Few things can ruin your day like a hot shower going cold. We’ve all dealt with running out of hot water at some point, but what if your home is having this problem frequently? Could that be the sign of an underlying problem that requires the assistance of a bathroom plumber? It could be. At Ohmstead Plumbing we can fix your hot water problems if you’re dealing with one of the following issues.
Build Up of Sediment
Your water heater is responsible for delivering that hot water to you, but a build-up of sediment could be affecting its ability to do its job. All water contains trace amounts of dissolved minerals, like magnesium or calcium, and heating up that water can cause the minerals to form a layer of sediment at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. If enough of this builds up it can displace a lot of water and reduce how much hot water is being delivered when you need it. If you notice traces of visible sediment in your water or hear strange noises from your water heater, like cracking, popping, or hissing noises, sediment buildup could be the culprit.
Broken Dip Tube
The dip tube in your water heater transports cold water from the top of your tank to the bottom so that it gets heated. If this crucial component is broken, that cold water stays up top and mixes with the heated water coming through your sink or showerhead. We can see if this particular piece is the problem.
Damaged Heating Element
Without a heating element your water heater simply can’t do its job. A malfunctioning heating element can be caused by a number of things, from sediment buildup to an electric short.
Insulation Problems
Insulation issues could also cause hot water problems during the winter. If your pipes are not properly protected from the cold, that hot water coming from the water heater ends up getting chilled before it gets to you. You might need to better insulate your pipes, but at least you’ll also get the added bonus of lowering your likelihood of encountering a broken or burst pipe.
Thermostat Issues
If you’re running out of hot water frequently it could indicate that your thermostat is having issues. It might need to be reset so that the water heater will go back to heating up the right amount of water to the right temperature.
The Unit is Old
Unfortunately, sometimes running out of hot water with alarming frequency can mean that your water heater is at the end of its lifespan. A water heater can generally be expected to last between ten and thirteen years. If you’ve had your unit in your home for that amount of time or longer and you begin to experience trouble with your hot water, it might be time for a replacement.
Your Reliable Water Heater Plumbers in Forest City, NC
If you’re having issues with your water heater and hot water, we can assist you. Contact Ohmstead Plumbing at (828) 245-7302 and we’ll send out a pro that can help you out. You won’t have to worry about your hot shower suddenly going cold again!