Let’s be honest, nobody likes a cold shower ,or a lukewarm bath after a cold day outside.  You want something to warm up your entire body, not turn into a popsicle! 

SO, why do I run out of hot water in cold weather, you ask?

1) Water entering your water heater is colder in the winter. Cold water mixes in the water heater, and the colder the water is the faster it cools down the tank!

2) Sediment build up- each year that passes most water heaters accumulate approximately 3 pounds of sediment that take up valuable space in the heater. Not only does this reduce the amount of hot water available, but also it makes is more difficult for your water heater to heat. 

3) Unheated spaces are COLDER! When you call for hot water, the piping runs inside of your walls that are unheated. Your hot water warms the pipes and also the airspace around them, this causes a loss in temperature before it arrives to your shower. 

4) Back to Back showers! Showers taken within a short time span tax the water heater more in the winter. Leaving you a lukewarm shower after all the kiddos. 

5) YOUR WATER HEATER IS LEAKING!!!! Most water heaters are in safety pans, and should be checked periodically for water. If there’s any water in the pan this indicates an issue with the heater. 

BONUS: If you have a water heater pan you can purchase an inexpensive water alarm from any home center that runs off of battery.  The sensor will sound an alarm to alert you to water in the pan. 

We hope  these tips have helped you! We are here for all of your plumbing needs, Stress less! Call The Plumbing Express! 

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