There’s nothing quite as frustrating as hopping into the shower only to be greeted by cold water halfway through. Running out of hot water can interfere with your day-to-day activities and leave you wondering what’s happening with your water heater. It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth digging into the cause if it keeps happening. The first step to solving any problem is figuring out what’s causing it, whether it’s a tank that’s too small, sediment buildup, or a faulty thermostat.
John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical in Omaha, NE, is dedicated to providing reliable solutions for all your home comfort needs, including water heater repairs, maintenance, and replacements. Read more to find the common reasons you’re running out of hot water and how to fix the problem for good.
Is Your Water Heater Too Small for Your Needs?
One of the most common reasons for running out of hot water is having a water heater that simply can’t keep up with your household’s demands. A home with one or two people can usually get by with a 20- or 30-gallon tank. However, a family of four usually requires a tank of 50 or 60 gallons to provide enough for back-to-back showers, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry in the same evening. When the hot water runs out, you’re left waiting for the heater to refill and warm up again.
It’s not just about the number of people in your home; your water usage habits play a significant role, too. Do you take long showers or run multiple appliances at the same time? If so, your current water heater may not be sized to handle the load. The solution is to replace your water heater.
Sediment Buildup Over Time
Over time, sediment from your water supply can settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup might not seem like a big deal, but it can create a significant barrier between the heating element and the water it’s supposed to warm. As a result, your water heater has to work harder and longer to heat the water, and you end up running out of hot water faster than you should.
Sediment buildup is especially common in areas with hard water, but it can happen anywhere. Flushing your water heater tank at least once a year is a good practice to keep sediment from becoming a problem. You might be surprised at how much gunk has accumulated inside if you’ve never flushed your tank. Regular maintenance like this can make a noticeable difference in how efficiently your water heater performs and how long your hot water lasts.
Thermostat Woes
Your water heater’s thermostat controls the water temperature. If it’s set too low, your hot water might not last as long as you’d like. Turning it up—especially if it’s below 120 degrees—can sometimes fix the issue. But if that doesn’t do the trick, the thermostat itself might not be working properly.
A faulty thermostat might fail to accurately detect the water temperature, causing the heater to shut off too soon or not heat the water thoroughly. If your water temperature keeps changing or you’re running out of hot water quicker than normal, you can call us to diagnose the problem. Replacing a broken thermostat is often a straightforward fix that can restore your water heater’s performance and give you a more consistent hot water supply.
Failing Heating Element
For electric water heaters, the heating element warms up the water in the tank. Over time, these elements can wear out or stop working altogether, which means your water heater isn’t able to heat water as effectively. If one of the elements has failed, your water heater might still work, but it won’t produce as much hot water as it should.
Signs of a failing heating element include water that takes much longer to heat up or hot water that runs out too quickly. If this sounds familiar, having the heating element inspected and replaced could solve the problem. It’s a relatively simple repair that can save you the frustration of constantly running out of hot water.
Water Overuse
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your water heater but with demanding too much hot water. Running multiple appliances simultaneously—like the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower—can quickly drain your water heater’s supply. If your tank doesn’t have time to recover and reheat, you’ll find yourself with cold water before you know it.
Being mindful of your water usage can help extend the availability of hot water. Staggering activities that use hot water or installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce the strain on your water heater. If you’ve already tried these adjustments and are still running out, it may be time to consider whether your water heater is the right size or type for your household’s needs.
Tankless Water Heater Solution
If you’re tired of running out of hot water, a tankless water heater might be the upgrade you need. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, unlike traditional ones that store the hot water in a tank. This means you’ll never run out of hot water, no matter how much laundry you do or shower you take back-to-back.
Tankless water heaters are also more energy-efficient because they don’t have to keep a tank of water hot 24/7. While the upfront cost of a tankless system can be higher, the long-term savings on bills and the convenience of endless hot water often make it worth the investment. When well maintained, they can last two to three times as long as a traditional gas or electric water heater.
Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Sometimes, running out of hot water is a sign that your water heater has reached the end of its life. Most traditional gas water heaters last about 8 to 12 years, and electric ones last 10 to 15 years. If your water heater is getting close to or past this age range, you might want to think about getting a new one.
Older water heaters are less efficient and more prone to issues like sediment buildup, failing heating elements, and thermostat problems. If you buy a newer model, it may work better, use less energy, and give you peace of mind that you’ll have hot water for many years to come. If your water heater is showing its age and you’re tired of running out of hot water, replacing it might be the best way to solve the problem.
Prevent Hot Water Issues With Professional Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your water heater running well and prevent running out of hot water. While some maintenance tasks are easy to do yourself, others are best left to a professional. Having your water heater inspected and serviced annually can help catch minor problems before they turn into major repairs or replacements.
Get Hot Water Today
Hot water is one of those things you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone. When your supply keeps running out, it’s more than inconvenient; it’s a sign that something needs attention. We have been in business for over 28 years and continue growing. In addition to working with water heaters, we offer a full range of plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling services. If you’re tired of running out of hot water and want expert help, contact John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical today.
