From mineral build-up in your water heating tank to a broken thermostat, there are many reasons why you might be having cold showers. Proper maintenance can help you prevent this issue, but you also need to calculate how much hot water your household really needs.

Before you consider calling a plumber, try to eliminate some of the trivial causes. Check if the water heater is on and if you have a desirable thermostat temperature. If you have a large number of household members, check how many people are using hot water at the same time. If you are using a gas heater, make sure to check whether the pilot light is on. If you suspect that something is wrong with your hot water system, here are five of the most common causes and tips on how to deal with the problem!

1 – Damaged Parts in Your Hot Water System

If your hot water system isn’t working well and you notice that you run out of warm water fast, it doesn’t automatically mean that you need to replace the whole unit. If you notice that the pipes leading from your hot water system are leaky or mouldy, the problem could be caused by a leak. Check if there are any loose pipe fittings and try to tighten them with plies. Another possible problem is a broken valve inside the hot water system which needs replacing. If you can’t do this by yourself, a professional plumber can do it for you. The sooner you fix the issue, the better because small problems can easily grow to become big ones.

2 – Your Thermostat is Faulty

Is your thermostat showing a realistic water temperature? If not, it could be broken because of old age, sediment build-up in your tank or any other common issue. A broken thermostat is also a minor problem you can fix cheaply and easily. If you want to do it yourself, make sure to turn the electricity and water supply off before you get on to work. If you prefer to leave it to a professional, call your local specialists for plumbing and electrical services.

3 – Your Needs Exceed Your Hot Water Supplies

If you are constantly running out of hot water, you might need a bigger tank or an additional hot water system. Calculate how much hot water can your unit supply and check whether that matches your household needs. If your demand has risen rapidly, try to identify what caused this change. If your hot water system is old and needs to be replaced anyway, opt for a more suitable solution such as a larger tank or an electric water heater that provides unlimited supply. Alternatively, you can consider adding an extra source of hot water. A combination of two different systems tend to deliver the best results, so a mix of a solar-powered unit with one that runs on gas or electricity could be the best solution for you.

4 – A Sediment Build-Up is Preventing the Hot Water System from Working Properly

A sediment build-up in the pipes and hot water units is a common problem in Western Australia. This issue can cause many different problems that can lead to a hot water deficit. Regular maintenance works are a great preventive measure! Your plumber can inspect your hot water unit and clean it from time to time to prevent the formation of sediment build-up.

5 – You Need a New Hot Water System

Finally, your hot water system might not be working properly because it is broken. Make sure to check the lifespan of your unit. If you are close to the expiration date, you should consider replacing it even if it isn’t showing any warning signs yet.

GA Perry is your trusty go-to service provider specialising in repairing, inspecting and maintaining hot water units. Let us know if you have problems with hot water supplies and we will find the optimal solution for your household.