Possible Reasons Why Your Water Heater Heats Slower Than Usual

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Your water heater shouldn't take too long to warm back up again after using the hot water. If you've noticed your water heater is taking longer and longer to heat the water, then you may have a problem. Luckily, there are solutions available to slow water heating problems. Here is more about why some water heaters warm up slowly and ways a plumber can help.

Your Water Heater Is Old

Most water heaters have a 10-year service life. If yours is older than that, then your problem may be age-related. When it reaches the end of its life, the water heater could suddenly stop working. However, before you give up on your old unit, have it checked over first. In some cases, simple maintenance and repair can restore much of its use.

Your Water Heater Has Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup is one of the most common causes of water heater problems, especially if you have hard water. Hard water sediment contains calcium and magnesium, and it builds up in your unit over time. This sediment directly affects heat transfer and makes it less efficient. You may also notice higher bills. A plumber can flush out the sediment to improve heating times.

Your Water Heater Is Too Small

If your household has grown, then you may be using more water than your unit can produce quickly. The unit works fine, but the energy draw is high. If this is the case with your house, then you need to make a change. You can either get a larger water heater or install a tankless water heater. Tankless heaters take up less space, plus you can install more than one.

Your Water Heater's Temperature Is Low

Sometimes, the thermostat on your water heater is broken or set too low. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to adjust your water heater based on the seasons. Turn it up in the winter and down in the warmer months. However, you could see an increase in your winter energy bill if you do this. If you don't want to raise the thermostat temperature, consider taking other steps like insulating the pipes to reduce heat loss in transport.

In addition to the reasons listed above, your fuel source also matters. Gas heaters usually take less time to heat up than electric. If you are in the market for a new heater, see if you can change to a different fuel source. Whether your existing heater needs maintenance or you want to upgrade, contact a plumbing company for more help. A plumber can provide further information. 

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30 March 2021

Understanding Plumbing Components

Hello, my name is Yvonne Michaels. Welcome to my website about plumbing components. Plumbing systems of all kinds use interconnected components to bring fresh water in and waste water out of the building. By clearly understanding the plumbing components used in your commercial or residential building, you can ensure your systems remain in great operational condition for years to come. On this site, I will help you learn all about plumbing components for every system imaginable. I hope to inspire you to learn about these components and understand how they operate to keep your plumbing system in great shape. Thanks for coming by.