What’s Slowing Down Your Water Heater—and How to Fix It

We’ve all been there—standing under a lukewarm shower, waiting for the water to heat up. If your water heater isn’t performing like it used to, you’re not alone. Over time, a variety of issues can drastically reduce your system’s efficiency. Don’t wait until the issue becomes a major inconvenience. If you’re experiencing slowdowns, it’s time to consider water heater repair in Bakersfield, CA, and restore the hot water flow to your home.

Let’s take a closer look at why your water heater may be taking longer than usual to heat up and how professional water heater services can help fix the issue.

Sediment Buildup in the Tank

Minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank. This sediment buildup can create a barrier between the water and the heating element, reducing its efficiency. As a result, your water heater has to work harder and longer to warm up the water.

Solution: Flushing your water heater annually can help prevent sediment buildup. By draining the tank, you’ll remove these mineral deposits, restoring the heater’s efficiency. If it’s been a while since you’ve done this, it’s best to contact a water heater installation professional to handle the task and make sure the tank flushing is done safely.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as the thermostat being set too low. If the thermostat isn’t set to the proper temperature, your water heater will take longer to reach the desired warmth. Most water heater experts recommend setting your water heater thermostat to 120° for an optimal balance of hot water and energy efficiency.

Solution: Incorrect thermostat settings do not necessarily warrant a water heater replacement. The issue can usually be resolved by checking the thermostat setting on your water heater or asking a plumber for expert advice.

Increased Demand for Hot Water

In households with multiple people using hot water at the same time, like during peak shower hours, your water heater may struggle to keep up with the demand. This can result in hot water taking longer to heat up or running out faster than expected.

Solution: Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater if your household frequently experiences high hot water demand. Tankless water heater units provide on-demand hot water and can eliminate the issue of running out. Alternatively, staggering water usage or installing a larger traditional tank could alleviate the problem.

Our team can help resolve water heating issues and keep your system running efficiently. Contact The Plumbing Doc today to schedule a professional inspection.