Why am I Running Out of Hot Water so Quickly?

There’s nothing worse than waking up on a cold winter day, turning on the shower, and realizing that there’s no more hot water. Unfortunately, hot water isn’t always going to be there when you turn on the faucet.

Common Hot Water Problems

If the Problem Has Been Gradual

You still have hot water most of the time, but does it feel like your heater isn’t working as well as it used to? If you’ve noticed a decline in your hot water over the past few weeks or months, it may be because:

• It’s past its lifespan. The average water heater lasts between 11 and 20 years. If your unit was installed over a decade ago, it may just be succumbing to old age and need to be fully replaced.
• Sediment buildup. Water consists of a lot more than just H20. Water that flows into your tank also carries minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. Over time, these minerals will build up and take up valuable storage space. For example, a 40-gallon water heater with 15 gallons of sediment build-up will only be able to carry 25 gallons of hot water.
• A damaged dip tube. A dip tube pushes cold water to the bottom of your tank. If it’s damaged, cold water may be sitting at the top of the tank and be the first thing pumped into your showerhead.

If You Lost Hot Water Overnight

Was your hot water heater working fine yesterday, but is suddenly cold today? If so, it’s probably because of:

• A large and sudden leak. Whether due to cold temperature or small rodents, a large hole in your pipes could be the reason why you’ve suddenly lost all of your hot water.
• You’re experiencing a problem within the thermal switch, thermostat, or heating element. The licensed plumbers at Mr. Rooter can inspect your water heater for damage within these parts and repair or replace them if needed.
• Your tank is too small. Did someone else move into the home or you’ve found yourself suddenly taking showers more often? Your unit might now be too small for your family’s needs.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing has been assisting homeowners with their plumbing issues for decades, and our expertise is unmatched! To learn more, give us a call at (717) 516-2673 or fill out our form!