A hot shower in the morning is a daily routine that many people have that helps wake them up and get them moving for the day. But when you need to add extra time to your day waiting and waiting for the water warm to warm up, it can be annoying.
This is a common issue for many homeowners, although many chalk it up to a water-heater “issue.” So why is it taking so long to warm up? It could be any number of things, but here are the most common problems. It’s not an exhaustive list but will give you some ideas.
#1: Shower and water heater location.
The farther away your water heater is from your shower, the longer it takes to have the hot water travel to your shower head. Depending on how big your home is, or if the shower is located on the opposite end of where the water heater is, it may have a long way to go before it gets to you.
#2: Your showerhead flow is too low.
The flow rate of your showerhead relates to how much water can pass through the showerhead at one time. The lower the flow rate, the longer it will take to push out the cold water that has been sitting in the pipes since the last shower. Showerheads generally have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
#3: Your water heater needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, water heaters are not built to last forever. If you have noticed that it’s not just your shower that’s taking too long to heat up, but other rooms in your house that utilize faucets, you may have a problem with your water heater.
The average hot water heater has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. So, if you have had yours longer than that, there is a chance that it is nearing its lifecycle and may need to be replaced. In some cases, the water heater itself just needs to heat up.
For example, tankless water heaters don’t keep any hot water on demand but heat the water as it’s needed. This will give you continuous hot water for as long as you need it but may take a few moments for the water to heat.
Have more questions about different kinds of water heaters, or any other issues with your water pipes? Feel free to reach out to the experienced plumbing professionals at Meticulous Plumbing. We can help determine if your water heater is the issue, change out fixtures, or even investigate a clog in the main water line.
