Our hot water heaters are easy to take for granted. We don’t think about it until we try to turn on the hot water and nothing comes out. Then it’s not good. There are a few reasons why your hot water heater might not give you enough hot water. Here are five possible explanations.
Sediment
When sediment builds up in your tank, it can be a sign of a bigger problem and make it hard for the hot water to come out of the tank. Minerals can build up at the bottom of the tank over time, especially in places with hard water, and stop the water from heating properly. One way to solve this problem is to drain your tank once a year to get rid of the sediment. But corrosion shows up as rust in your water. So, you’ll probably need a new heater sooner rather than later.
Thermostat
A thermostat controls the temperature in the tank of your hot water heater. You can try turning up the heat if it’s not getting hot enough. Be careful not to go above 140 degrees, though, because the water can get too hot at that point. If there’s a problem with the thermostat, you might not be getting enough hot water. The thermostat might need to be checked by a licensed plumber to make sure it’s working right.
Water heaters are small
You might not have enough hot water because your hot water heater is too small for your house or your needs. This might be the case if you put the water heater in yourself. To find out what size you need for your home, it’s best to talk to a professional. Some tankless systems now offer hot water all the time.
Dip Tube
Your hot water tank gets water through a plastic tube that goes to the bottom. This keeps cold water from mixing with hot water at the top of the tank. If this tube breaks or falls off, the cold water at the bottom could mix with the hot water at the top, making the water at the top much cooler.
Overuse
If you are doing several things at once that all need hot water, you will probably run out of them. Because of this, it’s best to run things like dishwashers and washing machines when no one is taking a shower or bath.
When to call a plumber for help with your hot water heater
If you think your hot water heater is about to die or is too small for your home, you may need to call a pro. Since 1992, West New York Plumbing and Heating has helped people in New Haven and Fairfield Counties. Call us at (201) 977 – 6775 right now to set up a time for us to look at your hot water heater.
