Why Doesn’t My Hot Water Last In the Shower?
It’s the worst, isn’t it? When your hot shower is cut short? And why does the water always run cold when you’re covered head-to-toe in soap? There are a few reasons for this. Put a towel on and find out what’s causing your shower to turn into a Nordic ice bath.
8 Reasons Your Hot Water Doesn’t Last Long In the Shower
A shower that runs cold isn’t a fluke. From bad valves to a broken water heater, many things may be responsible for your cold shower. Below are eight of the most common reasons why the hot water in your shower is running cold.
1. Multiple Appliances in Use
If you’ve ever tried to juggle too many tasks at once, you’re probably not going to deliver the best results. The same can be true for your appliances. Using too many appliances that also use hot water, such as washing machines and dishwashers, will put a strain on your water heater.
2. Old or Faulty Water Heater
Your hot water heater does a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. It’s designed to convert energy into hot water used for everyday tasks like bathing and washing dishes. Water heaters are only meant to last about eight to 12 years, so if yours is old or broken, you could be experiencing a fluctuation in water temperatures.
3. Water Heater Size
“You used all the hot water!” Sound familiar? Sometimes it’s not the age of your water heater but it’s size. A water heater that’s too small for your home causes your hot water to run out fast, especially if you live in a multi-person household. Don’t be the person who uses all the hot water and leaves nothing but ice-cold water for the next. It’s not good karma.
4. Sediment Build Up
Mineral accumulation may not seem like a big deal, but it can build up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This build-up of minerals and sediment can and will affect your water heater’s function over time, leading to cold showers and other appliances.
5. Malfunctioning Water Heater Thermostat
Your water heater has its own thermostat which controls the temperature in the tank. If the thermostat is broken or set too low, your water won’t be able to warm up as it should. At best, it might reach a lukewarm temperature.
6. Broken Dip Tube
Unless you’re a plumber, you probably don’t know what a dip tube is—and that’s okay. A dip tube is a tube located inside your water heater designed to direct cold water to the bottom of the tank. This cold water is then heated and dispersed to whatever appliance you are using. If your dip tube is broken, the cold water won’t be heated correctly.
7. Faulty Shower Valves
A shower valve is what controls the flow and temperature of your water. If the shower valve is broken, you may experience things like low water pressure, fluctuations in water temperature, and a dripping showerhead.
8. Water Heater Leaks
Finally, a leaky water heater could be the cause of your cold showers. Everything from sediment build-up to corrosion can lead to a leak, so be sure to contact a professional plumber if you notice water pooling around your water heater. A water heater leak could be solved by simply draining the tank, but it may need a full replacement if it’s corroded.
How Can I Make Hot Water Last Longer in the Shower?
There are a few steps you can take to make sure you soak up every ounce of hot water during a shower. Just take note of the following tips.
- Change the settings on the water heater. Keep your water heater thermostat set between 120° F and 140° F.
- Don’t use multiple hot water appliances at once. If someone is taking a shower, wait to use the dishwasher or laundry machine until they are done.
- Change your shower habits. Conserve hot water by taking shorter showers or opting for a bath.
- Insulate your hot water pipes. You could be losing out on hot water if your pipes aren’t insulated, especially if they’re in the attic or basement.
- Repair or replace your water heater. An old or broken water heater won’t heat your water the way it’s supposed to. Call for a repair or consider a replacement.
- Schedule regular maintenance with a plumber. The team at Dauenhauer Plumbing, Heating & Air is experienced in water heater maintenance throughout the areas of Louisville and Lexington, KY.
Consider Installing a Tankless Water Heater
You might have heard of tankless water heaters. These water heaters are gaining popularity for a reason.
The name is a dead giveaway, but tankless water heaters don’t use a tank to house hot water. Instead, tankless water heaters supply hot water on demand. This means you can access hot water whenever you need it while running multiple appliances like showers, dishwashers, and laundry machines.
Tankless water heaters can also help you save. According to a recent study from the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24%–34% more efficient than traditional water heaters with tanks.
Don’t Let Your Shower Run Cold—Call Dauenhauer
A cold shower can put anyone in a bad mood. Whatever you do, don’t turn a cold shoulder into issues like a broken dip tube or old water heater. These things are fixable with the help of a seasoned professional.
Dauenhauer is available around the clock, offering 24/7 emergency services to restore your hot water when you need it most. Schedule an appointment for water heater maintenance or give us a call for immediate service. We’ve got your hot water covered.
