Have you noticed that your hot water isn’t lasting as long as it used to? Maybe the end of your showers are cold or it’s taking longer to get hot water to wash the dishes. It can be difficult to determine the root of the issue without a professional plumber, but here are some likely causes.
Thermostat issues
The first thing to do when having hot water issues is to check the reset switch on your water heater. On an electric water heater, it is usually a small red button at the top of the thermostat. A lit up switch means that it is tripped and needs to be reset. If this becomes a reoccurring issue, have a plumber look at it to diagnose the underlying issue.
Sediment buildup
The water heating process causes minerals such as calcium and magnesium to form into sediment particles. These particles settle at the bottom of your water heater tank and cause sediment build up. When this happens, you will notice that you have less hot water and your energy bill will go up. The good news is the fix is simple; a water heater flush done by a professional plumber will clear out the sediment. We recommend having your water heater flushed once a year.
Old water heater
If you keep up with annual water heater maintenance and you still are running out of hot water heater faster than you used to, it may be time for a new water heater. The lifespan of water heaters varies, but if yours is pushing the 8-10 year mark, it is most likely time for a new one.
Water heater is too small
If your water heater has never produced as much hot water as you’d like and you keep up with annual maintenance, you may need to consider upgrading to a water heater with a larger tank. A professional plumber can make a recommendation on tank size and give you a free estimate.
