Why Isn’t My Hot Water Hot Enough?

Even if your water heater seems to work, you might find that your hot water feels too cool. There are many reasons your water heater might not heat your water properly before pushing it out to your faucets. Most common problems require professional plumbing repairs, but it can still help you to know the causes.

Common Problems Include a Broken Dip Tube

When troubleshooting hot water issues in Brandon, MS, the first thing to check is the dip tube. This is a line that carries fresh, cold water to the bottom of the water heater’s tank for heating. When you use hot water in your home, the system takes heated water from the top layer of the tank. If the dip tube breaks or leaks, cool water will rise to the top layer and get pushed out to your faucets.

Watch for a Broken Gas Valve When Troubleshooting Hot Water Issues in Brandon, MS

Your water heater uses a gas valve to regulate the flow of fuel. Through years of rigorous use, neglect, or poor maintenance, the gas valve can become damaged. It will also malfunction through normal wear and tear after a decade or more of use. 

Regardless of how it happens, a broken gas valve will disrupt the heating process. More importantly, a damaged gas valve will leak natural gas into your home. When you smell sulfur or rotten eggs near your water heater, call for help right away. If you know the location of the gas valve, turn it to the off position. Leave your home and call for service immediately.

Expect Sediment Buildup as a Common Issue

You might not see sediment buildup when troubleshooting hot water issues in Brandon, MS, but this is still a common problem. While homes with hard water experience this issue more frequently, it can happen with any water heater. 

As the minerals in the water encrust the heating elements at the bottom of the tank, the water heater will lose efficiency. Mineral deposits can reduce heating power, leading to water that’s cooler than expected. Alternatively, sediment can be so heavy that the system won’t heat your water at all.

Trust the Plumbing Experts

No matter what type of water heater you use in your home, Grant Air Conditioning and Heating can diagnose and fix the problem. We also provide water heater maintenance and new unit installation services. We’ll deliver repair services you can trust, or we’ll help you pick out a new water heater when the time comes. Contact us to schedule service today.