An electric water heater typically has two
Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.
Problems may arise within the heating exchange system or be due to incorrect pressure levels, while in other cases, a malfunctioning thermostat or issues with flow rates could account for the unexpected temperature drops.
Inspect the thermostat, which controls hot water heater temperature. If someone has recently changed the setting, that could be the reason behind your lukewarm water woes. However, if the temperature setting is correct, the thermostat itself might be broken. You can have the thermostat replaced fairly inexpensively.
Over time, minerals in water can settle at the bottom of your water heater's tank. This sediment buildup affects the heating efficiency of the tank, forcing it to use more energy to heat the water.
How do you fix a fluctuating shower temperature? Addressing a fluctuating shower temperature requires inspecting the heat exchanger, checking for any blockages, and ensuring the boiler pressure is at the correct level. It may also involve cleaning or replacing the filters if they are faulty.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Common Reasons Your Shower Isn't Getting Hot
Malfunctioning water heater: A malfunctioning water heater is one of the most common reasons. If your unit is not functioning properly, it can result in lukewarm or even cold showers. Sediment build-up in water heater: Sediment build-up is another common culprit.
Sediment Build-Up
Now, if your new hot water heater is only lukewarm, then it may not have been used enough yet for sediment build-up—but if the unit isn't new, sediment build-up is the most common cause.
If you're only getting ice-cold water from your faucets, showers and sinks, there could be a few causes. Likely, the heating elements inside your water heater are broken or not working properly—or, potentially, your thermostat is incorrectly set.
A lack of hot water can be caused by a variety of issues. In electric water heaters, a power loss or heating element failure can cause water to no longer heat in the tank. In gas water heaters, a faulty gas connection, a bad pilot light, or a bad burner can cause no water to heat.
A tap or shower that keeps switching between hot and cold water could be a sign that the heat exchanger inside a combi boiler is blocked. Sludge and sediment buildup is fairly common in older boilers, especially when the filters are old. This blockage will then cause water to run hot and cold intermittently.
Sometimes, the issue isn't with the water heater but with the distance between the heater and your faucet. Long distances, especially in colder months, cause water to cool down as it travels through uninsulated pipes. Solution: Insulate your pipes to reduce heat loss.
Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.
You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Put one probe from the multimeter on the reset terminal (beside the reset button) and the other probe on the left side terminal, which will be the one with power wires. If the multimeter's reading says 1, then the water heater thermostat most likely needs to be replaced. If it reads 0, it is functioning normally.
Thermostat Replacement
Each heating element has its thermostat; if those don't work, the elements won't either. Hiring a pro to replace a thermostat averages around $150 to $200. The part itself costs up to $20 and is easily replaceable without disturbing other components if you have some DIY experience.
Common signs that sediment buildup is significant include bubbling and gurgling sounds and diminished hot water when bathing, cooking, or cleaning. You may also notice water discoloration, a leaking pressure relief valve, or cracks in the tank or its connections.
Flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often. If you leave town, change your water heater to its vacation setting.
Begin the flushing procedure by opening the hot water taps in your bathroom(s). Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off.