Skip to content
6 reasons you’re running out of hot water. Plus how to fix it.

6 reasons you’re running out of hot water. Plus how to fix it.

16 March 2021 Articles

There’s nothing worse than an unexpected cold shower. No one deserves it. Especially not on a brisk morning. As experienced Perth plumbers, we’ve seen our fair share of hot water system disasters. Here are 7 reasons why you may be running out of hot water, and some simple solutions to make that cold water hot:

Also read – Why does my hot water run out so fast?

1. Your hot water system just isn’t big enough

Hot water systems aren’t all designed to cater to the same size household. Far from it. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on their expected level of use. How can you tell? Try turning on the shower to full heat and then try the hot water tap in the kitchen at the same time and see if there’s a noticeable difference in the amount of hot water pressure you’re receiving. If it’s a trickle in the kitchen – you know your system is too small. 

Solution: Upsize that heater.

Get a hot water system that suits your household size. Consider how many people you’re living with and how many hot water taps you’ve got. Get a quote on a new hot water system today with No Probs Plumbing and Electrical.

Also read – How to choose the best hot water system for your home

2. You’ve got a sediment buildup problem

Hot water systems aren’t all designed to cater to the same size household. Far from it. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on their expected level of use. How can you tell? Try turning on the shower to full heat and then try the hot water tap in the kitchen at the same time and see if there’s a noticeable difference in the amount of hot water pressure you’re receiving. If it’s a trickle in the kitchen – you know your system is too small.

Solution: Inspect it. Clean it.

Get an inspection and make sure your hot water heater is flushed and cleaned. If this is your problem, you’re most likely about to experience more problems very soon. Talk to your plumber about costs of repairs vs investing in a new hot water system. You might find out there’s a more savvy approach than getting repair after repair.

3. You’ve got thermostat issues

Over time, your thermostat may gradually move down in temperature – indicating the need for it to be hiked back up again. It may also be a change in season that has you wondering why your water isn’t as “hot” as it once was.

Solution: Turn up the heat.

Check the thermostat. If it’s low for your (refined) taste in water temperature, then raise it until it you’re happy. Just be careful not to go too far in one go – these things actually have a surprising impact on temperatures. Between 50-60 C is the recommended range. You may want to be conscious about keeping your thermostat below “burning” if you’ve got kids in the house.

Also read – Optimal hot water heater settings

professional plumber perth

4. Your heating element is broken

This can happen at random, especially if your hot water heater is getting on a bit. Heating elements or pilot lights can easily be replaced at lower costs than a full replacement.

Solution: Call No Probs Plumbing And Electrical – We’ll inspect, replace or repair it.

Get an experienced team out to take a look and breathe some new life into your heater. These problems are usually minor – and won’t take long to fix.

5. You’ve got dodgy pipe connections or damaged parts

Even though hot water tanks are designed to last, they’re also dealing with extreme heat every single day and often worked very hard during the winter months. Along with changing temperatures, varying water pressure, or renovations, your hot water system may be running with loose pipe fittings, causing micro-leaks, or perhaps even damaged inner valves.

Solution: Get a quote on repairs vs replacement.

Sometimes repairing an old hot water heater is like trying to pump life back into something that is already well dead. Sure, repairing it might be good in the short term, but 6 months from now you might be wishing you’d saved on repairs and gone in for a new hot water system.

Need a new hot water heater? We’ll install the new one and get rid of the old one free of charge.

6. Your hot water system is kaput

Everything has a lifetime. Even your once-trusted hot water system. Unfortunately, we’re often not warned about when hot water systems will suddenly break. At the very least, you should get a solid 10 years out of any reliable hot water system.

Solution: Buy a snazzy new hot water system.

If your hot water heater is approaching or beyond the 10 years mark, you may want to consider switching to either a gas or electric hot water system depending on your utility connections. What’s the difference? Read more about gas vs electric hot water systems here.

Need a hand? Call No Probs Plumbing And Electrical

The fully licensed and qualified team at No Probs Plumbing and Electrical is here to help you with all your hot water concerns. 

Whether you’re after a replacement system, free old hot water removal, or simply need advice, we can help you!

Our same-day hot water guarantee states that if we can’t repair, service, or replace your hot water heater, we will loan you one at no extra cost. That’s why it’s no question, you should book with No Probs Plumbing and Electrical.

Call us today for a price quote guarantee on (08) 9315 5545 or visit our website for general enquiries.