Is My Water Heater Too Small for My Family?

Does it seem like there’s never enough hot water to go around in your household? While it might be easy to point fingers at a certain family member who’s a fan of long showers, a home can have a shortage of hot water for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones.

Wrong-Sized Water Heater

Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work well for water heaters. You need a unit that suits the specific dimensions of your home. For example, a heater that’s too small often results in an insufficient supply of hot water. This is especially true when you’re family is running multiple appliances at once.

Sediment and Rust Buildup

In certain areas, there are more minerals in the water. This means there’s a greater chance for sediment to collect near the unit’s burner. Installing a water softener can help solve this problem. You also have to watch out for rust. When corrosion starts to develop on the tank, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need a replacement.

Bad Thermostat

If the water never gets completely hot, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a failing thermostat. Although dialing up the thermostat may temporarily raise the water temperature, expect your monthly energy bill to skyrocket. Simply replacing the thermostat is likely the best option.

Excessive Hot Water Demands

Some households tend to over-stress their water heater. While one person may be taking a long shower, the other could be in the kitchen washing dishes. The end result is often lukewarm warm. One remedy could be installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. This will decrease the amount of hot water used at one time.

Old Age

Like virtually all appliances, water heaters have a certain life expectancy. Most units last for around 10 years. Now might be the perfect time to upgrade to a new water heater. It’s one of the best home improvements you can make. Today’s latest models are far more efficient and reliable.

Are you experiencing problems with your water heater? Call Payless Water Heaters today: (866) 615-4008. We offer 24-Hour Los Angeles water heater emergency repairs.