Does taking a shower feel like a race against time? If you’re barely able to rinse the shampoo from your hair before the water turns cold, something’s not right. You can tough it out, but living without sufficient hot water can decrease your quality of life and hamper your ability to keep a clean home. If you’re sick of your water changing quickly from hot to lukewarm to cold, it’s time to investigate.
Lots of things can cause hot water issues, and finding the source of the problem can be difficult if you don’t know anything about plumbing. Luckily, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating can help. Keep reading to learn why your hot water is running out so quickly and what you can do about it.
Need to fix your hot water issues fast? When you need the best emergency plumber Grand Prairie has to offer, look no further than Dial One Johnson. Call us today at 469-518-2809.
Increased Demand
The most obvious reason that you’re running out of hot water is that there is an increased demand. This could be caused by more people in the house, like relatives visiting for the holidays or the kids’ friends staying over frequently. It could also be caused by seasonal activities, such as taking more baths during the winter months.
If you’ve had more people in the house recently, it’s possible that the additional baths and showers are causing the tank to drain more quickly. You can easily solve this issue by installing a larger water tank. Not sure how to do that? An experienced Grand Prairie plumbing company can help with water heater installation.
Wrong Temperature Setting
If your household’s demand for hot water hasn’t changed, the next thing to check out is your water heater’s temperature setting. If your temperature is set too low, your hot water will feel lukewarm, and bacteria, including legionella, could grow in your water tank.
However, you should be careful not to set the water temperature too high. Not only will cranking up the heat drive up your water bill, but it will also increase your family’s risk of getting burned. That’s why the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends lowering the temperature to 120 degrees. Most experts agree that the ideal water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sediment Buildup
If the water heater’s temperature isn’t the issue and the hot water demand hasn’t increased, it’s time to start investigating the actual water heater. One of the most common water heater issues is sediment buildup in the tank. Sediment buildup happens when homeowners fail to schedule regular maintenance and annual flushes.
Water contains minerals, and overtime they break down and form sediment in any place they’re stored. Not only does sediment take up space in your water tank, but it also stresses out the heating elements, impeding their ability to heat the actual water supply. The only way to fix this issue is to flush the tank. If you need to get rid of sediment buildup, call the best plumber Grand Prairie has to offer — an expert from Dial One Johnson.
Broken Dip Tube
Have the changes in your home’s hot water been more abrupt than gradual? They might have been caused by a broken dip tube. The dip tube is a crucial part of the water heater, as it sends cold water down to the bottom of the tank to get heated up. When a dip tube breaks, bits of plastic can chip off and wind up lodged in your shower head, drain strainers or appliance filters. Here are some of the symptoms of a bad dip tube:
- Plastic bits lodged in water fixture screens
- White flecks of plastic in the water
- Lukewarm “hot” water
- Hot water that abruptly cools
Without a functioning dip tube, a water heater won’t heat water properly. That’s why if you suspect your dip tube is broken, you need to call a water heater repair service right away.
Outdated Water Heater
All appliances have a shelf life, including sturdy appliances like water heaters. If your water heater runs out of hot water quickly and frequently, it may mean it’s time to upgrade. This is especially true if your water heater is a decade or more old. Luckily, there are many modern water heaters that can get the job done and save you money in the process.
Not sure what to look for in a water heater? Here are two things you should consider when choosing the best water heater for your family’s needs:
- Traditional vs. tankless water heaters. Whereas traditional water heaters have large tanks that store water, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. As a result, tankless water heaters are both more compact and energy efficient than traditional water heaters. However, they’re also a larger upfront investment.
- Fuel Type. Before buying a hot water heater, it’s important to think about what type of fuel it will use. Natural gas water heaters produce hot water quickly, but they require venting through a chimney or wall; liquid propane heaters require venting and a storage tank. Electric water heaters don’t require venting, but they consume more energy.
Curious about which type of hot water heater will be best for you? A professional plumber from Dial One Johnson can come assess the situation, make suggestions and install your new unit.
Grand Prairie Plumbing
Tired of shivering in the shower and trying to wash dishes with cold water? You need to address your water heater issues. Luckily, whether you need to flush the tank, repair a broken part or replace the water heater entirely, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has got you covered. From inspection to installation, we’re your one-shop stop for every plumbing need.
When you need the best plumber Grand Prairie has to offer, there’s no better company to call than Dial One Johnson. Concerned you can’t afford professional plumbing services? That’s not a problem. We offer multiple financing options so that you can get the essential plumbing services you need with no out-of-pocket expenses. Ready to get started? Schedule service online or give us a call at 972-291-0740.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.