Has this ever happened to you?
One early morning, you wake up and head to the bathroom for a much-needed shower. But instead of getting the piping hot shower you were expecting, that blast of cold water doesn’t seem to be heating up…
There’s nothing more disappointing than finding out there’s little to no hot water early in the morning. And even though it’s summer right now, there’s really no reason stopping you from getting your hot water system checked out.
There are a number of ways your hot water system can cause you grief. Today, Watermaster’s Cheltenham plumbers are taking a closer look at some of the most common domestic hot water problems that we solve, and their causes.
Do any of the following sound familiar to you? If so, there might be something wrong with your hot water system!
Your water takes a long time to heat up
They say patience is a virtue. But your patience can only last you so long if you have been waiting forever for water to heat up.
One reason is your home’s hot water system might be struggling to keep up. Like any other household appliance, hot water units don’t last forever – years and years of daily usage will take their toll.
If this is the case, your hot water unit may need maintenance, repair, or complete replacement.
Another reason may lie between the distance between your water heating system and your showerhead or faucet.
Even with the water heater on, you won’t automatically get hot water the moment you turn the taps as there is still cold water stored in the pipes – and if there’s a lot of distance between the tap in question and the hot water system, you might be waiting for a while!
Here’s a tip: leave a bucket in your shower while you let the cold water run. While it mightn’t be warm, it’s still clean – so use it to water your garden or wash your car.
Hot water runs out after a couple of showers
If you live in a house full of people, you certainly don’t want to be the last one to take a shower.
That’s because one of the most common hot water problems out there is older hot water systems that can only hold a limited amount of water at one time.
If you’re the last one in the house to shower and the hot water suddenly stops, it’s a clear sign that your water tank has ran out of water and needs time to reheat.
The short-term answer is clear: make sure you take your shower first!
That’s hardly a solution, though, so for the long-term, consider whether it is time to:
Get a larger (and newer) water tank
Or get a tankless water heater
Regardless of what you decide to do, the most important thing is there’s plenty (and enough) hot water for everyone in your home!
Water pressure has reached an all-time low
No one likes to feel short-changed, whether it’s a good trailer for a bad movie or a product that didn’t quite match what was shown in the ads.
Sometimes, the same happens in the shower: have you ever stepped into the bathroom, turned the taps to full blast and been greeted with nothing more than a handful of weak drops?
Sounds like you have a problem with your water pressure!
There are a number of reasons why your water pressure has faltered, including:
- Water meter valve is partially closed
- Main shut-off valve is not fully open
- Old, corroded, and blocked pipes
If poor water pressure has become a pesky problem in your household, reach out to a plumbing professional for help!
Are you experiencing these problems in your home? You need a hot water plumber!
If you need a hot water plumber, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services across Melbourne and Bayside, so call now! 1300 156 650, or fill in this contact form.