If your water heater is not providing enough hot water, or is running out of hot water too soon, there are a number of possible causes.
If the supply of hot water is more reliable the closer the faucet is to the water heater, it could be that the tank is too far from the areas of the home where water hot water is used. During the cold winter months in particular, pipes can cool the hot water before it reaches the faucet where it’s needed. Insulating the supply pipes can help reduce heat loss and keep the hot water flowing longer.
If the supply of hot water is running out too quickly, or drops when more a shower or washer are both in use, it could be that your water heater tank is too small to keep up with demand. Installing a larger tank or tankless water heater will ensure that you have all the water your household needs.
A common problem with water heaters as they get older is a broken dip tube. Cold water enters the water heater through the dip tube aimed downward from the top of the tank. Water is sent from the tube to the bottom of the tank for quick heating. When the tube is broken or badly corroded, cold water can remain at the top of the tank, where the hot water outlet is, causing cold water to mix with the heated water.
Another common problem is sediment build up at the bottom of the water heater tank where the burner is located. This causes a gradual reduction in heating efficiency that will make the water heater work harder and eventually resulting in less hot water. Flushing the tank annually will prevent sediment build up.
Finally, there are several systems that could be malfunctioning, causing the water heater to stop heating. These include:
- Thermal switch
- Thermostat
- Heating element
Have questions about water heaters or other plumbing systems? Call Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating.
