Why Your Hot Water Doesn't Last Long Enough

Have you ever been in the warm shower then it suddenly turns ice-cold? It's the worst, whether it's your morning wake-up call or your nighttime routine.

Here are a few tricks from Warner Service to keep the hot water running longer:

Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it’s at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Use a low-flow shower head. If you haven’t replaced the shower head yet, try a low-flow shower head. These plumbing appliances have smaller holes for the water to escape from. This naturally pressurizes the water and forces it out at a slower rate.
Be conscious of other hot water in your home. The shower isn’t the only place you use hot water in your home. The dishwasher and washing machine also have effects on hot water, even if they aren’t running at the same time. Schedule the dishes after a hot shower, and use cold water to do the laundry.
Insulate the residential pipes. A plumbing professional can examine and optimize the insulation of residential hot water pipes. As hot water leaves the heating tank, it's carried through pipes to the shower, washing machine, or dishwasher. If the piping isn't well-insulated, the water can easily lose its heat in transit to faucets or shower heads.
Inspect the heating elements. The plumbing problem with the hot water could be at the source: the hot water heater. If the heating element isn't functioning well, the water won't be warmed to the temperature set on the tank's thermostat. The heating element varies depending on the energy source it uses (gas, solar, or electric). Elements are easily replaced and often improve the performance of the hot water system.
Service the hot water tank. One of the leading plumbing problems with a hot water system is a poorly maintained hot water tank. Sediment and corrosion build up within the tank. This lowers the water quality and slows the heating element's effects. A simple draining and cleaning process resolves these plumbing problems. A plumbing professional is able to complete this service quickly.
Replace or supplement the hot water tank. If the hot water system isn't working, upgrade the entire system. Many hot water systems use one heater tank, but it's possible to add another tank to improve performance. Also, newer heater tanks offer a better solution for older homes that need upgrades.
Install a tankless water heater. The water heater supplies your home with a plumbing system that produces hot water for everything. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient and lower water bills.

Warner Service can help with plumbing maintenance and appliance replacements. You can also download the Boiler Maintenance Checklist to keep the hot water going all winter long. Click on the button below to get started:

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Why Your Hot Water Doesn't Last Long Enough