Why Is There No Hot Water?
Have you ever come in from the cold, excited to have a hot water or bath, and discovered that there is no hot water?
There are several possible reasons why you don’t have hot water – or hot enough water. After you check the temperature setting on the water heater, more investigation may be required. Although it’s always best to call a professional to have them assess what is happening, let’s discuss a few common situations you might encounter, and help you determine what could be going on.
Hot & cold spurts
Possibly the most uncomfortable situation. This looks like short bursts of extreme hot and cold water. Not an ideal situation for a shower!
Often, this is the result of sediment build-up in your water heater tank. If you have hard water or older pipes, these deposits of minerals and particulates can build up so much that they leave less space in your tank for heated water, or absorb the heat that your heater generates. While making the process much less efficient, it can also leave your water temperature very inconsistent.
You should be emptying your tank once a year to help get rid of any sediments that might build up. If it is not a new water heater, it is best to have maintenance done by professionals who can ensure the safety of this annual flushing. However, if you already have considerable build up, you will need to replace your tank.
Please keep in mind - if you are experiencing this type of water heating problem, you should take it very seriously. More than just an inconvenience, it can indicate a problem that could get worse (potentially causing a leak, flooding, or even an explosion!).
Running out of hot water too soon
Sometimes, this is simply a case of your water heater being too small for the needs of your household. If you have several family members showering in close succession, as well as laundry and dishes running around the same time, then you will probably need a bigger tank.
If it isn’t a case of too much demand, then there is probably a repair required. This is usually a case of having an issue with the bottom of the two heating elements in your water heater. The bottom heating element is the workhorse – it keeps the water stored in the tank at a constant high temperature, ready for you to enjoy. The top heating element re-heats the water near the top of the tank – close to where it will exit – to make sure it is hot enough for use. If the bottom element stops working, you will only have the top few inches of water that the top element has successfully heated. After a few measly minutes, you will find yourself showering in all that’s left – cold water.
This requires a replacement of the element, something we will be happy to help you with.
Your water never really gets hot
There can be a few reasons this will happen. The first is, again, sediment build-up. As you have an accumulation of debris in your tank, your water heater becomes less effective at heating your water, leading to lukewarm water (the worst temperature of water).
The other typical issue would be a break, crack, or dislodging of your dip tube. When your water heater is refilling with cold water to be heated, it does so through a tube that brings it directly to the bottom of the tank. If there is a malfunction with this tube, it can cause the new cold water to mix with the hot water at the top, resulting in tepid water.
Contact a professional to investigate what the issue is and to make any relevant repairs.
These are just some of the situations you might encounter, and just a few of the possible problems that might be causing your water heater issue. Luckily, you have a secret weapon in the fight for hot showers – us. Whether it is regular maintenance, repair, or replacement, we can give you a solid solution to your hot water woes.