Tips For Your Shower, Dishwasher & Water Heater
Has this ever happened to you? You’re enjoying a steamy, luxurious shower when all of a sudden, you’re hit with a blast of cold water. While this can be an effective early-morning eye-opener, sometimes working better than a fresh cup of coffee, you’d probably rather avoid the unpleasant surprise.
Running out of hot water while showering, washing dishes, or doing laundry can happen for a variety of reasons. In some instances, you might be using more hot water than you need. In other cases, a malfunctioning water heater or other mechanical issues may be to blamet.
5 Common Reasons Why You Run Out of Hot Water
Patterns of use that can lead to running out of hot water include:
- Using hot water in multiple places at the same time: Putting a load of laundry in the washer, turning on the dishwasher, and then jumping in the shower will place a demand on your water heater that it might not be able to fulfill. Scheduling these activities at different times during the day can keep you from running out of hot water.
- Frequently washing clothes: According to Energy.gov, one load of wash can use up to 25 gallons of hot water. Washing less frequently can significantly reduce your hot water consumption and help you save energy. Consider using the warm or cold water setting when possible.
- Running a half-empty dishwasher: Although they don’t consume as much hot water as washing machines, a dishwasher uses approximately six gallons of hot water per cycle. Wait until your dishwasher is full before turning it on.
- Extending hot water usage periods: Are you in the habit of taking long showers? Do you let the hot water tap run while you’re washing dishes in the sink? Taking a look at how you and your family use hot water and finding ways to cut back can prevent you from running out when you least expect it.
- Overfilling the tub: If you take baths instead of showers or use the tub to bathe your children or pets, be mindful of filling it with an excessive amount of hot water.
Fix These Plumbing Issues To Avoid Running Out of Hot Water
- Repair drips & leaks: Energy.gov reports that a leak of one drip per second can waste more than 1,600 gallons of water per year. Repair any leaks in devices that use or carry hot water such as pipes, faucets, and water heaters.
- Install efficient dishwashers & washing machines: How long has it been since you’ve replaced your dishwater or washing machine? These days, you can purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified household appliances that will reduce hot water consumption and save energy while delivering a superior level of cleaning. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on the product.
- Replace outdated showerheads & faucets: Energy.gov says federal regulations mandate that the flow rate for showerheads sold today can’t exceed 2.5 gallons per minute at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch. For faucets, the maximum flow rate is 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. Upgrading to these low-flow fixtures can dramatically reduce your hot water consumption.
Can You Run The Dishwasher Without Hot Water?
Yes, you can run a dishwasher without hot water, but it’s not advisable. Cleaning performance will be greatly reduced, as most modern dishwashers rely on a hot water supply to dissolve detergent and remove grease effectively. While many have internal heating elements, they work best when supplemented with an external hot water source.
What Are Common Signs of Water Heater Issues?
If you’ve taken steps to alter your usage patterns and remedy the plumbing problems listed above and you’re still running out of hot water, your water heater is likely no longer doing its job.
Typical water heater issues include:
- Age: Water heaters become less efficient as they age. Consider replacing your unit if it’s 10 or more years old.
- Burned-out element: If you have an electric water heater, it will have a heating element that heats the water. The element often won’t last as long as the water heater and may eventually burn out. You can purchase a continuity tester at your local hardware or home improvement store for around $5 to $10 that can help you determine if the element is functioning correctly. However, the best way to ensure you have a burned-out element is to get a qualified contractor from a company like Haller to determine the exact source of your water heater’s issues.
- Thermocouple failure: If you have an older gas water heater, it will have a thermocouple that helps the burner light stay lit. As the thermocouple ages, it can begin to fail. Your water heater may not be able to maintain the water at the desired temperature long enough for a shower or other household activities that require hot water.
- Insufficient tank size: It’s possible that your water heater’s tank may be too small to accommodate your household usage requirements, especially when you’re operating several appliances at once. Upgrading to a water heater with a larger tank or switching to a tankless water heater can rectify the problem.
- Tank sediment & deposits: In gas and electric water heaters, the tank can fill up with deposits and sediment from hard water. These can gather at the bottom of the tank and act as an insulator, stopping your water tank from heating efficiently. Getting a qualified plumber to help you flush this out at a regular maintenance interval can remove deposits and improve heating performance.
- Leakage: Small puddles of water on the floor at the base of the unit often indicate a leak. Causes of water heater leaks range from a loose drain valve to excess pressure buildup inside the tank. Leaking is also a common problem in older units. No matter the cause of the leak, you’ll need to correct the problem to avoid running out of hot water — and possibly having to deal with a flooded basement.
Install a Tankless Water Heater for Unlimited Hot Water
While there are many reasons you may be out of hot water, there’s no need to live with being uncomfortable or inconvenienced due to your water heating system.
If you’re tired of running out of hot water because of an old, inefficient, or damaged water heater, Haller Enterprises can help. We’ll install a new natural gas, electric, oil, propane or solar water heater with a larger tank that will provide the increased capacity your household needs.
We also offer tankless water heaters that deliver hot water on demand, reducing the likelihood of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower or wash cycle. Because it doesn’t require a tank to store water, a tankless water heater will also take up less space in your home.
Although tankless water heaters are typically more expensive than their traditional counterparts, they’re more efficient and can help you save energy over time.
Contact us to explore all your water heater options and learn more ways to avoid running out of hot water.
