Do you feel out in the cold when you try to shower because your hot water runs out so quickly? Do you turn on the hot water tap and get lukewarm or cold water? We can help you fix that problem. Your water heater problem probably stems from one of the following causes.
You Use Multiple Hot Water Appliances at Once
You do not need a water heater repair if you run multiple appliances that use hot water at the same time. Washing clothes while showering or while another person uses hot water in the utility room or kitchen causes the tank to run out of hot water quickly. Make sure your shower is the only use of hot water while you bathe. You should stay warm.
Sediment Build-up
When water comes out in spurts of cold and hot, you may have sediment build-up. Water contains loose sediments, including sand and minerals. These sediments separate from the water in the hot water heater and settle on the bottom of the tank. As sediment builds up, it takes up the room formerly occupied by the hot water and insulates the tank from its heating source. If the anode rod went out, this could exacerbate the problem. Call a plumber who can flush out the system.
Water Heater Age
After a few years, water heaters begin to breakdown and cause various problems. If you have had the same water heater for ten years, it probably needs replacing.
Dip Tube Broken
You know your dip tube broke when you notice tiny bits of plastic in the showerhead, filter screens, and strainers. Your dip tube disintegrated. That important tube tells the cold water to stay at the bottom of the tank until heated. When it breaks, the cold-water floats to the top of the tank too soon, and you receive an unwelcome dose of frigid in your shower.
Thermostat Problems
Another small piece of your water heater that frequently experiences issues is your thermostat. It may need resetting. You also may have the temperature set too low, so try increasing the temperature. If neither of these works, you need to phone the plumber.
Heating Element Issues
One of the two heating elements in the water heater may have gone out. Most water heaters have coils located at the bottom and the top. The bottom coil heats the water initially. Hot water moves to the top of the tank while cold water fills the bottom to become heated. The top coil elements keep the already hot water heated. If either coil goes out, your water gets cold.
There Is Not Enough Hot Water
Traditional water heaters can run out of hot water. If you find that your family does not have enough hot water for each person to shower or bathe, you need a larger water heater. Just like clothes, water heaters come in various sizes. You need a bigger water heater. Consider having us install a tankless water heater. This means you never run out of hot water and you can wash clothes while you shower. Tankless water heaters heat a constant stream of water and always keep the tank full. This saves you from running out or even running low.
Call us if you notice any of the above problems. We can quickly address the problem and get your water heater working properly again.
