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Plumbing Question: Why Does My House Run Out of Hot Water?

Running out of hot water is never fun, especially when you are in a hurry and need it to finish your morning preparations for the day.  As Orlando plumbing specialistsModern Plumbing Industries, Inc. we can help you understand the main reasons why the hot water runs out.

Reasons the Hot Water Runs Out

As everyone knows, hot water is created for us by our water heaters.  The type and size of water heater that is present in a building will directly relate to how quickly the hot water runs out.  If the hot water heater is too small for the standard uses within a home or a business such as a restaurant, it can mean frequently running out of hot water and having to wait for it to be heated once again.

Different household tasks use up differing amounts of hot water.  A typical five-minute shower takes up 12 gallons of hot water.  A load of laundry typically takes from 9-12 gallons of hot water on the standard warm wash and warm rinse cycle (depending on the size of the washing machine).  A load of dishes in the dishwasher can use anywhere from 8 to 10 gallons of hot water.  If you only have a 30 gallon tank water heater then doing any of these things at the same time can mean the hot water runs out quickly.

It could also be that the dip tube on the cold water inlet on the hot water heater is broken or has worn out.  The result would be not being able to use the water near the bottom of the tank, which means you are losing a good portion of your water heating capacity.

On electric water heaters the heating elements could have gone out.  Resetting them will generally solve this problem, but if it does not it means something more serious has occurred and a water heater replacement may be necessary.

Improper insulation on a water heater can mean that heat loss from the water heater tank is causing the water temperature to fluctuate too often, resulting in not enough hot water.

Sediment buildup within a water heater can decrease how well the water is heated and how well it stays hot.  Excess sediment creates a big problem, and proper water heater flushing should be done during your annual professional water heater maintenance.

Let us help you solve your hot water problems in Orlando, whether they are due to a hot water heater that is too small, broken or worn parts, improper insulation or sediment buildup.  No matter what the reasons are that the hot water runs out, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. (MPI)  can help you get an ample supply of hot water once again.

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