A warm shower in the morning is an important daily comfort. But if you’ve started to notice that your shower time is ending too early because the hot water starts to run out, it’s often a warning that something is wrong with your water heater. It’s important to pay attention to signs that you may need your water heater repaired because if you ignore them, you may end up with no hot water one day—and that will ruin more than just your morning shower!
Our HM Plumbing team has extensive experience handling water heater repair in Atlanta, so we know the different reasons a water heater may start to lose its hot water capacity. We’ll examine the most common below.
Sediment Build-Up
One of the most common reasons for a decrease in hot water supply is sediment build-up inside the water heater tank. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium, found in hard water, can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment acts as an insulating layer between the water and the heat source, making it harder for your water heater to warm up the water effectively. As a result, you may experience a reduction in hot water availability.
Faulty Heating Element
If you have an electric water heater, a faulty heating element could be the culprit behind your lack of hot water. Electric water heaters rely on heating elements inside the tank to warm the water. If one of these elements burns out, it will reduce the heater’s ability to provide sufficient hot water. A professional must replace the failed heating element.
Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater not only causes water damage, it also reduces the amount of hot water available. If there’s a leak in the tank or any of the connected pipes, the water heater won’t be able to maintain the required pressure or heat the water efficiently. This results in a lower supply of hot water reaching your fixtures. Please address any leaks immediately.
Dip Tube Problem
The dip tube is an internal component of your water heater that directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank where it’s heated. If the dip tube is damaged or broken, cold water may mix with the hot water at the top of the tank, causing the hot water to run out faster than usual.
Aquastat Issues
The aquastat, also known as the thermostat of your water heater, controls the temperature of the water inside the tank. If the aquastat is malfunctioning, it won’t heat the water to the desired temperature, resulting in a shorter supply of hot water.
Water Heater Age
Water heaters have a limited lifespan, typically around 8 to 12 years. As they reach the end of their service life, their efficiency decreases, and they may struggle to maintain a steady supply of hot water. If your water heater is at or above its service life estimate, it may be time to consider a replacement. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can improve your hot water supply and lower your energy bills.
If you’re experiencing issues with your water heater, don’t wait until you’re left without hot water altogether. Contact HM Plumbing today to schedule a water heater inspection and repair. Our experienced team will diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to ensure you have a reliable supply of hot water.
Contact HM Plumbing today for your residential plumbing needs. Serving with Integrity.