Table Of Contents
Hot Water Maintenance
There are different reasons why your water may only be lukewarm and not hot. It could be an issue with your water heater, the plumbing in your home, or even the type of water you're using. If you're not sure what's causing the problem, it's best to call a plumber or water heater specialist to diagnose and solve the issue. But before that, here are some insights into why your hot water is lukewarm.
Reasons For Lukewarm Water
Failed immersion heater
If your immersion heater has failed, it will no longer be able to heat your water. If you have an immersion heater, you will need to replace it with a new one. If you have a gas immersion heater, you will need to call a safe gas engineer to repair or replace it.
Malfunctioning thermostat
If your thermostat has failed, it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of your hot water. This means that your hot water can become too hot or too cold. You will need to replace the thermostat with a new one or call a safe gas engineer to repair your water heater.
Failed heating element
If your heating element has failed, it will no longer be able to heat your water. If you are using an electric or tankless water heater, you will need to replace the heating element with a new one. However, if you use a gas water heater, you need to call a safe gas engineer to repair it.
Blocked pipes
If your pipes are blocked, they will not be able to deliver hot water to your taps. You will need to clear the blockage from your pipes before hot water can flow through them again.
Low water pressure
If you encounter low water pressure, it will take longer for hot water to reach your taps. This is another common reason your hot water can be lukewarm. You will need to increase the water pressure in your home before hot water can flow through your pipes properly.
Leaking pipes
If your pipes are leaking, they will not be able to deliver hot water to your taps. As such, you will need to replace or repair the leaking pipes before hot water can flow through them again.
Broken dip tube
Another possible reason your hot water might only be lukewarm is that the dip tube might be damaged. Dip tubes are plastic tubes that go from the top of the water heater to the bottom. They deliver cold water to the heating element to be heated. If you have a broken dip tube, cold water can mix with hot water, which explains why your hot water is only lukewarm.
Sediment build-up
If there is sediment build-up in your pipes, it will reduce the flow of hot water to your taps. This is another common reason your hot water can be lukewarm. You will need to flush the sediment out of your pipes before hot water can flow through them properly.
Corroded pipes
If your pipes are corroded, they will not be able to deliver hot water to your taps. You will need to replace the corroded pipes to deal with the lukewarm water issue.
Faulty valve
If the valve that controls the flow of hot water to your taps is faulty, hot water will not effectively get to your taps. You will need to repair or replace the defective valve before hot water can flow through it properly again.
Low thermostat setting
If the thermostat on your water heater is set too low, it will not be able to heat water to the desired temperature. You will need to increase the setting on your thermostat before you can heat hot water to your desired temperature.
Hazards Of Having A Lukewarm Water Heater
Bacteria growth
The ideal breeding ground for bacteria is warm water. If your water heater isn't set hot enough, bacteria can start to grow and multiply. This can lead to health problems like diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and even bloodstream infections.
Rust
Rust is another common problem with lukewarm water heaters. When water isn't heated to a high enough temperature, it can cause the metal water tanks to rust. Over time, this rust can weaken the tank and lead to leaks or even a complete failure of the unit.
Mineral build-up
Hard water contains high minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency and eventually causing it to fail.
Decreased efficiency
A lukewarm water heater isn't as effective as one set to the proper temperature. Your unit will have to strain to heat the water, using more energy and costing you more money.
Tank damage
Perhaps the most severe hazard of a lukewarm water heater is tank damage. When water isn't heated to a high enough temperature, it can cause the metal tank to corrode and weaken. Over time, this tank damage can lead to leaks or even a complete unit failure.
Ways To Fix Lukewarm Water Heater Issues
Replace your thermostat
One of the most common issues that can cause a water heater to produce lukewarm water is a faulty or incorrectly set thermostat. Most hot water heaters have a dial or knob that allows you to adjust the temperature of the water. In some cases, you may set the thermostat too low, causing the water to be less hot than desired. In this case, you can turn the thermostat to the desired setting and wait for the water to heat up.
If your thermostat is not working right, you may need to make replacements. Faulty thermostats are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, so this is worth trying before any other complex repairs.
Change the heating elements
If the water heater is electric, it likely has two heating elements: one near the top and one near the bottom. These elements are responsible for heating the water inside the tank. If one or both of these elements are not working correctly, it can cause the water to be lukewarm.
To check if the elements are working, turn off the power to the water heater and remove the access panel. You can test for continuity between the element terminals using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, the element will need to be replaced.
If one or both heating elements are not working correctly, they may need to be replaced. This is an easy repair that does require some basic electrical knowledge.
Remove sediment build-up
Over time, sediments may build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This sediment acts as an insulator, preventing the heating elements from adequately heating the water. As a result, the water will be lukewarm. This is why some homeowners prefer going for tankless water heaters.
Drain the tank and flush it out with fresh water to remove the sediment build-up. It's essential to do this every few months to prevent sediment build-up from becoming a problem.
Get rid of leaks
Leaks in the water heater tank or in the plumbing can also cause lukewarm water. This is because leaks allow cool water to enter the tank, lowering the overall temperature of the water.
To check for leaks, inspect the tank and plumbing for any moisture or water damage signs. If you find any leaks, they will need to be repaired by a professional before the water heater will work properly.
Replace corroded anode rod
The anode rod is found inside the water heater tank. Its purpose is sacrificial, meaning it will corrode before the tank does. This helps you extend the lifespan of the water heater. However, over time, the anode rod can become entirely corroded away.
As a result, it can no longer protect the tank, and the tank will begin to weaken. As a result, the water inside may become lukewarm. To check the anode rod, remove it from the tank and inspect it for corrosion. If it is heavily corroded, it will need to be replaced.
Check the gas pressure
If the water heater relies on natural gas, it is essential to check the gas pressure. If the pressure is too low, it can prevent the burner from heating the water properly, causing the water to be lukewarm.
To check the gas pressure, turn off the power to the water heater and then remove the access panel. Locate the pressure regulator and use a multimetre to test the pressure. It should be between 17 and 25 pascals. If it is not, adjust the pressure accordingly.
Deal with blockages
Another common issue that can cause lukewarm water is a blockage in the plumbing or the tank itself. This can be caused by sediment build-up, corrosion, or even objects that have fallen into the tank.
To check for blockages:
- Turn off the power and then remove the access panel.
- Inspect the inside of the tank for any obstructions.
- If you find any, remove them and flush the tank with freshwater.
Get a new water heater
If none of these measures work, then it is likely that the water heater itself needs to be replaced. Water heaters can last for about ten years, so it may be time for an upgrade if yours is older than that. When shopping for a new water heater, ensure you choose one that is the same size or larger than your old one.
This way, you will be sure you have enough hot water for your needs. Also, be sure to choose a model with a warranty to be covered in case of any problems. With these tips, you should be able to fix that lukewarm water heater issue that you may be having. If not, then it is probably time for a new water heater.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you're unsure what the problem is, it's best to call a plumber to take a look. They can easily diagnose the problem and give you an idea of what needs to be done to fix it. In some cases, the task may be as simple as adjusting the settings on your water heater. But if there's more severe damage, such as a leak, it's essential to get it fixed to avoid further damage.
If your hot water is only lukewarm, don't hesitate to call a plumber for hot water repairs. They will be able to get it fixed so you can enjoy hot showers again.
