There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping into the shower, only to discover that your hot water is gone before you’ve had the chance to do more than soap up your hair. Cold showers can make anyone a little grumpy–and your immediate question is, “Why isn’t my hot water lasting longer?” There are several reasons why your hot water might not be lasting as long as you’d like. Fortunately, some of them will allow for a relatively easy fix.

REASON #1: YOUR HOT WATER HEATER IS SET TOO LOW.

You know that you need to set your hot water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit when you have kids at home to help prevent burns. Dropping the temperature on the water heater too low, however, can mean that your water heater struggles to keep up with the demands of your home–and may lead to some cold showers.

REASON #2: YOUR WATER HEATER IS TOO SMALL FOR YOUR FAMILY.

There are just too many of you trying to get showers in the morning–not to mention a dishwasher and washing machine that is running all too frequently. Purchasing a new, larger hot water heater is one of the most effective ways to ensure that there’s enough hot water for your needs.

REASON #3: SEDIMENT IS BUILT UP IN YOUR HOT WATER TANK.

Minerals in your water have settled to the bottom of the tank. While that’s normal and a small amount won’t impact your hot water heater, large amounts of sediment buildup can cause problems with your hot water. Flushing the tank–either by yourself or by hiring a plumber–can fix the problem.

REASON #4: YOUR HOT WATER HEATER IS BROKEN.

A bad lower element or broken dip tube can cause serious problems with your hot water supply, leaving you shivering your way through a shower every day.

If you’re struggling with your hot water supply, contact us! We have several licensed plumbers on staff who are standing by to help you get your hot water back up to normal.