It’s easy to forget how important our hot water heaters are. We don’t think about it until we try to turn on the hot water and nothing happens. Then it’s a bad thing. There are a few reasons why your hot water heater might not be giving you enough hot water. Here are five things that could be causing it.
Sediment
If there is sediment in your tank, it could be a sign of a bigger problem and make it hard for the hot water to come out of the tank. Minerals can build up at the bottom of the tank over time, especially in places with hard water, and stop the water from getting hot enough. One solution is to drain your tank once a year to get rid of the sediment. Corrosion, on the other hand, shows up as rust in your water. That probably means you’ll need a new heater sooner rather than later.
Thermostat
Your hot water heater has a thermostat that controls how hot the water is in the tank. You can try to turn up the heat if it’s not getting hot enough. Make sure not to heat the water past 140 degrees, though, because it can get too hot and burn you. If the thermostat is broken, that could also be why you don’t have enough hot water. To make sure the thermostat is working right, a licensed plumber may need to check it.
Small Water Heater
You might also not have enough hot water because your hot water heater is too small for your house or your needs. If you put the water heater in yourself, this could be the case. To figure out what size you need for your home, it’s best to talk to a professional. In fact, some tankless systems now have ways to keep the water hot all the time.
Dip Tube
Your hot water tank gets water through a tube made of plastic that goes all the way to the bottom. This keeps the cold water from mixing with the hot water at the top of the tank. If this tube breaks or falls off, the cold water at the bottom could mix with the hot water at the top, making the hot water at the top much cooler.
Overuse
If you’re doing a lot of things at once that all need hot water, you’ll probably run out of it. Because of this, it’s best to run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines when no one is taking a shower or bath.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you think your hot water heater is about to break down or is too small for your home, you may need to call a pro. Since 1992, CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ has been helping people in Union City, NJ. Call us today at (201) 875-1054 to set up a time for us to look at your hot water heater.