Having a water heater should ensure you have warm or hot water when you want it. Whether you need to wash clothes, take a shower, or make dinner, you don’t want to spend even a few minutes waiting for the unit to work. Not only is this a waste of energy, but it also wastes water. Discover why your water heater takes too long to reach the right temperature.
1. Poor Heating Element
Most water heaters have a heating element inside. As the water passes over this element, it raises the temperature to the setting you selected. When the element wears out, it has a hard time raising the water temperature. You may also notice that your energy bills go up because the element uses a lot of energy as it runs. Though you can repair the element, it’s often more affordable to replace the water heater if it’s 10 years old or older. Once the element begins wearing down, it will only get worse in the future.
2. Sediment Buildup
The filter in the unit captures any sediment and debris in the water. Many units also have features that remove the impurities in hard water. One reason your water heater takes longer to heat the water is that the tank has too much built-up sediment. Flushing the tank is a simple task you should do at least once a year, but some homeowners forget this step. Any plumber can flush the tank and remove the excess sediment. The sediment affects the heater’s ability to insulate itself and results in the stored water dropping to room temperature.
3. Small Tank
If you bought a house with a water heater already installed, you have no say over the size. However, when you buy a new one, make sure you purchase one with a tank large enough to accommodate your whole home. When the tank is too small, the heater only provides a small amount of hot water. A water heater with a 40-gallon tank is suitable for homes with up to four people. For homes with up to eight people, you’ll need a tank that holds at least 75 gallons.
4. Low Setting
Water heater manufacturers prevent users from raising the temperature to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature can lead to scalds and burns. As long as you keep the temperature lower, you can keep your family safe. However, there’s a risk that you set the temperature too low. If the water heater constantly produces water that is too cool, check the temperature setting.
You don’t need to live with cold showers or water that feels a little too cold. Water heaters often have trouble heating up because of sediment buildup, a small tank, a low temperature setting, or a bad heating element. Contact Alabama Home Pros in Montgomery, AL to see how quickly you can get your water heater back on track.