There are many things that may cause your water heater to run out of hot water too quickly. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ve seen our fair share of water heater issues, so we know why your water heater may be running out of hot water and the possible solutions.

In this article, we will highlight the common reasons why your water heater runs out of hot water and what you can do to resolve the problem.

Faulty Heating Element

Modern electric water heaters come with two heating elements: one located near the top of the tank and the other one toward the bottom of the water heater. The heating elements are responsible for heating the water. However, the heating elements can fail due to an electric fault within the wiring, a faulty thermostat, or sediment buildup. When the lower heating element stops functioning, you’ll notice a drop in the amount of hot water your unit produces. If the heating element located at the top of the tank fails, you’ll be left with cold water.

You can keep your water heater’s heating element in good working condition by flushing your water heater regularly and having an experienced plumber inspect the unit as required. If you’ve noticed signs of a faulty heating element, call the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to inspect your water heater and make repairs.

Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated. If this tube is broken, it will lead to cold water mixing with hot water. The solution to a broken dip tube is to call a nearby plumber to replace it entirely.

Sediment Buildup

Another issue that can cause your water heater to run out of hot water quickly is sediment buildup in the tank. This problem occurs if you don’t flush your hot water tank as required. Accumulated sediment at the bottom of your water heater tank takes up space in the tank, thereby leaving less room for hot water. Besides, sediment buildup can insulate the heating element and prevent the unit from properly heating the water. To avoid this problem, ensure you call a plumber to flush your hot water tank at least once a year.

Other possible causes of hot water running out so quickly include an underside water heater, a malfunctioning thermostat, and old age. All these issues can be resolved by an experienced plumbing company.

What to Do If Your Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water Faster Than Normal

You should call a professional plumber as soon as possible to inspect your water heater and make the necessary repairs or replacements. Ignoring this issue will only lead to more expensive problems over time. If you’re in need of water heater repair or water heater replacement in your home or business, you can trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get the job done right the first time.