You may be surprised to know that there are many reasons why your water heater might not work correctly. Read on to discover what they are!
Water heaters are an essential part of your home. They keep the hot water flowing through your pipes for showers, baths, and washing the dishes. But sometimes, problems arise when your water heater stops working correctly. You may have a cold shower if something goes wrong with your water heater. Here are some things you should consider before calling a plumber.
The eight most common reasons why your shower is running cold:
Reason #1: Your water heater has run out of hot water.
If you are the last one in the shower in the morning, there is a good chance that you may have to take a cold shower. Depending on your hot water tank size, other family members may have used up all the hot water it can hold.
Running the washing machine and dishwasher use a significant amount of hot water. Once your water heater’s supply has been diminished, it can take a long time to fill and heat up again – resulting in cold showers.
Reason #2: Your water heater’s temperature needs adjusting.
All water heaters have a temperature gauge determining how hot your water will get. The recommended temperature of your water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius.
Any colder than this, and you may find that the water reaching your bathroom becomes frigid too quickly. However, refrain from making it any hotter as it could result in third-degree burns for you and your family.
Reason #3: Your dip tube is broken.
Inside your water heater is a pipe called the dip tube. The dip tube feeds cold water to the bottom of your tank. This forces the hot water to rise and flow freely through your pipes to your home’s faucets.
As your dip tube ages, small cracks can occur. When the dip tube becomes damaged, it can affect the water temperature in your hot water tank. Cold water can mix with hot water too quickly, reducing water temperature. Or, cold water can be sent directly to the top of your tank and straight to your shower.
Reason #4: Your water heater is broken.
There are many different reasons that your water heater can break down. Most hot water tanks only last ten years before they need to be replaced. If you hear strange noises coming from the tank, water leaking out of the tank, or water that is discoloured or has a foul odour, it’s time for a new water heater.
Reason #5: Your shower’s mixing valve needs fixing.
Inside your showerhead is a small part called a mixing valve. This valve is responsible for mixing the combination of hot and cold water that comes out of your showerhead.
If this valve has an issue, too much cold and not enough hot water could come through. This will significantly cool down the temperature of your shower.
Reason #6: There is sediment build-up in your water heater.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium are naturally present in your home’s water. Over time these minerals can cause deposits and sediment to form in the bottom of your water heater.
It can cause blockages and impair your heater’s ability to warm up your home’s water supply. Regular water tank maintenance and cleaning can prevent and keep your showers running hot.
Reason #7: The water heater is a far distance from your shower.
Hot water travels a large distance when your water heater is located in the basement, and your shower is on the upper level of your home. As the hot water travels through your home’s pipes, it cools. The greater the distance it travels, the cooler it will be by the time it reaches your shower.
Reason #8: There is a problem with the pressure relief valve.
If you notice that your water heater isn’t heating your water properly, check the pressure relief valve first. Call a plumber immediately if you notice any leaks or drips from the pressure relief valve. This is because the pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure so the tank does not burst. It also prevents damage to the tank by preventing too much water from entering the tank.
Nothing is more frustrating than a cold shower. Unfortunately, cold showers or a shower that takes too long to heat up are common household plumbing problems. Many different things may contribute to these issues. Some are easy fixes, while others may require you to call in the plumber.
