My hot water in the house runs out so fast, how can I keep it going longer??

Question

If I want to take a 20 minute shower, I would be standing in freezing water for the last 5 minutes. I am not sure if there is an adjustment I can make or if it's just because of the older plumming.

Im young and this is the first house for me and first time out of my parents house. Their house is newer and we would have hot water left after all 5 people showered.

Answer 1

there are the 3 choices you have.
1: there is a temperature control setting on hot water heaters.
you could increase the temperature so you would use less hot water.
2: replace hot water heater with a larger capacity heater.
3: try a newer shower head that slows down the water useage.

Answer 2

There's probably two things you might be able to do. The main reason your hot water is going cold is because your hot water tank is not large enough. What you may have to do is replace your hot water heater with a water heater that has a bigger holding tank or use a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters heat the water as you use it and they get a lot hotter than a normal water heater because they have to heat up the water quicker instead of heating the water then storing the hot water in an insulated tank. Tankless water heaters are more efficient but probably more expensive than one with a tank.

Another thing you might be able to do to lengthen your shower time is to replace the showerhead. If the showerhead is an old showerhead it may allow more gallons per minute through it than a new showerhead. Doing that should prolong your hot water for a little longer however you will most likely have a little less water pressure when you shower since you will be using less water over the same period of time. It's cheaper than replacing the water heater, but it may not accomplish what you are hoping, especially if the current showerhead is a newer showerhead. If that is so, it may not help at all.

Answer 3

Check the temp on the water heater, There is a dial on the bottom of the water heater it may be set too low, you can turn it up to a little above the factory recommended mark. What size is the water heater? It may be too small. 40 gal would be adequate for a one bath house. How old is the water heater? It may have alto of sediment in the bottom. You can drain it from the bottom tap with a hose to clean it. It may be time for a new hot water heater. They have about a 15yr life expectancy
Does your shower head have a flow restricter? If it doesn't get one or a replacement shower head. All new heads have them.
While I think 20 min is a bit long you should have enough hot water do take one if you want.

Answer 4

Your hot water tank is probably the right size but not turned up to a high enough temp for your long showers. You can open the panel, on the side of the heater, and adjust up the temp.
BUT, if you want to be kind to the environment, keep the temp where it is at and take shorter showers;
OR have a tankless water heater installed. They only heat the water when you use it, so you are not paying to keep the water heated when you are not using hot water. You can stand in the shower as long as you want, they never run out of hot water and you don't waste fuel when you are not in the shower. Great for the environment, great for your finances, and you get a $400 credit on your income tax!

Answer 5

You have two options:

1) Get more hot water.
2) Use less hot water

The rate of water flow from shower heads varies between models. If you purchase and install a shower head that is rated for "low flow" (< 1 gpm) then you can take a longer shower. You could also adjust the flow with the facet/mixer in your shower. In addition, you can set the temperature of the water as cool as possible to extend the time the water in your tank lasts.

Increasing the tank's water temperature will allow you to use less water. Also, get the tank checked to make sure both heating elements are working right, if it's an electric tank.

Answer 6

First, check to see what size water heater you have. The builder I work for uses a 50 gallon tank which I have in my new home. There are 3 of us who shower daily and we have yet to run out of hot water. You may need a larger tank.

Second, if the water isn't getting hot enough, most water heaters have 2 temperature gauges you can change. Both must be set to the same setting. There's usually a panel with a couple of screws you can remove to access these gauges.

Third, what kind of water heater do you have? Gas or electric? Maybe there is a problem with the connections.

Finally, call a plumber and describe your problem. He or she may be able to help without even coming out.

Answer 7

Well congratulations on leaving the nest.
You may need to get a larger water heater. You didn't mention if it is a gas or electric heater.

If it's gas, then there should be a temp adjustment on it. It may say low, normal, and high. You can turn that up some to make the water hotter so you would use less.

If it's electric., you have to take the cover off of the heater elements and set the temp switch. that one is usually marked in deg.F Turn it up, also check to see if both elements are working. If only one of the two is working then the water would turn cold sooner.

Answer 8

I am sorry to tell you that you need a larger water heater or a new water heater. I have been in houses where there are more than 5 people taking showers and the water heater was 50 gallons and it was barely enough hot water, a new water heater will be more efficient and have a better recovery time. you could also get a BoilerMate so that there is more hot water, in the HWT and the BM

Answer 9

All the previous answers are pretty much right on the mark. Ya'll missed one problem that could be happening. The lower heating element in your hot water heater may be bad. This would effectively reduce your hot water by 1/2 the tank.

Find a friend with a volt/ohm meter to check it for you. Otherwise, call a plumber to check it.

This, of course, is if it is an electric heater. If gas, turn it up!

Answer 10

You could turn the hot water heater up one notch. Then, you'll be forced to use a bit more cold water instead of so much hot.