Four Reasons Your Shower Runs Out of Hot Water

Nothing is more frustrating than a shower running out of hot water in the middle of a bath. If this problem recurs, homeowners should diagnose and correct the problem to avoid further inconveniences. Here are some of the possible reasons a shower will run out of hot water.

Sediment Build-Up

The water flowing into the water heater has some natural minerals and sediment. With time, the sediment sinks and settles at the bottom of the tank. This material takes up space meant for hot water, and sediment can be a major factor in water heaters having a poor performance. A certified technician should check the tank and flush it for optimal performance.

Heating Element Problems

The lower heating element in a water heater does most of the work. It heats the water at the bottom before the water rises to the top, and if this element gets damaged, there’s a risk of a shower running cold. Some of the causes of damage to the lower heating element include sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat, or an electric short in the element’s wiring. The homeowner should hire an experienced technician to diagnose, repair, or replace the faulty heating element.

Broken Dip Tube

A dip tube pushes the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. Once the cold water heats up, it rises to the top, and the dip tube pushes cold water back down. If this critical process breaks down, less cold water flows to the bottom, which, in turn, reduces the amount of hot water available for the home. A broken dip tube should be repaired or replaced by an experienced contractor, depending on its condition.

A Small Water Heater

As a family grows, the demand for hot water also goes up, and this strains the water heater system. The homeowner should audit the home’s hot water needs and upgrade the tank if necessary. Every water heater in the market has a corresponding estimate of the number of people it can serve. If the demand for hot water has outgrown the tank, it's time for a replacement.

Running out of cold water is frustrating, but we can help you avoid this problem. Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc is an expert in heating and cooling solutions, serving Middletown, NY and the surrounding neighborhoods for over 35 years. For comprehensive professional water heater services including installation, repairs, parts, and inspections, contact us on 845-344-3030 today for a free, no-obligation estimate.