we can replace or repair your tank water heater, tankless water heater, heat pump, or any other heating system your home may have.
We know how inconvenient it can be to run out of hot water in your home, especially in the icy winters. If you’re in need of immediate hot water repairs, call Anderson Plumbing, we’re available 24/7 with our emergency plumbing services.
Call Your Local Plumbing Professionals for Water Heater Maintenance
When you experience little to no hot water in your San Diego home, then Anderson Plumbing, Heating, and Air is your trusted plumbing company with 45+ years of experience and over 3,000 five-star reviews. Get quality water heater repair or replacement services today and restore comfort back to your home.