Why Do I Keep Running Out of Hot Water?
A warm and refreshing shower at the end of the day can melt away your stress, help you sleep better at night, and feel relaxed. The last thing you want is your hot water supply being disrupted all of a sudden.
Here’s why it might happen:
You’re using too many appliances at the same time.
At times, your hot water supply can also reduce because too many appliances are using hot water simultaneously. If you’re showering and someone else in the house is running hot water in the kitchen sink—you might start noticing some cold water pouring down the shower. This is why you should avoid using dishwashers and washing machines right before you intend to take a shower.
You have an incorrectly sized water heater.
Let’s talk about sizing your water heater correctly. Start by listing the number of hot water devices that you’re using. Add up their flow rates and determine the desired flow rate. This is calculated in terms of gallons per minute. Let’s say, you require a 0.75 gallons per minute flow rate from the faucets and a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute from the showerhead. The flow rate of your tankless water heater should be equal to at least 3.25 gallons per minute. You can also improve the efficiency of the heating system; try installing low-water fixtures.
You can also size your water heater correctly by determining the desired output temperature. If the water is coming in at 50ºF and you need an output of 120ºF, you’d need a temperature increase of 70ºF. In this case, we recommend investing in a thermostatically controlled tankless water heater. This will allow you to control the output temperature, water flow rate, and inlet temperature.
You have an old water heater.
Just like all other appliances, your water heater also has a shelf life. On average, you can expect your water heater to last about 8 to 12 years. After this time, you will start running out of hot water more frequently. Over time, sediment and lose minerals can deposit on the bottom of the tank. This leaves very little room for hot water to flow freely. To make your water heater last long, get a professional plumbing service to drain and flush it out.
If you’re based in Fort Worth, TX, Pro Serve Plumbing will be glad to help you with your water heater. They are offering both water heater repair and replacement services in the area. Get in touch.
Comments
Post a Comment