Plumber Wellington: Why Is Your Hot Water Running Out?
Plumber Wellington: Why Is Your Hot Water Running Out?
Running out of hot water can be incredibly frustrating, especially in a busy household. If you're noticing your hot water supply is not lasting as long as it used to, you're not alone. Many Wellington homeowners experience the same issue, particularly in households with multiple occupants. Whether it’s a simple usage issue or a sign of a plumbing fault, identifying the cause is essential to restoring consistent hot water in your home.
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we’ve identified several common reasons why hot water runs out too quickly and how to address them.
Common Reasons for Running Out of Hot Water
1. Dripping Hot Taps
Even a slow drip from your hot water tap can lead to a noticeable decrease in available hot water. Over time, this constant loss adds up. Repairing or replacing faulty taps can help conserve hot water and reduce waste.
2. Hot Water Cylinder Overflowing
If your hot water cylinder is discharging water through the relief valve, it may be wasting hot water and affecting your supply. This can be caused by excessive pressure, temperature issues, or a faulty valve. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and fix the problem before it worsens.
3. Incorrect Water Temperature
Your water cylinder should be heating water to around 60°C internally (tempered to 50°C at the tap). If it’s only reaching around 40°C, you’ll use more hot water to maintain comfortable shower temperatures, exhausting your supply faster. A faulty tempering valve can also restrict hot water flow, delivering lukewarm water even when the tank is full. In this case, a replacement valve may be necessary.
4. Thermostat or Element Failure
A failing thermostat or heating element can prevent your water cylinder from reaching the desired temperature or refilling with hot water fast enough. These components often wear out together, so replacing both at once is a common and effective solution.
5. High Hot Water Demand
In a household of four or more people, a 180-litre tank may not be sufficient, especially with long or back-to-back showers. A strong-flow shower head can drain a tank rapidly. Installing water-saving devices, limiting shower times, or staggering shower use can help. In some cases, upgrading to a larger hot water cylinder—such as a 300-litre unit—can provide the capacity needed for your household.
Need Help With Your Hot Water?
If you're unsure why you're constantly running out of hot water, it's time to call in the professionals. At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we offer expert diagnostics and solutions tailored to your home’s plumbing system. Whether it’s a small fix or a full system upgrade, our qualified team is ready to help restore comfort and reliability to your hot water supply.
Call us today to schedule a hot water system inspection or to discuss upgrading your water heater. Don't let inconsistent hot water disrupt your day—get it sorted with your local plumbing experts.