Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of your shower? While cold showers are invigorating, you don’t want to take one unexpectedly. All households run out of warm water eventually, and it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if your showers have gotten shorter and colder in recent days, you may have a more serious problem with your water heater.
Your Water Heater Isn’t the Right Size
Did you know that water heaters come in different sizes? The right size for your home depends on how many people live there. It all comes down to supply and demand. The more people you have taking hot baths, the more hot water you need. If you have a large family, you may want to invest in a bigger water heater.
Most households have 40-50 gallon hot water tanks. It may surprise you to learn, however, that a single shower can deplete all of that water in just about 15 minutes. That’s why most manufacturers recommend a 50-80 gallon tank if you have more than four people living in your home.
You Need to Clean Out Your Water Heater
When was the last time you cleaned out your water heater? Too many homeowners don’t realize they need to drain and flush the tank. Water naturally has minerals in it. You can’t see these tiny particles, but they are there. Over time, the minerals sink to the bottom of the water heater and form a thick layer of sludge.
Sediment takes up valuable real estate inside your water heater tank. If you run out of warm water faster than usual, you should call a plumber to flush the tank. Most plumbers recommend draining the tank once a year, but if you have hard water, you may need to clean it out more often.
The Thermostat Isn’t Working
Every water heater has a thermostat that regulates the water temperature. If the temperature inside the tank drops, the thermostat triggers the heating mechanism. Without this vital part, the water inside the tank would get either too hot or too cold.
It’s not uncommon for the thermostat to go out. Sometimes increasing the temperature setting will solve the problem. If it doesn’t, you may need to buy a new part. Luckily, this is a quick and easy repair, but it’s best to hire a plumber to do it for you. They will not only replace the thermostat, but the plumber will also inspect the heating element. After they fix the problem, you’ll have more than enough hot water for your morning shower.
Your Water Heater Is a Senior Citizen
When it comes to water heaters, younger is always better. Newer models work more efficiently and are less likely to run out of water too soon. As your water heater ages, the parts begin to wear out. Once your unit reaches the 10-year mark, it’s time to start saving up for a new model. Most homeowners have to replace their water heaters every decade. Check the age of your water heater if you struggle to get enough hot water for your household. You may be due for an upgrade.
The Water Heater Experts
Armor Plumbing wants to make sure you can enjoy a long, hot shower every morning. We are experts when it comes to water heater repair and installation. No matter the problem, we’ll offer you a solution that fits within your budget. Our expert plumbers know how to fix even the most complex plumbing issues. Connect with us online to address why you keep running out of hot water.