No one enjoys getting into the shower and having hot water for just a few quick minutes. As a homeowner, you expect to have endless hot water running through your home’s water pipes. Unfortunately, things can change over time and the hot water could be limited. How to make hot water last longer in house? Take quicker showers, and do not utilize appliances simultaneously.
Let’s take a look below at the most common reasons for hot water to be limited in a home.
Where Does My Hot Water Go
Believe it or not, there are many different reasons for your hot water to stop being so available. It isn’t always because you are taking too long of a shower. Let’s take a look at the top reasons.
Thermostat Issue
Raising your thermostat temperature in the water heater might do the trick. If that still doesn’t work it is likely time to replace the thermostat or you will have a bigger issue. You can test the water heater thermostat and change it out if it has gone bad.
Water Heater is Old
Consider the longevity of your water heater. The average life of a quality water heater is 8 to 12 years. When you begin feeling a reduced time of hot water in your shower, you might be getting into some issues. An older hot water heater can definitely affect the availability of hot water lasting longer in the house.
Broken Parts
if the dip tube is broken, it cannot suppress the cold water towards the bottom of the water tank ensuring that it gets heated. This can be discovered by checking your shower head or filter screens in your other appliances for broken plastic pieces.
Sediment
When dealing with copper and other metal pipes, sediment build-up is common. The deposits in the water settle at the bottom of the tank and take up the space of the water. Less water is available to be heated and thus a water heater flush is recommended.
Appliances Running at the Same Time
The water heater can only heat so much of your cold water so quickly. Running the dishwasher and washing machine which use hot water at the same time as taking a shower can substantially reduce your available hot water. Remember, they are all sharing what heated water is available when being used simultaneously.
How Can I Make The Hot Water Last
Fortunately for every homeowner, some tricks and tips can be read about by our local professionals. Every home is built in a varying way in different parts of the country. Learning about what works for you is the best approach.
- Increase the thermostat temperature-raising the temp in the water heater thermostat will provide hot water longer.
- Refrain from simultaneous usage-as stated above, keep yourself focused on one appliance at a time.
- Maintain your water heater-conducting regular maintenance on your water heater will save time and money.
- Upgrade-never accept the builders’ installation as the end all be all. Make sure you research additional water heaters and if you have to add another tank, do what works for your home.
- Tankless water heater-installing a tankless water heater can save time and money. They are typically more energy efficient.
How Much Does It Cost
If you are needing to replace the water heater, you are looking at a repair or replacement cost of around $1,300 to $5,500. A gas water heater can cost you $1,000 to $3,000 for repairs and replacement. You are looking at around $36.50 a month for the gas water heater. The electric gas water heater will run you around $46.50.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Maintenance is required on the water heater to make sure it lasts a long time. This involves flushing it, adjusting the temperature and resetting, turning it off and back on, and checking the drain valve.
You will want to check your water heater and make sure that it has a gas line sediment trap. This is a vertical gas pipe that traps debris in the line so it doesn’t go into the appliance. If your gas or water heater doesn’t have one, you can have it installed or use an at-home kit.
While taking a look at the water heater, this may also be a good time to check out the garage as this is where many people have their water heater (if they live in a southern state without a basement.) The garage door should last about 15-30 years, while the garage opener should last about 10-15 years.
When Do I Call A Professional
After you have reduced your time in a hot shower by timing each use, you can determine what’s next. If the problem persists, it is best to call a professionally licensed plumber. Anytime you are dealing with water in the home, it is a great idea to also reach out to your local home inspection team.
Home inspectors can identify your exact issue rather than paying a plumber to troubleshoot every little possibility. Get the answers all at once and then pick up the referral from the home inspection team as to how to proceed. They are great at identifying the best professionals for you. In this case, a reputable professionally licensed plumber.
Conclusion
When completing any plumbing upgrades or repairs, you should consult your local home inspection team. They will refer you to call on a few professionally licensed plumbing contractors to get quotes on the installation of a new water heater if that’s what is needed. While you are doing that, you will also want to call on All Coast Home Inspections for a home inspection in Houston, TX.
