Why Does My Hot Water Run Out and How Do I Fix It?

A frequent issue we love to help to solve here at Reliance™ is running out of hot water!

Running out of hot water can be a common problem in many homes and cottages that use traditional tank-type water heaters. But there’s hope! Depending on the severity of the problem, a few tweaks could improve things drastically.

Make Sure Your Pipes are Properly Insulated

Having professionally-installed insulation around your pipes is like becoming a proper grownup and finally accepting the

benefits of a toque and warm boots in winter. Why didn’t you have this done sooner? Insulating around the pipes, keeps the water warmer as it travels from the tank. Reducing heat loss means the tank doesn’t have to turn on as frequently, saving you not just hot water but dollars too. Pro Tip – It is important to have a professional do this as there needs to be proper clearance from combustibles. P.S – it is illegal to insulate the gas water tank itself!

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Most clothes don’t need to be washed in warm water. Instead, set the washing machine to cold and use a laundry detergent designed for this temp. If you need to run a hot water load (for cloth diapers, say), remember to at least set the rinse cycle to cold. Consider replacing your washing machine with a new one if it’s more than a decade old. Choose an ENERGY STAR® model for the real deal – they use up to 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard washers!1 The bonus? Many fabrics last longer if washed in cold water.

Turn Down the Temperature of Your Shower

Having a shower that is a little less hot will allow you to extend your spa time in the bathroom and it could help you avoid looking like a lobster by the end of it. Win-win.

Don’t Run Your Appliances at the Same Time

Trying to run a bath two minutes after turning your washing machine on to a full load on hot means you are not going to get the steaming soak in the tub of your dreams. Prioritize your hot water usage and schedule your appliances for a different time.

Install Low-Flow Faucets

Along with cutting showers short and hand-washing faster, you can also reduce the amount of water you draw from the city by replacing your faucets and showerheads with low-flow models. These work by reducing the flow rate of water in your pipes. This could make a big difference in your available hot water, with a barely noticeable difference to your water pressure.

Check Out Some Other Tank Options

One size does not fit all. It’s possible you don’t have the largest tank water heater available or the one with the higher output and higher BTUs. Just Call on Reliance™ and one of our Home Comfort Advisors can see what you have and advise on a new tank that could help increase the amount of hot water available in your home. Learn more about our Tank Water Heater selection here.

Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

If the above adjustments just don’t cut it, it’s time to go tankless. Instead of storing and heating water in a large tank, a tankless system uses a heat exchanger to heat and direct the water when and where it’s needed. Although it’s a more significant investment, there are lots of pros to a tankless water heater. The biggest bonuses are obvious: an on-demand, endless flow of hot water and potential long-term energy savings. Tankless water heaters also take up considerably less space. Contact one of our Home Comfort Advisors to find the tankless water heater that best suits your lifestyle, budget, and home.

READ NEXT: Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

1ENERGY STAR®