We use hot water in our homes every single day. It is easy to take our water heaters for granted unless 30 seconds into your hot shower your water turns lukewarm, and then absolutely cold. If your water heater is not producing enough hot water for you, there can be several reasons. Let’s check out the most common reasons and see how you can fix them:
Sediment build-up
The presence of minerals in the water can cause sediment build-up. Sediments are solid materials carried by water. These sediments travel with water through the pipes and reach into your water tank, causing mineral accumulation.
Due to high temperatures, these minerals tend to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Unless the water heater is maintained regularly, this build-up can increase to the point that it can prevent the heating of water. If your water heater does not produce enough hot water and you can hear rumbling noises, it could be a sign of sediment build-up. The best way to address this problem is by draining your tank annually and getting rid of all the sediment.
Thermostat
Your water heater has a thermostat that tells it when to turn and produce more heat water. When this thermostat malfunctions, it will not tell the heater to turn on. In this case, replacing the thermostat may solve the problem. However, if the thermostat is working, you can try increasing the thermostat temperature to get the water hotter.
Wrong size water heater
The most basic reason for not getting enough hot water is that your water heater is not the right size for your requirements. When the water heater is working too hard to meet the high demand, you can run out of hot water. So, it is important to size your water heater correctly based on your family size and hot water requirements.
Broken dip tube
The dip tube is a long tube that fits into the cold-water inlet of your water heater and stops a few inches above the bottom of the tank. It brings the cold water to the bottom of the tank where it is heated. When the water gets heated, it rises to the top and from there it goes to the hot water tap, shower, or any other outlet. When the dip tube is broken, it’s difficult to get enough hot water in your home. With a broken dip tube, cold water cannot reach the lower part of the tank. It mixes with hot water and you get only warm water in your shower or faucet.
Faulty parts
When some parts of your water heater get worn out, you may not get enough hot water. If the element is suffering from wear and tear, you may not get enough hot water or no hot water at all. Similarly, if the relief valve, which releases hot water pressure is faulty, you will not get enough hot water.
You need a new hot water system
Like any other piece of equipment, your water heater also has a fixed lifespan. Over time, it will get old and worn out, and will not be able to perform as it should. If you feel that the hot water pressure is reduced significantly, you should consider replacing your water heater. Remember, a new water heater will ensure that you have sufficient hot water for your family’s needs. It will also lower your energy bills significantly.
If your water heater is not producing enough hot water for your needs, you should immediately schedule a visit by one of our trained HVAC professionals. With years of experience, they can get your water heater up and running in no time.
