Is your Shower Running Out of Hot Water Quickly?

Sharing is caring!

Coming home to a hot shower is a pleasure that is cherished by just about everyone. However, this pleasure quickly turns to disappointment when the water in the shower starts running cold after just a short while. If you and your family are tired of enduring freezing cold showers, there are a few reasons why this could be occurring.

The Water Heater Tank may be Too Small

One of the main reasons why showers start running cold halfway through is because the water heater tank may simply be too small to provide enough hot water for everyone in your home. For instance, if you’ve expanded your family substantially over the past few years, your home’s existing water heater tank may no longer be large enough to service everyone. A qualified plumber will easily be able to replace an existing water heater tank with a larger unit.

Sediment Accumulation

Over time, sediment such as rust, sand, and other natural deposits settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. If left unchecked, it can accumulate to the point where it takes up a significant amount of space that would have otherwise been able to accommodate additional water. These deposits also gather on top of the heating element, which can prevent it from being able to get as hot as it used to. If this has occurred, a plumber will be able to drain the heating tank completely to flush the sediment out.

Aging Water Heater 

Unfortunately, all household appliances have a limited lifespan, with the average water heater lasting anywhere between eight and 12 years nowadays. If your home’s water heater is 10 years or older, chances are that it will be better to replace it than attempt to have it repaired.

Faulty Thermostat

Water heaters have their own thermostat, which may need to be reset from time to time. It’s recommended that a water heater thermostat be set to a minimum of 120 degrees and a maximum of 140 degrees. If raising the thermostat’s temperature still doesn’t provide you with as much hot water as you need in the shower, it’s time to have a plumber replace it.

The Dip Tube is Broken

Water heaters have a dip tube that pushes the incoming cold water down to the bottom of the tank, where it is then heated by the element. If this dip tube breaks or falls off, the incoming cold water doesn’t get pushed to the bottom of the tank anymore – it merely mixes with the water on top that has already been heated. This results in water not being able to heat to the desired temperature – causing you to experience a cold shower. 

There’s no need for you and your family to ensure cold showers any longer because our experienced plumbers will be able to determine the cause and rectify it in little to no time at all. Contact us today if you would like to have your home’s water heater tank inspected or replaced.