Why Does My Hot Water Run Out So Quickly?
Sediment Buildup
Sediment build-up is the main problem of your hot water running out mid-shower. As your water heater fills, the minerals can begin to settle into the water tank and accumulate in large amounts over time. This, in turn, can mean that there is very little space left in the tank for actual water.
If the problem is sediment build-up, you will need to flush your water heater of the minerals and dirt clogging your tank. This is a pretty simple task, but it can be time-consuming and tedious.
You will need to ensure that you have set aside time when no hot water is required and also ensure that you have the manufacturer’s instructions, as care must be taken when cleaning the systems, as there are often strict safety precautions to follow. If you are unsure of the details of your hot water system, it can be advisable to get a trusted professional plumbing service to do the job for you.
Old Water Heater
As water heaters age, like any equipment, they can deteriorate and become less efficient over time. It can be a good idea to take a look at how it works if your water heater is a bit old and you are running out of hot water quickly. Check for leaking, large amounts of steam, or strange noises. If you see any of these signs, it might be time to get your hot water system repaired or replaced.
Small Water Heater
This may sound like the obvious answer, but sometimes it is not something you think about until you run out of hot water. Water heaters come in different sizes that tend to depend on the house size and the number of occupants. You may have a three-bedroom house, but if only two people are living there, you will only need a small tank, while for the same house with four people, you will need double the water. A good rule of thumb is to start with a minimum of 90 litres of water and then add an additional 40L for every person. If you think your water heater’s size is the issue, you may need to talk to a plumber about installing a larger heater.
Broken Dip Tube
A dip tube ensures that the cold water is pushed to the bottom of the water tank in your heater to be heated. If your dip tube is not working correctly or is broken, the cold water remains at the top of the tank and mixes with the hot water delivered through your taps. This lowers the overall temperature of your water, and though it may not mean your hot water is running out, it does mean the water you are getting is not particularly hot.
There are two main reasons why the dip tube stops working. Firstly, the part may have reached the natural end of its lifespan. This tends to be the case with older systems, meaning you need to get a new part. The second reason is that your dip tube is faulty due to a crack or break. This can be caused by many factors and will require a new part.
Need To Get Your Hot Water System Checked?
Thinking that you might need to get your hot water system checked out? Give our team at Botanical Plumbing Services a call. We are here to help with all gas-fitting and plumbing issues you may be facing and can walk you through the possible problems causing you to get a cold shock mid-shower. Contact us today.
