Why Does My Hot Water Run Out Fast?

No Hot Water by the End of Your Shower? Here's Why.

As local plumbers serving Camp Verde and nearby areas, we've seen our fair share of homeowners run out of hot water during their showers or while doing the dishes. But before you run out to buy a brand new water heater or attempt to repair it yourself, it's important to investigate the problem a bit further.

Causes of Hot Water Running Out Quickly

There are all kinds of reasons why you may be running out of hot water too soon:

High Demand for Hot Water

One of the most common causes of running out of hot water is putting too much demand on your water heater. This can be due to a growing family, having visitors, or multiple people taking showers back-to-back.

Gathering everyone in your home to enforce a strict protocol of not overloading your water heater at once might be difficult, so why not upgrade? Tankless models and larger traditional tank-style water heaters are the perfect solutions for households with high demand for hot water. These upgrades will save you time, energy, and money while providing ample heated water when needed.

Leaks in Your Plumbing

Not only can hot water leaks waste gallons of water and cause severe damage to your property, but they could also explain why you're running out of hot water so quickly. Such expensive utility bills are no joke – if your pipes leak, act fast with a professional repair.

Visibly inspect the pipes that connect to your water heaters for any signs of wear or corrosion, especially around joints, and make sure to have them checked by a trusted plumber if you have any suspicions.

Wrong Temperature Setting

If you doubt the issue lies within your plumbing, it may be a water heater temperature setting issue. You can take care of this yourself if you know how to adjust thermostats on a tank; however, we recommend having an expert handle this task for you if uncertainty arises.

What Temperature Should Water Heaters Be Set At?

It is important to set the temperature of your water heater properly to get the most out of the appliance while still conserving energy. According to Energy Saver, the water heater's temperature should be set at 120°F. This allows you to use hot water safely while minimizing energy consumption and keeping your household safe.

Anything warmer than 140°F can quickly lead to dangerously hot water that can cause severe burns and injuries. Ensuring your thermostat is set correctly will help you get more out of your water heater!

Broken Dip Tube

A faulty dip tube (the pipe that runs down the middle of your tank and transports cold water to the bottom to be heated up) can also cause your water heater to make less hot water. Since this is located inside the water heater, you may need to look around for other signs that this is the cause.

Do the following to see if your water heater dip tube is to blame:

• Look for bits of broken plastic in your faucet screens, showerheads, and even in the toilet tank.
• Pay attention to how quickly your shower goes cold (if it's within minutes, it's a broken dip tube).

Sediment Build-Up in Water Heater

If you don't have a water softener installed in the house, especially with Arizona's infamous hard water, then you may be experiencing a decrease in hot water due to sediment build-up on the bottom of your tank. This is caused when mineral deposits settle at the base of your heater, reducing its energy efficiency and forcing it to work harder than normal, which can cut your shower short.

Fixing this problem is simple enough and usually involves draining the sediment from your tank and replacing it with fresh water.

Again, if you need help with how to do this properly and safely, it's best to call a professional plumber who can assist in this important water heater maintenance!

Seek Help from Our Camp Verde Water Heater Plumbers

If you're still having trouble fixing your hot water problems or aren't sure what the issue is, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino, and Maricopa Counties today for help!

As experienced plumbers serving Camp Verde and areas throughout the region, we can inspect your water heater, pinpoint the cause of any problems you're having with hot water running out too quickly, and assist in finding the right solution to get your hot water back.

We're backed by over 50 years of national experience and are dedicated to delivering honest, reliable service every time. We look forward to helping you enjoy hot water again!

Contact us online to schedule your appointment or learn more about our hot water services!