It happens to almost everyone: you come home from work, and all you want is a long, hot shower. You turn on the water and are ready to get in, but suddenly you have to ask yourself: why don’t I have enough hot water? If you’ve had to take a cold shower recently, and still can’t figure out what happened to your hot water, you need to read this blog. The expert plumbers at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have put together this guide to help troubleshoot this issue.
Demand Is Too High
If your loss of hot water is relatively sudden, it could be an issue of demand. However, demand isn’t just created from multiple people using a home’s plumbing. Demand also increases due to different fixtures being added to a home. The following are the most common culprits of increased demand.
- Luxury Showers – If you recently upgraded your shower with a high-pressure showerhead or multiple showerheads, you are increasing demand for your water heater.
- Large Bath – Recently increased the size of your bathtub, or replaced it with a spa-style bath? These upgrades will increase the demand for your water heater.
- Additional Household Members – If someone has recently come home from college, or if you have family visiting, chances are you will run out of hot water faster. If your lack of hot water corresponds with having more people in the house, the issue is likely temporary.
The solution to this issue is to purchase a larger capacity water heater or install a tankless water heater.
Reduced Incoming Water Pressure
No matter your heater, hot water doesn’t arrive immediately. Incoming cold water pushes heated water to fixtures and appliances. If the pressure of the cold water reduces, the heated water will not be pushed as fast to your sinks and showers. It is difficult to identify the cause of low water pressure, the best way to determine what you need to fix by calling in a professional.
Water Heater Thermostat Set Too Low
Many homeowners set their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great way to save money on utilities. However, you will have to have the water faucet at maximum to get an adequate temperature. This will quickly empty your hot water heater. Instead of 120, try setting your water heater thermostat to 140 degrees. At 140, you won’t need to select the highest heat to get the temperature you want. When the heat setting is lower than max, cool water will mix with the hot water flow, increasing the time it takes the heater to run out of hot water.
Faulty Electrical Heating Element
Hot water heaters have two heating elements. If the top heating element is defective, your faucets will receive a constant supply of lukewarm water. If the bottom heating element is defective, you will receive a short burst of hot water, then cold water. It is possible to replace these heating elements yourself.
Sediment Buildup in Water Heater
Over time, sediment and rust build up in your water heater. Especially if you have hard (calcium and magnesium-rich) water. If sediment has built up in the water heater, the heating elements will not be able to function properly. To remove the buildup in the water heater, flush your water tank annually.
Still asking “why don’t I have enough hot water?” Call Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today!
We hope this guide has helped you stop asking “why don’t I have enough hot water?” The expert plumbers at Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing have provided the Atlanta community with excellent service and expertise since 1989. Call us or schedule your service online.
