Hot Water Not Hot Enough

When a Water Heater Is Not Hot Enough

Hot water faucets should deliver just that—hot water. If your hot showers are turning lukewarm, the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help. Troubleshoot your hot water heater with these suggestions so you can look forward to a relaxing, hot shower.

Hot Water Not Hot Enough? Let Us Help

Try these tips to see if you can find out why your hot water isn’t hot enough.

• Make sure your water heater is the correct size for your household and usage. The hot water may be depleted if someone showers before you, or if you run a hot-water appliance before you shower.
• Check to make sure the water heater thermostat isn’t set too low. But DO NOT set the temperature any higher than 120ºF. Temperatures above this can result in scalding causing serious second and third-degree burns.
• You may have a broken dip tube. Normally, a dip tube pushes cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it’s heated. If it’s not working, cold water may be entering the pipes before it’s heated. If your hot water heater was made after 1997, this is an unlikely problem.
• If your water heater is old—10 years or older—it’s possible that you have a broken heating element, thermostat, or gas valve. These need to be replaced every so often, depending on usage and maintenance.
• It’s possible that sediment has built up in the tank, leading to slower heating or poor efficiency. In this case, it’s time to drain the tank. (See details below.)
• If the plumbing system is old, it may use cross connections. This leads to lower water temperature.

Professional Water Heater Repair

Diagnosing and repairing a hot water heater is best left to a plumbing professional. However, if you suspect the tank is full of sediment, learn how to drain your hot water heater yourself, check your water heater manufacturers maintenance instructions or website for specific instructions for your water heater. Your local Mr. Rooter services gas water heaters, electric water heaters and instant (tankless) hot water heaters. We always provide up-front, flat-rate pricing. We never charge for overtime. Contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for hot water heater service and repair. Call us, or request a job estimate online.