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Hot water is essential to everyday living. You use it for showers, washing the dishes, and various other tasks around the house. It’s easy to take it for granted because it’s not something we think about until it stops working. If your hot water runs out after five minutes or you’re suffering from lukewarm water in the shower, there are a few different reasons why this is occurring. If you’re looking for the answer to the age-old question, “Why do I run out of hot water so fast?” keep reading as the experts at Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc. share what could be going wrong in your home. 

Thermostat

There is a thermostat located on your water heater that controls the temperature in the tank. If your water isn’t getting hot enough, turn the thermostat up. If this doesn’t work, you could have a malfunctioning thermostat. Call a licensed plumber and schedule a water heater inspection to ensure it’s working properly.

Sediment or Rust

Over time, minerals build up in the tank of your water heater. The sediment is from deposits that are naturally found in our water supply. For homeowners who have hard water, this is especially true. Once the sediment settles at the bottom of the water heater tank, it can quickly cause your hot water to run out after five minutes. The mineral buildup prevents heat from the burner from reaching the water, compromising your access to hot water. To fix this problem, you can drain your tank annually, helping to flush out the sediment. Schedule a professional water heater maintenance service, and your plumber will drain your heater for you. If you spot rust in your water, this is a sign of corrosion, and you’ll need to replace your heater. 

Wrong-Sized Water Heater

If you’re still asking yourself, “Why do I run out of hot water so fast?” it could be because your water heater is too small for your heating needs. Many homeowners who choose to install their water heater themselves run into this problem. If you think this may be the case, call a professional who can determine the best size needed for your home. 

Dip Tube Problems

Water is supplied to your water heater through a plastic tube installed inside the tank that runs down to the bottom, called a dip tube. The dip tube prevents the cold water from mixing with the hot water at the top of the tank. If the dip tube breaks, cracks, or falls off, cold water will mix with your hot water, and you will experience lukewarm water instead. If you suspect a broken dip tube, contact a professional.   

Overuse

If you’re doing a load of laundry, washing dishes in the dishwasher, and taking a shower at once, your tank will struggle to provide hot water. Try to run only one or two appliances that require hot water to avoid this issue.

If you’re looking for a top-rated plumbing and water heater service in the Greater Philadelphia area, stop your search now and call the professional plumbers at Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc. We have over 20 years of experience servicing water heaters and can guarantee the highest level of customer satisfaction when we complete a tank service on your property.