Why Is My Hot Water Running Out Fast?

Running out of hot water regularly is frustrating, and you likely want to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible. There are several primary issues you could be experiencing, and the surest means of addressing the problem head-on – and resolving it as effectively and efficiently as possible – is consulting with a professional Chester County plumbing service as soon as you recognize that you have a problem.

Primary Issues to Consider

When it comes to running out of hot water too quickly, there are several common issues that are generally at the root of the problem, including:

• Your hot water heater is too small.
• Your hot water heater’s tank has an excess buildup of sediment.
• Your hot water heater’s heating element or dip tube is damaged.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Your Hot Water Heater May Be Too Small for Your Household’s Needs

If you have a traditional tank water heater, it only provides as many gallons of hot water as the tank can hold. If your household’s needs regularly exceed your heater’s capacity, you’ll find yourself running out of hot water on a consistent basis. Replacing your current model with a larger tank unit can resolve the issue.

If you have a tankless water heater, it’s designed to heat water quickly on an as-needed basis but it still has a specific capacity. This means that if your family’s needs far outpace the tankless water heater’s output capacity, you’re going to run out of hot water frequently, and it may be time to invest in a model that’s better suited to your needs.

Your Water Heater Tank Has Sediment Buildup

If your hot water needs haven’t increased but you find yourself running out of hot water regularly, it could be the result of sediment buildup in your tank. The water that flows into your hot water heater contains a variety of loose minerals. If you don’t have your tank flushed regularly, these minerals can form a layer of sediment at the bottom that interferes with your system’s ability to heat water, leading to higher energy bills and not enough hot water.

If that’s the issue, a professional plumber can flush your tank and perform additional regular maintenance that will help keep your unit running smoothly.

Your Heating Element or Dip Tube Is Damaged

If the heating element at the bottom of your hot water heater is damaged or malfunctioning, it can seriously limit the amount of hot water produced or can leave you without any hot water. If your dip tube, which is the mechanism that pushes cold water downward so that it can be heated, isn’t working properly, you can face similar problems. In either instance, it’s time to call in a plumbing professional.

A Trusted Chester County Plumbing Professional Can Help

If you’re running out of hot water far too quickly, the seasoned plumbing professionals at DiGravio – proudly serving Delaware County, Chester County, and Greater Philadelphia for generations – will assess the problem in your home and explore your best options with you. For more information, please contact us online or call us at 610-565-5870 – or 215-468-5962 in Philadelphia – today.