Why is my Hot Water Tank running out of Hot Water?
There are several reasons why your hot water tank may be running out of hot water. If repairs don’t work, you may need to put a hot water tank Installation cost in the budget:
Tank size:
If your tank is too small for your household’s needs, you will run out of hot water quickly. You may need to upgrade to a larger tank or consider switching to a tankless water heater.
Sediment buildup:
Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing the amount of space available for hot water. This can cause the tank to run out of hot water more quickly. Flushing the tank regularly can help prevent sediment buildup.
Thermostat settings:
If the thermostat is set too low, the water may not be hot enough, or it may run out quickly. If it is set too high, you may be at risk of scalding and wasting energy. Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
Leaks:
If there is a leak in the tank or the hot water pipes, you may be losing hot water without realizing it. Check for any visible leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
High demand:
If multiple people are using hot water at the same time, the tank may not be able to keep up with the demand. Try staggering hot water use or consider upgrading to a larger tank or tankless water heater.
Age of Tank –
Sometimes the obvious answer is “The tank is just old”. When tanks are older and haven’t been maintained, they collect a lot of sediment within the tank, reducing the volume and thus creating a smaller amount of hot water available.
Faulty Dip Tube –
Inside your tank is a tube that directs the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank. The cold water is heated at the bottom of the tank and as it heats up it rises to the top, ready for use. If the tube is broken or has deteriorated, the cold water will then mix with the hot water at the top of the tank and create water that is delivered to the homeowner at a lower temperature.
Too Many People –
The family has grown or is growing up. Hot water tanks (When properly sized) should give the number of people in the house the appropriate amount of hot water when called for. If the family is growing or growing up (teenagers and their “short” showers) the hot water tank that you have may have done the job in the past but the capacity just isn’t there for the growth of the family. Make sure if getting a new Hot water tank installation that your plumbing contractor provides a proper analysis of the situation so that you aren’t left standing in cold water!
Did you Know?
If you are unable to determine the cause of the issue, it may be best to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the problem. We offer up to One Year deferred payments with new hot water tank installation. Payments are as low as $27/mo. o.a.c. (based on 2012 cost-effective financing rates)