Hot showers feel fantastic after a long day, especially in the winter. You can finally relax at home after feeling chilly outside. You might even listen to the latest chart-toppers and try a new fragrant soap. However, something unexpected might happen in the middle of your routine. You run out of hot water and end up with a frigid shower instead. Have you experienced this recently? Running out of hot water is actually a common problem that can easily be solved with the help of an experienced plumber.
Reasons For A Low Hot Water Supply
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In this article, we discuss the usual causes and the appropriate repairs for those who run out out of hot water.
1. Your Water Heater Tank Isn’t Big Enough For Your Needs
If you run out of hot water, then you might be dealing with a capacity discrepancy. Your tank is probably too small for your requirements. Perhaps it can only hold enough water for a quick shower but not for the luxurious scrub that you like to take. The tank’s capacity represents the maximum amount of water that can be heated at any given time.
You can make corrections by replacing the unit with a larger tank. Talk to an expert plumber to avoid making the same mistake. Perhaps you can go a notch or two above the current capacity if you are consistently facing this issue. After the switch, you should be able to shower without any worries.
2. The Sediments Have Built Up In The Hot Water Heater
The water that gets into our home is not as pure as many think it is. Sure, the liquid may be clear, tasteless, and odorless, but this doesn’t mean that there are no impurities. A quick lab test will reveal the countless minerals that have been mixed into the water either through natural or artificial means.
Calcium and magnesium are two of the most common minerals found in water. These can clump up and turn into sediments that sink to the bottom of the water heater tank. Capacity will gradually drop as a result of this sediment build-up. This problem can be solved through periodic flushing. Ask an experienced plumber how to do this effectively.
3. The Dip Tube Is Broken
If you have an old water heater, then your problem is likely to stem from a broken dip tube. This is a known issue for models that were built in the mid-90s. The dip tube is there to make sure that the cold water coming into the tank gets where it needs be for heating. There have been lots of reported manufacturing defects for the tubes made in that era. The material simply isn’t up to the task. They break down over time and make even get dissolved in hot water.
The only saving grace of this design is that the tube is easily replaceable. You could opt for cheap repairs if you have a tight budget. However, it might be worth considering a total replacement of the heater given its old age. New models are more efficient and reliable than those made decades ago.
4. The Water Heater Has A Bad Lower Element
Sudden loss of hot water can also be attributed to a bad lower element. If you check the bottom of your tank, you will see that there are actually several heating elements located there. The lower element is generally the first to malfunction because of the stress on this component. If it can’t heat up the water, then you will have to deal with cold showers in winter. No one wants to deal with that. An expert plumber can check whether this is the culprit by testing the electrical system with a multimeter.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Trusted Plumbing Services
Once troubleshooting has been completed, the proper fix will be provided to make the water heater go back to its normal operation. Always hire a plumbing company with a good reputation and unquestionable experience.
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing companies. Our plumbing services range from water heater maintenance, water leak detection and repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the area. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work is guaranteed. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!