The hot water in your shower is a precious commodity. It’s not often that you have the time to relax and enjoy a long, hot shower. That’s why it’s vital to make the most of every opportunity! In this blog post, we will discuss 6 ways that you can make your hot water last longer. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing shower without having to worry about running out of hot water!
What causes my shower to run out of hot water quickly?
Have you ever taken a long, luxurious shower that is abruptly cut short by cold water? Don’t worry – it’s not just because other family members have also taken long showers. There are several possible explanations as to why your hot water supply runs out fast; here are some of them:
- The temperature of the water heater is not set correctly, either too low or too high.
- There is also a dishwasher or washing machine running
- You have a high-flow showerhead
- Your home’s plumbing is poorly insulated
- There is a problem with the heater
- The hot water tank is poorly maintained
Fortunately, many of these issues can be quickly resolved with the right approach. However, in certain circumstances replacing your entire system might be necessary to overcome this obstacle – even though it may not always seem like the most desirable outcome.
Related: Best Shower Heads For Low Water Pressure
6 Ways to Make Your Shower Hot Water Last Longer
Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the common causes of short-lived hot water, let us explore potential solutions to make your shower experience last. Some fixes are as easy as adjusting a thermostat while others require replacing an aged water heater–whatever it is you need, there’s sure to be something out there for you!
Check Your Thermostat
If your thermostat setting is not quite high enough, you can try raising it by a few degrees for more extended hot water. Just be sure to raise the temperature gradually; otherwise, you could risk scalding yourself!
With just a few degree-level adjustments to the thermostat, you can easily test if it’s functioning correctly. If there is no change in the temperature, your thermostat might be out of order. To double-check this diagnosis and confirm that there isn’t another problem at fault, use a digital multimeter for testing; however, if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with using such an instrument professionally then don’t hesitate to call on an expert help!
Install A Low-Flow Showerhead
Installing a low-flow showerhead in your home is an easy solution to ensure that the hot water you have lasts longer. Despite its name, this device won’t reduce the pressure of your shower at all – it will simply slow down the flow rate of water used.
What’s more, you’ll be able to save money on bills due by taking shorter showers! So if you’re looking for an effortless way to conserve energy and save cash, purchasing a low-flow showerhead should be one of your top priorities.
Avoid using The Washer Or Dishwasher While Showering
Your dishwasher and washer play a major role in terms of your hot water usage. Though the washing machine won’t have an impact if you only use cold water, your dishwasher will make notable changes to that figure. To maximize efficiency, it is best to stagger the times when you run these appliances; for example, by running one after showering or at different points throughout the day instead of all three together.
Insulate Your Plumbing System
Unprotected plumbing can cause the hot water to chill quickly before it reaches your shower, sink, or other outlets. If there is no insulation at all, then that heated water won’t stay warm on its way from the tank in your house. To avoid this problem, contact a plumber and ask them to examine and reinforce the insulation of your system for maximum efficiency.
Check The Heating Elements
Your water heater’s heating elements could be the source of your problems. When these components are not operating correctly, it will prevent your thermostat from being able to reach the desired temperature and result in lukewarm or hot water that runs out too quickly.
Depending on the power source of your system (electric, gas, or solar), its heating element will vary. Nonetheless, you can conveniently replace it to enhance the overall performance of your system!
Service The Heating Tank
Just like the other systems in your home, it’s important to stay on top of your hot water tank maintenance. If you don’t take care of it and let sediment or corrosion build up inside the tank, then you could end up facing a malfunctioning hot water system. Proactively taking charge of its maintenance can ensure that everything runs smoothly for years to come!
Unfortunately, poor water quality and diminished heating elements are common outcomes of an uncleaned tank. To get your system back up to snuff in a timely fashion, you should contact a professional for help. Although it is a simple enough process that anyone can do, draining and cleaning the tank is best handled by experts who have experience with such tasks. Don’t be worried; this won’t take long at all!
Replace The Hot Water Tank
If your water heater is old and worn, it might be time to replace the system. On average, most hot water tanks last around 8-10 years, so if yours has been in use for longer than that you may need a new one. Sometimes fixing individual components can prove more costly than just replacing the entire system – however, depending on the issue there’s always potential to supplement an underperforming tank as well.
If your current hot water storage tank is not large enough to meet the needs of your household, you can always enhance its capacity by adding a supplemental tank. This is an excellent solution if you don’t want to spend money on buying and installing a new system – simply attach another tank to increase performance! Most systems use only one container, but with two tanks in tandem, warm water will be supplied throughout your home seamlessly.
If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient and cost-saving way to heat water, consider investing in a tankless water heater. These systems are built without tanks, which means they only use the necessary amount of energy needed to warm up the exact quantity of water that is requested. While these heating solutions may be pricier than other options initially, with their ability to save money on unused heated H2O over time, it’s an ideal option if replacing your current system is unavoidable.
