Why Isn’t There Enough Hot Water?

Are you noticing that the water in your home is not getting hot enough? Or that the water starts out hot, then quickly goes cold? If your water heater is not getting the water hot enough there are a number of possible causes. Here’s what to check.

The Dip Tube Is Broken

Cold water enters the tank through a pipe called a dip tube where it is sent to the bottom of the tank for faster heating near the burner. If the tube is broken, the colder water will remain at the top of the tank where the hot water outlet is located. This will prevent the water temperature from reaching the thermostat temperature, no matter how long you run the tap hoping it will warm up. A plumber can check the condition of the dip tube and replace it if it’s excessively corroded or damaged.

Sediment Build Up

Over time, minerals from hard water can build up at the bottom of the water heater tank where the burner is located. This buildup causes a gradual reduction in heating efficiency. This makes the water heater work less efficiently and eventually results in less hot water at the tap. Performing annual water heater maintenance, including flushing the tank to remove sediment, will help the unit work more efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Heating System Malfunction

Most water heater problems occur with electrical and plumbing systems, including the thermal switch, thermostat and heating element. A licensed plumber can inspect the water heater, and repair or replace tthe parts if needed.

Hot Water Heater Is Too Far From Where It’s Used

Is it taking a long time for the water to heat up when taking your morning shower? The problem is often that the hot water tank is a long distance from the kitchen or bathroom. During the cold months in particular, pipes will cool the hot water before it reaches the faucet where it’s needed. Insulating the pipes can help reduce heat loss. In larger homes, installing an additional tank or tankless water heater may be the best option to provide reliable hot water throughout the home.

The Water Heater Tank Is Undersized

If your water heater isn’t proving enough hot water to last through a shower, it could be that your water heater tank is simply too small to keep up with demand. If your household hot water needs have changed, installing a larger tank or upgrading to a tankless water heater will help ensure that you have all the water your household needs.

Not enough hot water? Call Central Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical, our plumbers can help with all your home’s hot water needs.

Call For Water Heater Service in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside, Polson and the Greater Flathead Valley

 

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