Why Is Water Taking So Long to Heat Up?
There is almost nothing as relaxing as a hot shower on a cold morning or at the end of a long and tiresome day at work. Things are not the same when all you get is lukewarm water from your shower. If this starts happening more often, it means there is something wrong with the hot water system.
Why does your Hot water Sydney system take so long to heat up? What could be causing the problem? Find out the different potential answers to this question.
Common Potential Causes
It may seem like it is taking forever to get hot water from your shower or faucet. Some of the common causes behind this problem are as follows:
Problems with the Pipe
The hot water may have to travel a long distance. The supply pipes have cold water running the length of the pipe. If this pipe is connected to the water heater at another part of your home, it means that all that cold water will first run to you before hot water can reach the faucet.
Hot Water Capacity Issue
Your water heater may have gone empty. This happens when the amount of hot water sued in your home has outgrown the capacity of the system. For example, when you have a 40-gallon unit, it may take up to 60 minutes or more to refill the hot water supply.
You Have Water Savers
You may have installed low-volume faucets in your home. These fittings feature restrictive valves that reduce the flow of water. They create an illusion that a lot of water is coming out of the faucet, without actually releasing as much water. This means flushing all that cold water can take a lot of time before hot water can reach the faucet.
A Problematic Water Heater
If you don’t get hot water at all, it may mean there is an issue with the water heater. Most hot water systems work by storing a supply of hot water. The water stays hot for several hours, even when there is an issue with the heater. That stored water will eventually cool off or get used and you no longer get hot water.
If you have a gas-based water heater, the problem may be a clogged flame sensor. If you have an electric heater, look for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
All water heaters come with limited age. Some of the common reasons they fail include:
- Thermostat issues
- Build-up of sediment
- Heating elements burning out
If the water takes too long to heat up, you should call your Plumber Sydney. In some cases, it may be required to upgrade the water heater. Tankless water heaters are good options because they don’t require you to wait for cold water to empty from the pipes before the hot water arrives. These systems can produce instant hot water and save you time and patience. Your plumber can help determine the cause of the problem and assist you in making the right choice of system.
