It can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient if your water is taking too long to heat; in times when you are craving a hot shower or need to do the dishes in winter!
In this blog, we will identify some potential causes of prolonged waiting times for hot water and how you can restore your water heating system for optimal performance.
5 Potential Causes of Delayed Heated Water
Let’s start by listing down some possible causes that are contributing to delays in low heated water.
- Water in Pipes
One of the basic reasons why you don’t get hot water directly as you open your faucet is water already present in the pipes. Water starts flowing as you turn on the faucet and that is not hot because water sitting in the pipes arrives first. After a few minutes, you can get hot water as usual. - Distance from Water Heater
Another reason for delays in heated water can be the distance from your heater to the skin, shower or tub. Take for instance, your water heater is located in the basement, so it is understandable that it will take time for water to reach the desired faucet in your second floor bathroom. - Volume Restrictions
A volume restrictor can also contribute to hot water delays. Many fixtures, like your shower head, are designed to have a specific flow rate. Some have a volume restrictor installed. The purpose of these devices is to reduce the amount of water that comes through the fixture.
So for that reason, water that comes from a slower rate can mean that you simply have to wait longer for hot water. - Malfunctioning Water Heater
One of the most apparent reasons for delayed hot water is a malfunctioning water heater. If you are noticing considerable delays, before usual, the problem could be your heater.
Whether it is nearing its intended lifespan or has some plumbing malfunction, you should call a water heater repair service to diagnose and resolve the problem for you. - Sediment Buildup
Your local water supply has calcium and magnesium, especially if you live in an are with hard water. Hard water contains more than 60 milligrams of dissolved minerals per liter water.
These minerals tend to sit beneath the water tank. As sediment builds up over time, it leaves little to no space for the water.
Hence, a tank with low water capacity will run out of hot water quickly and require longer waiting cycles. - Outside Temperature
This struggle of hot water supply can be because of the cold weather outside. If you live in freezing temperatures, you may have noticed this issue before also.
This only means that your water heater has to work harder to get to a desired temperature. - Size and Thickness of Pipes
Finally, your water pipes size and thickness can also influence water delays. Larger diameter pipes can take longer for water to heat. Again, thick metal pipes are more efficient in pulling hot water as compared to copper pipes.
Some Plumbing Diagnosis That Can Resolve Delayed Hot Water Issues
While the causes are many, diagnosis and resolutions can vary too. Some plumbing fixes can include:
- Insulating exposed piping runs
- Installing a recirculation pump
- Flushing out sediment buildup
- Resizing to a bigger water heater unit
- Repairing water heater for any issues
Overall Insights
Delayed hot water can be due to many reasons including, volume restrictions, outside temperature, sediment buildup, malfunctioning water heater and much more.
If you are suspecting issues regarding delayed hot water, avail our expert water heater repair and replacement services at Santana Bros Plumbing for quick diagnosis and resolution. Schedule a visit at (713) 494-5504.