Your water heater is the heart of your home. Hot water is considered one of the modern living essentials because you need it for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. However, many water heaters are quite old and haven’t been maintained in years. This can lead to all manner of reasons why your water heater isn’t heating properly. Insufficient hot water disrupts your daily routine, necessitating a water heater repair.

Knowing why your water heater might not work the way it should can help you address the problem. When should you call a plumber to flush, clean, repair, or replace your water heater? Let’s look at the reasons water heaters don’t heat properly.

1. Thermostat Issues

Water not hot enough? You might have accidentally bumped your water heater’s thermostat and set it too low. You may also find that your water heater’s temperature sensor is faulty or the thermostat has stopped properly directing the heating cycles. Inaccurate control over your hot water temperature can lead to a water heater that isn’t heating properly.

2. Mineral Deposits and Sediment Buildup

90% of US homes have “hard water,” meaning it contains extra minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are harmless for humans but bad for water heaters. Over time, mineral deposits and other sediment in the water can form a layer over your heating elements, making it impossible for the water heater to properly heat the water. You’ll need to have your water heater flushed and descaled to solve this common problem.

3. Faulty Heating Elements

It’s also possible that the heating elements aren’t working the way they should. Heating elements with a loose wire, a burnt-out element, or that have otherwise taken damage may not be able to get your water to the right temperature. You can use a multimeter to test the electrical components of your heating element before planning for replacement.

4. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems

Gas water heaters rely on a pilot light, a tiny flame that ignites the gas used to heat the water heater tank. Some use an electronic ignition switch instead of a pilot light. If your pilot or ignition is malfunctioning, then the gas can’t ignite and your water won’t heat.

If your pilot light is out, follow the manual to relight it. For ignition switch issues, consider professional repair or replacement.

Note: Unlit natural gas is dangerous. If your water heater can’t light up, close the gas valve and call for professional repairs.

5. Dip Tube Issues

The dip tube sends cold water to the bottom of the tank, where the heating elements are located. If the dip tube malfunctions or is damaged, it mixes cold water with hot water at the top of the tank. This leads to lukewarm water leaving the water heater while the heating elements are unable to effectively heat the new cold water that enters the tank. You may need to have your dip tube repaired or replaced.

6. Too-Small Tank

Your water heater’s tank may need to be bigger for your household’s hot water needs. If you are constantly running out of hot water, consider having a larger water heater installed or switching to an on-demand tankless water heater instead.

7. Age of the Water Heater

Water heaters lose efficiency as they age, and the average lifespan of a water heater is about 10-15 years. If your water heater is approaching (or has passed) its lifespan, the parts may no longer be capable of keeping all that water hot enough for your household. You should plan for a water heater replacement.

8. Leaking Tank

If your water isn’t hot enough or there’s not enough water, there is a chance your water heater leaks. Check for puddles, pooling, and damp materials near your water heater, and have the unit checked for leaks during the next maintenance visit. Call for immediate repairs if you notice a leak, as this issue could quickly become an emergency.

Improve Your Water Heater’s Performance with Expert Water Heater Repair

If your water heater isn’t heating properly, there are several possible causes. Fortunately, Capital City Comfort Solutions can handle them all. Contact us for water heater inspections, maintenance, parts repair, or new water heater installation services. We’re here to ensure your home has all the hot water you need, at just the right temperature.