If you’ve recent had your shower switch from a cozy, warm temperature to a chilling rain – this article is for you. Running out of hot water mid-shower is never pleasant, and it’s a certain way to turn a pleasant experience into a terrible time. You’re probably asking why this is happening and what you can do about it. Good news: we’re here to help!
The not-so-big secret is that there’s something going on with your water heater. In this month’s blog, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of water heater problems. The last thing you want is to be dropped into the Arctic during your morning wash. So, let’s figure out what’s happening and how to fix it!
Multiple Hot Water Uses Isn’t an Option
A very common problem, especially with older households, is running out of hot water before everyone is done using it. If you can’t use the shower back-to-back or run the washing machine at the same time, it’s probably a daily problem. But why is this happening? Your water heater is too small. Every water heater has a certain storage capacity. If you use your hot water fast enough to run out, you’ll have to wait 20 or 30 minutes for the tank to refill and re-heat.
Luckily, the solution isn’t too complicated. You’ll have to simply replace the water heater with a larger tank. Call a local plumbing professional to size, install, and set-up your new hot water heater!
You Only Get a Little Hot Water at a Time
Typically, water heaters have two elements (one on the top and one on the bottom) that keep your water evenly heated while it’s being stored. Sometimes, however, the bottom heating element will be faulty, stop working, or heat less than it is supposed to. In this case, your water heater will have a tiny bit of hot water from the top heater to work through before it gets cold again. When you only have hot water for a short period of time, your bottom heating element is the culprit! After replacing the part, however, you’ll be back to business in no time.
There’s Never Any Hot Water At All
Did you know that your water heater has a thermostat, just like your house? It’s true! Your thermostat tells your tank just how hot you really want the water. When your thermostat is broken, set incorrectly, or malfunctioning, it means that your water heater won’t do its job. This is probably the worst problem to have, but it’s also one of the easiest to fix.
First, try resetting your thermostat. You can usually find the reset button (kind of like your router or a fancy washer/dryer) or use the owner’s manual to make sure that the temperature is set properly. Typically, this will fix your issue. If not, then it’s time to call a professional for some help.
Contacting a Professional Plumber for Water Heater Help
In most cases, you’ll need to contact a master plumber in your area to resolve your issue. Whether you need a new water heater, repair job, or regular maintenance, a professional should always be able to provide you with fast, reliable results for any plumbing issue. At Anchor Plumbing, we deal with water heater issues all the time. If you’re in Brevard, we’re the plumbing service you can count on! Just give us a call to get scheduled.
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