Running out of hot water is never fun, right? Whether you’re in the middle of a relaxing shower, washing dishes, or trying to fill the bath for the kids, it’s super frustrating when that lovely hot water suddenly turns cold. If this keeps happening to you, it’s time to figure out why and how to fix it.
At Local Plumber and Hot Water Specialist, based in Illawarra, we’ve got everything you need when it comes to plumbing and hot water systems. But let’s dig into why you’re running out of hot water and what you can do about it.
What causes you to run out of hot water?
There are a few common reasons for this annoying problem, and most of them are easy to sort out once you know what’s going on.
Your hot water tank is too small
One of the most common reasons for running out of hot water is that your hot water tank just isn’t big enough to keep up with your household’s needs. If you’ve got a big family and everyone’s taking showers, doing laundry, and washing dishes, your system might not have the capacity to keep up. The good news is, this problem is simple to fix. Either stagger your hot water usage or upgrade to a bigger tank. Read more about Rinnai hot water system.
Hot water system issues
If your hot water system is on its last legs, it may not be heating the water as efficiently as it should. Older systems, or those in need of maintenance, can struggle to keep water hot. You might notice lukewarm water or even cold water way too quickly. Call us for hot water system servicing if you ever stumble on that issue.
At Local Plumber and Hot Water Specialist, we often find that an upgrade to a more energy-efficient hot water system can make a massive difference. Newer systems heat water faster and store it better, so you’re less likely to run out.
Sediment build-up in the tank
Over time, sediment (like minerals and dirt) can build up in your water heater tank, especially in areas with hard water. This can reduce the amount of available hot water because the sediment takes up space that would otherwise be filled with water. Cleaning your tank or having it flushed out by a professional can solve this problem and help prevent you from running out of hot water in the future.
Broken thermostat
Another common cause of running out of hot water is a broken thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it might not be heating the water to the right temperature, or it might shut off too early. Either way, you end up with a tank full of cold or lukewarm water. Thankfully, a thermostat replacement is a quick fix.
Leaking hot water system
Leaks can be a hidden cause of running out of hot water. If your hot water tank is leaking, then you’re losing water faster than it can be heated. This might not always be obvious, especially if the leak is small. Check around the base of the tank for water puddles, or call a plumber to take a look if you suspect a leak.
How to avoid running out of hot water
Now that you know some of the reasons why you’re running out of hot water, let’s talk about how to stop it from happening. Here are some simple tips that can help keep your hot water flowing.
If everyone in your house showers, washes dishes, and does laundry all at once, your hot water system is going to struggle. Try spacing out your water usage—shower at different times, or do laundry after everyone’s had their showers. This gives the hot water system time to reheat.
If your system is old or too small, upgrading to a bigger or more efficient model is a great solution. There are so many energy-efficient models available now, and at Local Plumber and Hot Water Specialist, we can help you choose the perfect one for your home.
Regular hot water maintenance
A little maintenance goes a long way. Flushing your hot water system to remove sediment, checking for leaks, and getting the thermostat looked at regularly can prevent most of the problems that cause you to run out of hot water. Don’t forget to book regular maintenance with a trusted local plumber to keep things working smoothly.
If you’re constantly running out of hot water, switching to a continuous flow (or tankless) system might be a good idea. These systems heat water on demand, so you don’t run out, no matter how many showers you need to take.
What to do when you’re out of hot water
If you suddenly find yourself with no hot water, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do. Make sure the system is connected and that the power or gas supply is working. Sometimes the fix is as simple as resetting a circuit breaker or turning the gas back on. Also, have a quick look at the thermostat. It might be set too low, or it could need a reset.
Check around the base of your hot water tank for any signs of leaks. If you spot one, call us right away to get it fixed.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong, don’t wait—call a plumber.
Running out of hot water can be a real headache, but it’s usually easy to fix. Whether it’s a quick maintenance job or a sign that you need a system upgrade, the key is knowing what to look out for and calling the experts when needed. Local Plumber and Hot Water Specialist is your go-to for all plumbing and hot water system needs in Illawarra, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re constantly running out of hot water or need any help.