What Should I Do if My Water Heater Isn’t Getting Hot Enough?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Know What You Need to Do to Fix a Water Heater Not Getting Hot
A properly functioning water heater is essential for our daily routines, providing us with hot water for bathing, cleaning, and various other tasks. But there may be instances of hot water not getting hot enough, which is both frustrating and disruptive. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand the potential causes and take the right action.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why your water heater may not be getting hot enough and provide practical solutions to address the problem. Whether it’s sediment buildup or a faulty thermostat, we will guide you through restoring your water heater’s performance and ensuring you have a reliable supply of hot water in your home.
How to Fix a Water Heater That’s Not Getting Hot
Is your gas water heater not getting hot enough? Or is your brand-new water heater only warm? Either way, it’s annoying and completely inconvenient when your water heater isn’t getting hot enough just when you’re about to shower, do your laundry, or wash your dishes. We’ll try to help you by teaching you how to fix the water heater not getting hot.
Check the Thermostat Settings
The thermostat controls the temperature of the water heater. If it’s set too low, the water heater may not reach the desired hot temperature. Check the thermostat settings and adjust them if necessary. Keep in mind that some water heaters have two thermostats, one for the upper and one for the lower heating element.
Inspect the Heating Elements
Electric water heaters use heating elements to heat the water. Over time, these elements can become corroded and fail, leading to inadequate heating. If you have a basic understanding of electrical systems and have turned off the power to the water heater, you can inspect the heating element for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, replacing the faulty element might restore the proper heating function.
Flush the Tank
One of the possible reasons for the water heater not getting hot enough is sediment buildup. The sediment obstructs the heat transfer and reduces efficiency, which can be resolved by flushing the tank. Flushing the tank can remove the accumulated sediment and improve the performance of your water heater.
Before flushing, ensure that you turn off the power or gas supply to the heater and then connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Open the valve and let the water flow until it runs clear. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and exercise caution while performing this task.
Inspect the Dip Tube
The dip tube is a plastic pipe that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If it becomes damaged or deteriorates, cold water may mix with the hot water near the top, resulting in lukewarm water output. Inspect the dip tube for signs of wear and breakage. If necessary, replace it with a new one to restore the proper flow of cold water to the bottom of the tank.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, describes some of the many reasons your water isn’t getting hot enough, along with some useful solutions and DIY tips.
Consider the Size and Age of Your Water Heater
The size of your water heater plays a crucial role in meeting your hot water demands. If your household’s hot water usage has increased over time, your current one may not have sufficient capacity to meet the demand. Additionally, the age of the water heater can affect its efficiency.
If your unit is old and inefficient, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model could be a worthwhile investment. The new water heater should have improved heating performance and energy savings.
Check the Gas Supply
If you have a gas water heater, issues with the gas supply can affect its heating performance. Ensure that the gas valve is fully open and there are no leaks. If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact a professional technician to inspect and address the problem.
Look for Other Possible Causes
Other factors that can contribute to water not getting hot enough in the shower or anywhere else in the house include damaged or poorly insulated hot water pipes, or problems with the unit’s controls or wirings. You should also inspect these and repair or replace them as necessary.
Seek Professional Assistance
Remember, if you’re unsure about troubleshooting or dealing with your water heater’s components, it’s always recommended to seek professional assistance. They have the expertise to diagnose and address the problem, ensuring your water heater provides the hot water you need.
Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater?
If your current water heater is not getting hot enough and you’re considering a replacement, a tankless water heater could be a viable option. It’s an excellent choice with plenty of benefits to offer, from endless hot water supply to a long lifespan. Below are some points to consider when deciding if a tankless water heater is right for you:
Endless Hot Water Supply
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, meaning you will have a continuous supply as long as the unit can meet the flow rate and demand. Unlike tank-style heaters, there’s no risk of running out of hot water.
Energy Efficiency
Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient compared to tank-style heaters. They only heat water when needed, eliminating standby heat loss associated with storing hot water in a tank. This can result in energy savings over time, particularly if you have lower hot water demands or use hot water infrequently.
Space-Saving Design
Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, requiring significantly less space compared to tank-style units. If you have limited space or prefer a more streamlined installation, a tankless unit can be a great choice.
Long Lifespan
This type of water heater often has a longer lifespan. They can last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance, which can provide long-term value and cost savings.
Initial Cost and Installation
Consider the upfront cost and installation requirements of tankless water heaters. They generally have a higher initial cost and professional installation is recommended to ensure proper sizing and placement. Also, if your home’s electrical or gas infrastructure needs upgrades to support a tankless unit, that could add to the overall installation cost.
How can I check if my thermostat is set correctly?
Locate the thermostat on your water heater and verify the temperature setting. Make sure it’s set high enough to produce hot water. The recommended temperature range is typically between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 to 60 degrees Celsius. Adjust the thermostat if necessary and allow some time for the water heater to reach the desired temperature.
How often should I replace my water heater?
The lifespan of a water heater can vary depending on the type of water heater, water quality, maintenance, and other factors. Generally, tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan of about 15 to 20 years compared to traditional tank-style water heaters which have 10 to 15 years. But these are rough estimates and individual water heaters may have different lifespans. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections can help identify any issues and prolong the lifespan of your water heater.
When should I seek professional help for my hot water not being hot enough?
If you’ve gone through basic troubleshooting steps, such as adjusting the thermostat and flushing the tank, and your hot water is still not hot enough, it’s time to see professional assistance. A licensed plumber can diagnose the issue accurately, identify underlying problems, and provide appropriate solutions to restore your water heater’s proper hot water temperature.
Hire a Local Plumbing Pro
This article explores what to do when your hot water heater is playing up as well as the advantages of tankless units over traditional ones. Remember, whenever you’re unsure how best to proceed or just don’t have time to deal with a plumbing issue yourself, our local experts are just an e-form away or a phone call away.