Very few situations are as aggravating as getting into the shower only to realize that the water is freezing. A lack of hot water can be caused by many different issues, and it is important that homeowners take care of them right away. Immediately addressing those problems will prevent further damage and potentially even save you some money down the road.
Inspect the Water Heater
As soon as you move into a new home or have a water heater installed in your current home, you should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the device. You must know how to adjust the temperature settings, switch the emergency shut-off valve, and reignite the pilot light. Homeowners who are dealing with cold water should always check those three components first before moving to the next step.
Insulate Your Pipes
An incredible amount of heat is lost as the water travels through your pipes. Depending on the age of your home, insulating your pipes could raise your water temperature by three or four degrees. This project is extremely easy, and most homeowners can insulate their pipes in just a few hours with nothing more than basic tools. Pipe insulators can be purchased at most plumbing supply and home improvement stores.
Replace Your Fixtures
Older water heaters often have relatively small basins. Once the basin is empty, it will take your water heater quite some time to heat another batch of water. Replacing all of your fixtures with high-efficiency products will cut back on how much hot water your family uses. Once those devices are installed, you won’t have to worry about who gets into the shower first or someone turning on the faucet while you are rinsing off.
Have the Water Heater Serviced
Modern water heaters are very durable, but they still need to be serviced by experienced technicians, like those from HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, once every few years. During these service calls, your technician will adjust the pilot light, drain the basin, and check the exterior for damage. They can also give you a better idea of when the water heater needs to be replaced entirely.
If you are still having issues with your home’s water being too cold, then you might want to consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. Instead of keeping a large basin of water warm, they only heat up the water when it is needed. These devices are much more efficient than traditional water heaters, and they provide you with a constant supply of hot water.