If your hot water seems to disappear way faster than it used to, it’s understandable if you have questions. We’ll go over five common reasons why your hot water is running out quickly and what you can do to get things back on track.
1. Sediment Buildup Can Reduce Your Hot Water Supply
One of the most likely reasons why your hot water is running out quickly is sediment buildup in your tank. Over time, minerals like calcium settle at the bottom of your water heater. This layer of sediment acts like a barrier between the heating element and the water, which means your system has to work harder to heat what’s left.
Why Sediment Buildup Is a Serious Issue
When sediment builds up inside the water tank, it reduces the amount of space available for hot water. This is especially true in areas with hard water, where minerals are more prevalent. As a result, your tank might heat less water than it used to, which leads to a situation where your water heater is running out of hot water faster than normal.
What You Can Do
Draining the tank and flushing it out once a year can help remove sediment. This is something a professional plumber can help with during a routine maintenance visit. They can also check the anode rod, which attracts minerals and helps prevent corrosion inside the tank.
2. Heating Elements or Burners Might Be Failing
Your water heater relies on its heating element or burner to do the heavy lifting. If either of these parts starts to wear out or fails entirely, the water inside your tank won’t reach the temperature it should. This can cause your hot water to run out surprisingly fast, even if you haven’t changed your usage.
Signs the Heating Component Is the Problem
If you notice lukewarm water or your system takes a long time to recover after each use, there might be a problem with the electric heating element or, in the case of a gas heater, the burner. In gas models, issues with the pilot light, thermocouple, or combustion process can also be to blame. One of these problems could be contributing to why you run out of hot water sooner than you expect.
Solutions to Try
A plumber can test the heating element, check for corrosion, and replace any parts that aren’t working properly. This type of issue is often fixable, but if your water heater is older, a replacement might be a better long-term option.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Settings or Valve Problems
Sometimes, the reason why your water heater is running out of hot water faster than normal is simply due to the thermostat being set too low or a valve not working properly. Both of these can make your system underperform, which might explain why your hot water doesn’t last.
How the Thermostat and Valves Affect Your Water Heater
The thermostat controls how hot your water gets. If it’s set too low, the water won’t get hot enough to stay warm through multiple uses. On the other hand, setting it too high can reduce efficiency and shorten the heater’s lifespan. Valves, especially mixing valves and relief valves, play a role in maintaining consistent water temperature and pressure. When those fail, hot water can leak out or mix unevenly with cold water.
What to Check First
Start by looking at your thermostat. Most water heaters are set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a good balance between safety and performance. If everything looks right but you’re still short on hot water, you might need a plumber to inspect the temperature valve or pressure relief valve.
4. Your Tank Might Be Too Small for Your Household
If you’ve recently added more people to your home or you’re using more hot water than before, the issue might be with your tank size. A water heater that’s too small will struggle to keep up with high demand. This is a very common reason why hot water runs out quickly in busy households.
How Usage Affects Hot Water Availability
When everyone needs a shower in the morning, followed by a load of laundry and the dishwasher running, it puts a big strain on your hot water supply. In that case, it’s no surprise your water heater is running out of hot water faster than normal. If your system wasn’t designed to handle your current demand, it simply can’t keep up.
How Long Should Hot Water Last in a Water Heater?
A standard 40 to 50-gallon tank should provide enough hot water for a household of four, lasting about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on usage. But if you’ve noticed that your showers have turned cold much faster than that, it could mean your household needs more capacity.
Knowing how long hot water should last in a water heater compared to your actual experience can help determine if a larger tank or even a tankless model would work better.
5. Leaks and Corroded Pipes Could Be Wasting Hot Water
Leaks don’t just cause water damage. They also mean you’re losing heated water before it ever reaches the tap. Even a small leak or pipe corrosion can lead to a noticeable drop in available hot water, especially if it’s been happening for a while without being caught.
Where Leaks Commonly Happen
Leaks often occur around the base of the water tank, along older pipes, or at the pressure relief valve. You might also see signs of rust or water pooling near your system. Over time, corrosion eats away at metal parts, causing hidden damage that reduces your water heater’s efficiency.
What to Do About a Leak
If you suspect a leak, shut off the water supply and call a plumber right away. Replacing damaged pipes or a worn-out valve can help restore your water heater’s performance. It’s also a good time to check for rust, wear and tear, or any other signs your system might be nearing the end of its useful life.
Other Problems That Can Affect Hot Water Supply
In addition to the main issues already covered, a few other things can cause your hot water to disappear faster than it should. Electrical problems, poor water quality, or an inconsistent gas supply can all affect how long hot water lasts in a water heater.
So, What’s Draining Your Hot Water?
Ultimately, there can be several reasons why your hot water is running out quickly, including sediment buildup in the tank, faulty heating elements, and corrosion. Each of these problems can affect how long your hot water lasts and help explain why you run out of hot water more often than you should. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when it’s time to call in a pro.
PGA Inc. has years of experience helping families in Central Wisconsin troubleshoot water heater problems. From diagnosing why you run out of hot water too quickly to offering reliable solutions, we have you covered.
Our plumbers in Wausau, WI, offer water heater repairs and replacements. If your system is outdated, too small, or just not working right, we’ll recommend the best fit for your needs.
Schedule Service With PGA Inc. Today!
If your water heater is running out of hot water faster than normal, don’t wait to take action. The experienced team at PGA Inc. can help you find the problem, fix it fast, and keep your home comfortable.
We offer a wide range of services, including professional water heater installation in Wausau, WI, and the surrounding areas. Get your hot water back on track by scheduling a service today!
