Why Am I Running Out Of Hot Water?

Have you noticed that you are asking yourself this question a lot lately? Most of us do not willingly choose to take a cold shower to start our day off. One thing is waiting with your hand under the running for minutes to warm up. But running out of hot water in the middle of a shower is the recipe for a rough day. What causes a once dependable water heater to stop working correctly? Below are some of the most common reasons our plumbers see that prevent homes and businesses from getting proper hot water when needed.

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The issue with your water heater

It stands to reason that most of the problems with our hot water supply come from the source of hot water, which is our water heaters.

Sediment buildup in the water storage tank

One of the best ways to fix a broken water heater is to flush out the tank. Most plumbers recommend doing that once every six months or so. You can (and probably should) flush out the tank every few months if you live in an area known for hard water issues. As water is collected in the tank, all the hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium will collect at the bottom of the tank inside the pipes.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this problem.  

Flushing out your water heater will help remove this sediment and avoid more significant problems like the tank expanding and eventually cracking or exploding. This can be done by following all manufacturer guidelines and safety warnings. Even though businesses and homeowners can perform this maintenance step, plumbers can also flush out water heaters if you are uncomfortable doing so.

Your water heater is too small.

It may sound like a silly problem, but perhaps your water heater is just too small to keep up with the demands of your home. Perhaps you have gotten roommates, or family members have moved in. If running out of hot water is causing problems with your routine, you may want to consider an upgrade. Tankless water heaters are popular because they supply the home with a constant stream of hot water. Use this reference guide to help you understand if your current tank size can fit your family’s needs.

• 1-2 people need a 30-gallon water heater
• 2-3 people need a 40-gallon water heater
• 3-4 people need a 40-50 gallon water heater
• 5 or more people need a 50-80 gallon water heater

Your water heater is just too old

Every utility has a lifespan, and when a water heater reaches the end of its lifespan, you will begin to see signs of wear and tear. Most water heaters should last somewhere between 8 to 12 years. If you are experiencing leaks, strange sounds, or a shortage of hot water, old age may be the problem. If you live in or around Salt Lake City, UT, consider calling Plumbing Utah Heating & Air today to speak with a professional and schedule an appointment at (801) 601-1298.