You may not pay much attention to your water heater as it does its significant job unnoticeably — until you start running out of hot water quickly. Running out of hot water so fast can be incredibly frustrating. Several factors could lead to this problem. Let's take a closer look at the likely culprits.
Multiple Appliances Requiring Hot Water Simultaneously
Using hot-water appliances simultaneously, such as the dishwasher, the washing machine, and one or more showers, can affect your supply of hot water. The shower water could suddenly turn frigid. An obvious solution is avoiding putting excessive demand on your hot water. However, you could also consider switching to a tankless water heater, which could provide hot water even as multiple appliances or showers run at the same time.
Damaged Dip Tube
A dip tube causes cold water to flow to the bottom of your tank, where it gets heated. When it's defective, the cold water remains at the top, mixing with the water being sent to your home. Consequently, the overall water temperature reduces. If your dip tube has broken, you'll see small plastic bits in showerheads, strainers, and the filter screens of your water-dependent appliances.
Sediment Buildup
When your water is heated, some dissolved minerals settle at the bottom of your tank, forming a layer of sediment. If you've not been performing annual flushes, the sediment can occupy a lot of space in the tank and insulate the water from the heat source at the bottom. You'll need to drain the heater and flush out all the sediment. This task is best left to professionals. Scheduling annual maintenance for your water heater will help you avoid this problem.
Old Age
Just like other appliances, your water heater gets old. If your hot water runs out quickly and your system is more than 10 years old, you should strongly consider replacing it.
A Bad Heating Element
Electric water heaters usually have an upper and lower heating element. The element at the bottom carries out the majority of the heating. Sediment buildup, an electric short, or a defective thermostat can damage it. When that happens, the amount of heated water reduces.
Hot-water problems and other water-heater repairs are sensitive tasks. Avoid causing additional damage by calling a licensed plumber. If you live in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance for all your water-heater repair and replacement needs.