Does it seem like your hot water runs out way too quickly these days? When your hot water heater isn’t keeping up like it used to, it’s normal to have questions. Let’s review five causes of quickly running out of hot water and what you can do about it.

Reason #1: Buildup of Sediment in the Tank

The buildup of sediment at the bottom of your tank is probably the most common cause of running out of hot water. When minerals like calcium from your water collect at the bottom of the tank, they make it harder for heat to rise. If you have a layer of sediment inside your water heater, it can make you lose water faster.

The Real Reason Sediment is Bad for Your Tank

Because sediment takes up space at the bottom of your water heater, you’re losing valuable tank space. Water naturally loses heat over time, but your hot water becomes hotter than usual when there’s sediment in the tank. Less space for water means you’ll run out at a quicker rate.

What You Can Do About It

To fix this issue, you should drain your tank and flush the sediment out annually. Professionals can do this for you, typically when they’re performing water heater maintenance. They can also check your system’s anode rod and replace it if needed. The anode rod attracts minerals and prevents corrosive damage inside the tank.

Reason #2: Faulty Heating Element or Burner

Water heaters don’t produce hot water without their heating element or burner. These components heat the water that gets stored inside the tank. If your burner or heating element goes out, your water may never reach the desired temperature. Running out of hot water can happen when your system is making it heat your water more than it needs to.

How Do You Know if Your Heating Element or Burner Is Failing?

First, your water may seem only lukewarm when the heating element or burner is failing. You might also notice that it takes much longer for your water heater to recover between uses. Gas water heaters can have problems with the pilot light, thermocouple, or combustion process. Any of these issues could be the reason you are running out of hot water faster.

How to Fix It

If you suspect your heating element, burner, or another one of these issues is causing the problem, call a plumber. They can test your water heater’s components and repair or replace any parts that are faulty. Keep in mind that older water heaters might not be worth repairing. You might want to replace your whole system if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Reason #3: Your Thermostat or Valve is Malfunctioning

Believe it or not, your water heater running out of hot water could be due to your thermostat settings. The same is true for a broken valve. If the thermostat is set too low or your valve is off, your water heater might run underperforming. Low performance might be the culprit of running out of hot water faster than normal.

Your Water Heater’s Thermostat & Valves

Water heater thermostats control the temperature of your hot water. If your thermostat is set too low, your water will never be hot enough to satisfy your needs. Not only that, but water loses heat over time. Your water might start off hot but run cold quickly if your thermostat is too low. High temperatures also aren’t ideal because they’re bad for efficiency and cause your heater to wear down faster.

When it comes to valves, mixing valves and relief valves are common issues. If either of these valves stop working correctly, you’ll run out of hot water. Mixing valves help regulate the temperature of your water. Broken mixing valves can cause hot water to leak out or mix poorly with cold water.

Temperature and pressure relief valves are safety features that prevent your tank from exploding. If your pressure relief valve is broken, you could be losing hot water without realizing it.

What You Can Do

Check your thermostat first. Most water heaters are set to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower and your water might not get hot enough; any higher and your water heater has to work too hard.

If your thermostat seems fine but you’re still running out of hot water, you may need to replace a valve. Call a plumber to diagnose and replace your temperature valve or pressure relief valve.

Reason #4: Your Water Heater is Too Small

Your water heater might be too small for your household. If you haven’t changed your water usage habits and suddenly need more hot water, consider your water heater’s size. A water heater that’s too small for your household can cause you to run out quicker than normal.

How Your Household’s Daily Amount of Water Use Affects Your Tank

Think about how many people shower in the morning before work or school. Now think about how many loads of laundry need to be done and dishes that need washing. Although it may not happen every day, high demand can easily outways what your water heater can supply.

But how long should a hot water heater last? Well, if you have a traditional 40 or 50-gallon tank, it should provide enough hot water to get everyone done. Still, that means your hot water will only last approximately 30 minutes to an hour. If it’s running out quicker than that, your family may need a larger tank.

Reason #5: Leaks or Corrosion in Pipes

Leaks aren’t just bad for causing water damage; they also waste your hot water. If your pipes or water heater tank have any leaks, you could be losing hot water before it even reaches your faucet. Even small leaks can account for a lot of lost water over time.

Where Leaks Occur

Check around your water heater tank for any water or signs of corrosion. Older water heaters often have worn out pipes or leaky valves. Another place to check for leaks is your water heater’s pressure relief valve. While you’re performing your inspection, look for any rust spots that have appeared.

How to Correct Leaks

Once you find a leak, shut off your water supply and contact a plumber immediately. Leaks can cause damage to your house if they go unnoticed. Consider replacing any broken pipes or valves that could be causing you to run out of hot water.

Why Is My Hot Water Heater Running Out?

Water heaters can experience several problems that cause them to run out of hot water quickly. Corrosion, loss of sediment, faulty heating sources, and broken valves can all play a factor in losing hot water. Now that you know some of the most common reasons your water heater could run out fast, it’s time to check your system.

Day & Night Plumbing can diagnose problems with your water heater. Whether you need water heater repairs or a whole new replacement, we offer services to fit your needs. Call Day & Night Plumbing today to schedule water heater services in Albuquerque.

Need Water Heater Services Near Me?

Don’t let a faulty water heater ruin your day. Day & Night Plumbing offers professional water heater services in Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today and get your hot water running smoothly again.