Why You Have Too Little Hot Water
Sometimes, taking a long, hot shower is the best part of a busy day. But what happens when you run out of hot water and still have shampoo in your hair? If you’re still in the shower, we recommend a quick rinse, if you’re not currently bathing, it might be time to look at your hot water heater. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can go wrong with your hot water heater. Today, we’re looking at some of the reasons are have too little hot water.
Sediment Build Up
In many parts of California, we deal with hard water. Hard water means the natural water has a high mineral content, most often magnesium and calcium. While some trace amounts of calcium and magnesium are healthy for humans, they’re not so healthy for hot water heaters. When water passes through your hot water heater, it can leave sediment behind. Oftentimes, this sediment builds up in the hot water heater and will coat the tank and other internal components. When a tank is too full of sediment, the water can’t be heated as efficiently, and homeowners are left with half the amount of hot water they should have.
To combat this, homeowners can perform a yearly flush of their hot water heater. If your hot water heater is too full of sediment, a flush isn’t going to help. If this is the case, it’s time to call the experts at Moore Home Services.
Issues with the Dip Tube
A dip tube is a component that pushes cold water to the bottom of the water heater tank. This tube also keeps the cold water from interacting with the hot water. As the dip tube ages, it could crack or break causing cold water to mix with heated water which results in less than warm water. Another reason for dip tube failure is if the tube itself become disconnected. A professional plumber can check your water heater and diagnose any issues with the dip tube.
Faulty Thermostat
If you are dealing with an absence of hot water, one of the first things you should do is check your water heater’s thermostat. Sometimes, the thermostat can be set too low, causing the water to not heat to its full potential. If that’s the case, simply adjust the settings on the thermostat. If you increase the thermostat and see no change in your water temperature, it might be time to replace the thermostat. Either way, a trained plumber will be able to help you make the right decision.
It’s Time for a New Water Heater
The average hot water heater has a lifespan of 8-12 years. No matter how well you take care of it, or how may yearly flushes you do, water heaters get old and worn out. If your hot water heater is at the end of its lifespan, there’s not a lot you can do. The best thing to do is invest in a new water heater. In this case, it’s best to work with a professional plumber who can guide you in the right direction.
Call Moore Home Services if You Have Too Little Hot Water
Do you have any questions about your hot water heater or want to explore your options? Ask one of the expertly trained HVAC technicians at Moore Home Services. We are a Diamond Certified company proudly serve Santa Rosa, Marin County, and most surrounding communities. Please reach out to our friendly call center representatives or click here to request an appointment online.