Does it seem to take forever for hot water to reach your faucet or shower? In some cases, you may need Houston water heater repair. However, other times it could be an issue with your plumbing system’s design. If it seems like you have to run the water longer and longer to receive warm water, your Houston plumber can help. We’ll troubleshoot the problem to determine the best course of action. There are several common reasons why your water heater may heat up slowly.
Do I Need Houston Water Heater Repair?
You go to take a shower and realize that the water has been cold for several minutes. No one else in the house has recently used hot water, so it’s not a matter of waiting for your water heater to refill and heat. This may mean you need Houston water heater repair. The type of repairs you may need depends on a few factors. For example, is this a sudden issue or is it gradually getting worse?
Sudden Changes May Mean Houston Water Heater Repair
Abrupt changes in how fast you receive hot water often mean you need repair or replacement. For example, your water heater may have started leaking, which means it will take longer to get warm water to your fixtures. Or, in some cases, you may need Houston water heater repair for the heating element or burner. Almost any water heater issue could cause a sudden decline in hot water. You may need repair or replacement for a small part, or you could have a failing water heater.
However, in some cases, you may not need water heater service at all. For example, a common reason it seems your water heater is running slowly is that someone changed the thermostat settings. This often requires simply turning the thermostat back up. In addition, if it’s a cool day, then you may be losing a bit of heat from the water as it runs through cool pipes. For this, you can try insulating your pipes or turning the thermostat up on your water heater. However, unless you’re absolutely sure that these common issues are the cause of a slow water heater, it’s best to have your Houston plumber inspect your water heater to ensure you’re not experiencing malfunctions.
What Gradual Water Heater Changes Mean
Gradual changes in how fast you receive hot water, however, are usually due to wear and tear. Water heaters generally only last about ten years. If your water heater is close to that age, it might just be worn down. This can affect its performance and lead to slow heating water. Houston water heater repair may help you limp by until you can replace it. However, it’s likely nearing the end of its service life. Often, it’s more cost-effective to replace rather than repair an old, worn water heater.
Another common cause of this issue is sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, hard water minerals accumulate in the bottom of your tank and harden. This leaves less room for water in the tank, which reduces your supply of hot water. Even if you think it’s been plenty of time since you used hot water, it may not have enough capacity due to sediment. This is especially true if it takes a while to receive hot water and it runs out quickly. In addition, sediment buildup can start to buildup on the cold water supply and hot water outlet pipes. This restricts the flow of water in and out of your water heater tank.
To help prevent issues from water heater sediment buildup, it’s important to have your water heater serviced at least once per year or according to the manufacturer recommendations. Flushing your water heater regularly can help remove minerals and sediments from the bottom of your tank. This helps prevent buildup that affects its performance and can help extend the life of your water heater.
Other Reasons It Takes a While for Hot Water to Reach Your Fixtures
However, in other cases, you may not need Houston water heater repair, but it may be an issue with another part of your plumbing. For example, your pipes. The length, size, thickness, and location of your pipes can all play a role in slow-heating water. If your pipes are quite long and have to carry the hot water farther away, then it will take more time to reach your fixture. Also, thick pipe walls have more metal, which essentially sucks the warmth from heated water.
Additionally, if your plumbing system is made of pipes with a large diameter, then that means you may end up waiting longer for hot water. This is because it will take a lot more hot water to fill the pipes and reach its destination. In many cases, we may recommend a hot water recirculating pump if this issue is bothersome. They all work a little bit differently, but the main function these serve is to keep hot water moving through your pipes. You and your Houston plumber can sit down and discuss the most practical option for your plumbing system, depending on the issue.
Another important thing to note is that no plumbing system will immediately supply hot water from the faucet because the water currently in your pipes must flush out first. Without water sitting in your pipes, you would turn on the faucet and simply wait for any water to flow, which would be even more frustrating. Your Houston plumbing company can help you determine if what you’re experiencing is normal or whether it needs a further look.
Call Your Houston Plumbing Company
At Santhoff Plumbing Company, we provide prompt, friendly, affordable plumbing services. Whether you need repair or maintenance services for your home or business, our team is here to help. If your water heater isn’t working how you want it to, we offer several options for repair and replacement. Call us today at (713) 360-2185 to schedule service or to request emergency 24-hour repair. We are here to serve you!