Why isn't my water getting hot?
Ok I hate when people ask these types of questions on Fluther too. But please don’t suggest that I google it. I already did that. No help. So here’s the problem. For the last few days, my water has only gotten to a lukewarm temperature. I just had to take a very uncomfortable shower. I had only the hot water knob turned all the way up and it still only got lukewarm. The pilot light is lit on my water tank. So what gives? Any help is really appreciated! Please tell me this isn’t going to be a costly repair :(
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This isn’t going to be a costly repair. ;)
Have the Gas Company come out and check your hot water heater. There are several things that could be happening and they will let you know what it is for free.
How old is the water heater @ItalianPrincess1217?
I know you just bought this home right? Did you have the water heater looked at prior to moving in?
Could be as simple as an element needing replacement. Did the water get seriously HOT prior to being lukewarm?
Sounds like you need a costly repair or at least a plumber to look at it. You may need a new water heater.
@Dog‘s idea of trying the gas company first is a better one actually.
Sounds like the thermostat on the hot water heater might be broken.
Did you buy a home waranty?
@SpatzieLover Its only 3 years old. So I’m assuming it isn’t completely broken already. I hope. And yea the water used to get really hot before. I would burn myself if I touched the water when only the Hot knob was turned on. Now it’s barely warm.
Did you check to make sure someone didn’t turn the thermostat to vacation mode?
@ItalianPrincess1217 As a side note if the water is burning you, you should turn down the thermostat because you are wasting energy (paying more) to keep the water heated to that temperature.
@ItalianPrincess1217 That (super hot) is exactly what happens before one or both elements blow out. Element replacements can be done DIY, but if you’re not a DIYer it really won’t be that costly for a plumber to come in and fix for you.
Do you have hard water? (Calcium/lime &/or rust)
@JLeslie That SUPER hot water is usually a sign that en element is literally burning itself out. That’s when a plumber should’ve been called—to avoid cold water from a hot tank
@Judi Yes I checked that. It hasn’t been touched since we moved in a few months ago.
@SpatzieLover Great links! Thanks! I’m not a DIY at all but luckily my fiancé is. He fixes everything. I was just trying to get him some helpful info so he doesn’t go in blind.
@erichw1504 ummm? Did you not see the part in my post that said please don’t tell me to google it?
Thanks everyone! Boy do I feel stupid. Apparently my fiancé tried to turn the temp up the other day but accidentally turned it on vacation mode. Simple fix! Thank goodness!
@ItalianPrincess1217 HOORAY!!!! So it was a free fix after all! That’s the best news, really. I was concerned you’d need a plumber ;)
Now you’re prepared if something actually does go wrong with your w/h in the future.
I just realized Judi was right on the button.
Oh Judi was right! I figured that was way too simple of a solution. I was wrong!
I was an apartment manager for a lot of years. I learned that it was cheaper to do my own trouble shooting forst before calling in the plumbers.
@Judi Ditto to all of it ;)
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