What to Do If Your Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

Youmna Rehman

You step into the shower, ready to enjoy a nice, warm soak, but instead, you’re hit with lukewarm water—frustrating, right? If your water heater isn't getting hot enough, you're not alone. This common problem can be a major headache, especially when you need hot water for everything from showers to washing dishes. Luckily, there are several reasons this could be happening, and with the right approach, you can get your hot water flowing again.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your water heater isn’t getting hot and what you can do to fix it quickly and effectively.


1. Check the Thermostat Setting

One of the most common reasons for a water heater not getting hot enough is an incorrect thermostat setting. If your thermostat is set too low, you simply won’t get the hot water you need.


What to do:

  • Locate your water heater’s thermostat (it’s usually on the tank).
  • Adjust the temperature to about 120-140°F (49-60°C).
  • Wait for a few hours to see if the water heats up.
  • If the thermostat was set too low, this should solve the problem!


2. Sediment Buildup in the Tank

Over time, sediment from hard water can build up inside your water heater tank, making it less efficient. This can prevent the water from heating properly, causing lukewarm water to flow from your taps.


Solution:

  • Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. You can do this by draining the tank until the water runs clear.
  • Regular maintenance, such as flushing your water heater annually, can prevent sediment buildup from happening in the first place.


3. Malfunctioning Heating Elements

If you own an electric water heater and it’s not getting hot enough, the issue might be a faulty heating element. Water heaters usually have two elements—one at the top and one at the bottom. When one malfunctions, your water won’t heat evenly, causing fluctuating temperatures.


What to do:

  • Check if the heating elements are working properly using a multimeter.
  • If one is faulty, it’s best to have a professional replace it.


4. Insufficient Water Heater Size

Another common reason why your water heater isn't getting hot enough could be the size of the tank. If your household has grown or you’re using more hot water than before, your water heater may not be able to keep up with demand.


What to do:

  • Evaluate your household’s hot water needs. A larger family might need a bigger water heater or an upgrade to a tankless system that provides continuous hot water.
  • Consider upgrading your current system if it’s not providing enough hot water.


5. Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube is a part of your water heater that ensures cold water enters the bottom of the tank to be heated. If it breaks or becomes damaged, cold water may mix with the hot water at the top, leading to lukewarm water flowing from your taps.


What to do:

  • Inspect the dip tube for any signs of wear and tear. If damaged, it will need to be replaced.


6. Faulty Gas Supply (For Gas Water Heaters)

If you have a gas water heater and the water isn’t getting hot, there could be an issue with the gas supply or burner. A gas leak or problem with the pilot light could prevent the water from heating properly.


Solution:

  • Check if the pilot light is on. If it’s off, try relighting it (following manufacturer instructions).
  • If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a professional.


7. Insufficient Insulation

Sometimes the water in your tank cools down too quickly because of poor insulation. This could be especially true during colder months when external temperatures drop, causing heat loss.


Solution:

  • Insulate your water heater and the pipes connected to it to prevent heat loss.
  • Wrap the heater with an insulation blanket designed for this purpose.


Conclusion

When your water heater isn’t getting hot enough, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Whether it’s a thermostat issue, sediment buildup, or even a broken heating element, these common issues are fixable with the right approach. If DIY fixes don’t do the trick, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to get your hot water flowing again.

For more help with your water heater or any plumbing needs, always consult with experts who can provide the solutions you need!


Why Is My Water Heater Leaking? Causes and Fixes

How to Keep Hair from Clogging Your Shower Drain

by Youmna Rehman • 29 April 2025
There’s nothing like a relaxing shower to wash away the day—until the water starts pooling around your ankles, and you realize your drain isn’t working the way it should. One of the most common culprits? Hair. Whether it’s long, short, curly, or straight, hair has an uncanny ability to weave itself into your plumbing and cause slow drains, bad smells, or full-on blockages. The good news? You can do a lot to stop hair from becoming a plumbing nightmare. This guide walks you through why hair is such a problem, what it does to your drain over time, and how to tackle it with a mix of smart habits and practical tools. We'll go over causes, risks, step-by-step solutions, and preventive techniques—so you can enjoy your showers without worrying about what’s happening beneath your feet.

Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

29 April 2025
Your home is a system of silent workers—electric wires, insulation, plumbing—all quietly doing their jobs in the background. And like any system, plumbing needs attention when it starts signaling distress. Often, we overlook early drain issues, brushing them off with store-bought cleaners or half-hearted plunges. But ignoring repeated signs can lead to bigger, messier, and far more expensive problems. This guide walks you through the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that it’s time to call in a professional. We'll look at what causes the clogs, how to deal with them step-by-step, and what you can do to prevent drain disasters down the road. Because sometimes, a slow drain is more than just a slow drain—it’s your home warning you.

Why Your Shower Drain Keeps Clogging and How to Stop It

by Youmna Rehman • 29 April 2025
Few things are more frustrating than stepping into a refreshing shower only to find your feet quickly submerged in rising water. A clogged shower drain can turn your relaxing routine into a soggy mess and often seems to happen at the worst possible time. But here’s the truth—most shower drain blockages are completely preventable. The challenge lies in understanding what causes them, how to fix them properly, and, most importantly, how to stop them from happening again.

The Pros and Cons of Chemical Drain Cleaners

by Youmna Rehman • 25 April 2025
Few things disrupt your daily flow like a clogged drain. Whether it’s the kitchen sink filling up with greasy water or a bathroom drain refusing to clear, the temptation to grab a bottle of chemical drain cleaner and pour your problems away is very real. After all, it’s quick, cheap, and readily available. But before you twist the cap and pour, it's worth pausing for a deeper look.

How to Prevent Recurring Clogs in Your Drains

by Youmna Rehman • 25 April 2025
Recurring drain clogs aren’t just annoying—they’re a sign that something deeper might be wrong. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the common culprits behind chronic clogs, walk through practical solutions you can use today, explore the risks of ignoring the issue, and share proven expert strategies to help you prevent clogs from coming back. Let’s unclog the mystery once and for all.

Maintenance Tips for an Expansion Tank

by Youmna Rehman • 25 April 2025
It’s easy to overlook your expansion tank—until something goes wrong. Nestled quietly above or beside your boiler or water heater, it might not seem like the most vital part of your system. But in truth, the expansion tank plays a crucial role in keeping pressure levels safe and your entire heating or plumbing system running smoothly. When it’s neglected, you might end up with problems that range from annoying to downright dangerous.

Benefits of Having an Expansion Tank Installed in Your Home

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Plumbing might not be the flashiest part of homeownership, but it sure plays a starring role in your day-to-day comfort. You turn on the tap, flush the toilet, take a hot shower—and it all just works. Or at least, it should. Behind the scenes, however, your water heater is constantly adjusting to temperature changes, and when that pressure builds up, it needs somewhere to go. That’s where an expansion tank comes in. Not the most talked-about upgrade, but absolutely one of the smartest ones you can make. Let’s dive into what expansion tanks do, why they matter, and how they protect your home (and wallet) from some seriously sneaky damage.

FAQS About Plumbing

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Let’s face it—plumbing is one of those things we only think about when something goes wrong. And when it does? You’re suddenly drowning (sometimes literally) in questions. From odd gurgling noises to DIY repairs, plumbing mysteries can make even the most confident homeowner feel clueless. This guide answers the top 15 most searched plumbing questions, the kind people are constantly Googling under the “People Also Ask” section. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or curious mind, these answers will help you stay prepared, avoid expensive mistakes, and know when to call in a pro.

Four Ways to Handle a Broken Sewage Pipe

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
There’s nothing quite like the panic that hits when you suspect—or worse, know—you’ve got a broken sewage pipe. Whether it’s a slow, foul-smelling leak under the house or a sudden backyard swamp that wasn’t there yesterday, broken sewage lines can escalate from gross inconvenience to full-blown health hazard in no time. The key to avoiding disaster? Acting quickly, smartly, and with a clear understanding of what you’re dealing with.

What You Need to Know About Garbage Disposals

by Youmna Rehman • 23 April 2025
Leftovers pile up, food scraps linger, and the trash bin starts to smell a little too familiar. But there’s one unsung hero in your kitchen that can make cleanup smoother, faster, and more hygienic: the garbage disposal. If you've ever wondered how it works, whether it's worth installing, or how to keep it running like a champ, you’re in the right place.
More posts