Running out of hot water is never fun for anyone, especially at this time of year. If you’re noticing that your water heater is not getting the water hot enough, even after turning up the thermostat, there are a number of possible causes.
The following are some of the most common reasons why your water heater may be failing you.
1- Sediment In the Tank
Minerals can gather at the bottom of the tank over time, preventing proper heating of the water. Draining your tank every year, to clear out the sediment, can help you resolve this problem.
2- Your Water Heater is Too Small
There’s a possibility that your water heater is too small for your heating needs if you are noticing that you’re not getting enough hot water. It could mean you’ll soon need a bigger water heater.
3- The Internal Heating Element is Broken
Electric water heaters generally have two heating elements. If one breaks, the other will have to work twice as hard, resulting in less efficient water heating. An upper heating element may be malfunctioning if the water is constantly lukewarm.
4- There is a Water Leak
Your water heater will never fill up with water if it leaks, so it won’t be able to heat anything. Observe whether the area around the water heater is wet to determine if this is the case. You may then need to replace the unit.
5- Wear and Tear
The “dip tube” is a part immersed in water that funnels cold water to the bottom of the tank. In the event that this tube becomes damaged, the hot and cold water will mix together, resulting in lukewarm water.
6- The Thermostat is Defective
In your water heater, a thermostat controls when it turns on and heats more water. It is probably telling the water heater not to turn on because it thinks that the water is hot enough. If this is the case, you may need to replace the thermostat.
Still no hot water? Call your local Durham region experts at PR Plumbing on (905)-429-9622 today. We have the skills and expertise to get to the root of your hot water problem.