A sudden blast of cold water can put a damper on your shower. It can also make it hard to do dishes and wash clothes. This lack of heat could be occurring for several reasons, and understanding the common culprits will help you troubleshoot the problem and let you know when to call a plumber for help.

A Guide to Residential Hot Water Problems

1. Empty Water Tank

Your water heater collects, heats, and stores water throughout the day, and this process takes about an hour. Once a faucet is activated to hot, the liquid shoots out, and the appliance starts the process over. When you use too much at once, the tank can’t keep up. This often happens if you’re running the washing machine while someone else is showering.

Avoid this issue by spreading out hot water use. If you, your spouse, and the children all take showers in the morning, make sure to do so about five to 10 minutes apart. Run the laundry and dishwasher during the day when no one is home. If the problem persists, you may need to upgrade the water heater. Welcoming an additional person into the home or purchasing an appliance that uses hot water are both instances that may require a new machine. A plumber can advise on what size unit you need or recommend a super-efficient tankless unit that delivers hot water on demand.

2. Failing Water Heater

Check the temperature setting on your appliance. It’s possible that someone turned it down from the recommended 120 degrees. Make sure it’s plugged in or connected to the gas line.

Most water heaters last eight to 12 years, but they can experience a variety of problems during that time. High pressure may have damaged the internal piping and computer. Standard devices require a vent outlet so they don’t overheat, as well. If yours is compromised, the excess heat will burn internal parts.

General neglect is also a culprit. Some tanks corrode when they aren’t cleaned regularly. These units should be cleaned, drained, and inspected by a plumber each year. Schedule an inspection to see if the unit is failing.

3. Cold Water Supply

If you notice a drop in hot water during winter, the municipal or well water supply you’re drawing from may be too cold. If the soil is frozen or a layer of snow and ice are sitting above the pipes, the water tank might not be able to heat the liquid fast enough. Increase the temperature on your appliance incrementally until you have steady heat again.

If you’re still struggling with water heater issues, the plumbers at Drain Pro Plumbing in Lakeville, MN, can help. This contractor has over 50 years of experience with residential and commercial plumbing. Their skilled team handles drain cleaning, plumbing repairs and installations, and fixture repairs. Learn more on their website, and call (952) 469-6999 to schedule an inspection.