Imagine you’re in the middle of a relaxing, hot shower, and the hot water suddenly runs out. First thing in the morning or after a long workday, a sudden blast of cold water can ruin your day. When the hot water goes out, you’re left with a chilly, shocking douse of cold water that can truly be uncomfortable. There are several reasons you may have run out of hot water. This article will discuss the most common reasons your hot water supply is limited.
Why Am I Running Out of Hot Water?
Let’s look at five common causes you’ve run out of hot water.
1. Sediment Build-Up
Small quantities of mineral sediment, such as magnesium and calcium, are commonly found in many water supplies. When this sediment builds up in your water heater, it can impact your hot water supply. As minerals build up in your water heater, that can create a layer of sediment at the bottom of your appliance. The sediment layer can expand to the point that it dispenses a substantial volume of water from the tank over time. This build-up reduces the volume of your hot water supply over time. For example, a 40-gallon water heater can only hold 25 gallons of hot water due to significant sediment build-up.
2. Your Water Heater Is Old
Most residential water heaters have an average life expectancy of about ten to fifteen years. If your water heater is older, it may be time for a replacement. You should check the age of your water heater if you have an older appliance. Being proactive with your replacement can help avoid loss of hot water and reduce your chances of having significant water damage to your property.
3. The Size of Your Tank
Water heater tanks come in a range of sizes to suit the needs of various sized households. For example, a larger tank will be used for a household with several people. At the same time, a smaller one is needed for a single-person home. One of the most significant causes of a limited hot water supply is a small tank. On average, a family of two requires a 40-50 gallon water heater, with each extra person requiring an additional 10-15 gallons to heat your supply effectively. For a family of five people, you will need a water tank of 70-80 gallons. If you have a 40-gallon water heater in a four-person household, you will undoubtedly run out of hot water if everyone tries to shower around the same time. If your water supply is limited, talk to your local plumber to check the size of your tank.
4. Damaged Thermostat
Is the water in your morning bath still cold even after you have turned the knob towards the hot water side? This might occur when your thermostat isn’t operating correctly. Thermostats might malfunction from time to time due to their age or other causes. If you have a limited water supply, it’s a good idea to check your thermostat to see if it is damaged. If there is a problem with the thermostat, then your water heater won’t pull your water to the faucet at your desired temperature. Call your local plumber immediately for repairs.
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