Commercial Plumber: Why Your Hot Water Keeps Running Out and How to Fix It in Wellington Homes
Commercial Plumber: Why Your Hot Water Keeps Running Out and How to Fix It in Wellington Homes
If you're constantly running out of hot water in your Wellington home, you're not alone. This is a common issue, especially in larger households where hot water demand is high. Whether you have a growing family or not, several factors can contribute to the hot water running out too quickly. Identifying the cause is key to finding an effective solution.
Common Reasons You’re Running Out of Hot Water
1. Dripping Hot Water Taps
One of the simplest and most overlooked causes is dripping hot taps. Even a slow leak can waste a significant amount of hot water over time. This not only increases your water bill but can also leave you without enough hot water when you need it most.
2. Hot Water Cylinder Overflow
If your hot water cylinder is constantly overflowing through the relief valve, it’s a sign that hot water is being lost. This could be due to excess pressure or a faulty valve. In either case, it’s wasting energy and reducing the amount of usable hot water.
3. Incorrect Water Temperature Settings
If the water in your cylinder is only heating to around 40°C, it may be used at full temperature in the shower without any cold water being mixed in, causing it to run out faster. Ideally, your hot water should be set at around 60°C in the cylinder and delivered at 50°C through taps using a tempering valve. A faulty tempering valve could cause warm or cold water to come through even if the tank is hot.
4. Faulty Thermostat or Heating Element
A malfunctioning thermostat or heating element can prevent the cylinder from properly heating the water. These parts often fail intermittently, making it difficult to spot the issue until you’re out of hot water. It’s usually recommended to replace both components at the same time, as they tend to wear out together.
5. High Household Water Usage
In many cases, the issue is simply that the household is using more hot water than the system can supply. A standard 180-litre cylinder may not be sufficient for four adults. Long or back-to-back showers can easily drain the tank. Installing a larger 300-litre cylinder or adding flow restrictors to showers can help manage usage better. Limiting showers to 3–4 minutes or staggering them throughout the day can also make a big difference.
Is Your Cylinder Too Small?
If your current hot water system isn’t meeting your needs, upgrading to a larger cylinder may be the solution. Our team at Laser Plumbing Wellington East can assess your existing setup, check the available cupboard space, and recommend the right cylinder size to suit your household.
Need Help with Hot Water Issues?
Don’t wait until your hot water completely runs out. Our experienced plumbing team can diagnose why your system isn’t keeping up and offer tailored solutions. Whether it’s a faulty valve, thermostat, or simply a matter of high demand, we’ll get your hot water flowing again.
Call Laser Plumbing Wellington East today for fast, reliable hot water repairs and upgrades.