Hot Water Heaters Wichita KS

When you jump into the shower the last thing you want is to wait for the water to warm up. If you are dealing with this issue or a general lack of hot water reaching different parts of your home there are some things you can do to solve this annoying problem.

But first…

Issues That Might Be Contributing To Delayed Hot Water Reaching Your Home’s Taps

Distance: It stands to reason that the farther away the source of hot water i.e. your water heater is from the tap the longer it will take for warm water to be delivered

Low Volume Restrictor: Known as “flow” or “water” restrictors these small disc-shaped barriers can be installed on plumbing fixtures to reduce and conserve water. 

Water Heater Age:  If your water heater is going on ten years you might need a replacement. Water heaters become less effective as they age or may quit working suddenly. A qualified Wichita area plumber can check out your aging unit and determine if it can be fixed or if a new one needs to be installed.

 Sediment Buildup: Calcium and magnesium are just two of the minerals that can dissolve and cause sediment buildup in the bottom of your hot water tank. This is the exact location where the gas burner or heating element is located. This sediment layer blocks the heat transfer which conversely keeps the tank from producing hot water as quickly as it normally would. Again a qualified plumber in Sedgwick County can determine if this is causing problems. If this is an issue they can flush out your water heater which removes the sediment improving the performance and efficiency of your hot water tank.

Inadequate Water Heater: If your home has been remodeled or you have added on your water heater may not be able to handle the additional demand.  Another factor that may be causing issues may be additional people living in your home. If either one of the above has occurred you may need a larger hot water unit. A professional plumber can advise you if this may be the answer or if something else is amiss.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR YOUR HOT WATER TANK TO BE REPLENISHED?

There are several factors involved in this answer. The method used to heat the water in the tank is a big factor. Gas models will heat water on average twice as quickly as electric water heaters. The size of the tank is also another contributing factor.  All other things being equal the larger the tank the longer it will take to recover. The temperature of the water coming into the tank will also be a factor in how long it takes for the water to heat up. cold water takes longer to reheat than warm water.  One last thing to know regarding this issue is that the higher the FHR (first-hour rating) the quicker the water in the tank will be heated. If your water heater holds eighty gallons of water it will take approximately 1 hour for the water to become heated.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why you’re not getting hot water to the source as quickly as you’d like let’s talk about some of the most efficient ways to solve the problem.

One solution:

A HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM

What a hot water recirculation system does is reduce water waste. These systems are activated by a thermostat or timer and work to move water more efficiently from the system to the desired tap. This type of system also returns used water to the heater and keeps hot water closer to the faucets.  This system can be mounted to your existing water heater and will include a pump and timer to keep the hot water circulating efficiently. A hot water recirculation system can also be placed near your faucet.

Another option.

TANKLESS WATER HEATER

A tankless water heater offers an unlimited supply of on-demand hot water. As the name suggests this type of water heating system does not use tanks to hold or heat the water. Instead, a heating element is used over which the water passes to become instantly hot. This way of heating water serves a two-fold purpose. Reduces the cost of heating water because the tank is not constantly being forced to heat unused water and delivers hot water where needed when needed.

Smaller units that mimic large tankless water heaters are point-of-use tankless water heaters. These units are designed to provide hot water to individual faucets and are installed close by in a closet or cabinet underneath the sink. These smaller units might be the answer to the problem if your current hot water heater is unable to provide hot water to the whole house in a timely manner.

Your hot water heater can account for as much as twenty-five percent of the energy used in your home. Given this fact, it is very important that you install the correct unit for your home. Factors such as cost will weigh in on the decision. A qualified and licensed plumber can offer the best advice on choosing the right water heating system for your home and family.

 

Improving your home’s hot water supply might include repairing the unit or tweaking the unit for optimal performance.  Tasks such as a water heater flush and other maintenance can help not only improve performance but add years to the life of your hot water tank. Research your options and then when you are ready with questions or some expert advice contact a local Wichita KS licensed plumber.