Why Is My Hot Water Heater Only Lukewarm? How to Fix a Water Heater That’s Not Heating Properly
It is a true annoyance to find your water barely warm when you expect it to be hot. A cold morning shower can easily throw off your whole day. But before getting upset, you can try to understand what might be causing the problem. Sometimes, you can easily fix it on your own. And in other cases, you can spot the issue just in time to prevent complete system failure. This article will walk you through the most common reasons behind lukewarm water and teach you to address these. Let’s get to the bottom of why “My hot water is only warm?” so you can get your hot water back!
How does a hot water heater work?
A hot water heater gets cold water hot and stores it until you use it. Most residential water heaters use either electricity or gas as a power source. Inside the tank, there is a thermostat that monitors water temperature. It activates the heating elements (electric) or gas burner when it drops below the set level. Insulation around the tank helps maintain heat. Tankless models are more energy efficient as they heat water instantly as it flows through. However, you can also find water from a tankless water heater lukewarm. Let’s find out why it usually happens!
Potential Causes of Why Hot Water Only Getting Warm
There are several reasons for your water not getting hot enough.
Thermostat malfunction
The thermostat controls the temperature setting for your water heater. If you set it too low, the water won’t get hot enough. To check it, locate the thermostat on your water heater—usually behind a cover. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of a faucet; if it’s below 120°F, you need to reset it. If it doesn’t help, your thermostat may simply be broken, and you cannot read the setting correctly.
How can you check it? Set it to a higher temperature. If the water heater doesn’t respond and the water remains cold, the thermostat could be the issue. In this case, the repair or replacement may be needed.
Sediment buildup
Over time, minerals from your water—usually calcium and magnesium—can build up at the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup acts as an insulator that does not allow the heating element to warm the water properly, and you get lukewarm water instead of hot.
How can you check if this is your problem? Open the drain valve on your water heater to check for sediment. If it is present, the water will be cloudy. To clear it, partially fill the tank with cold water to loosen any remaining buildup, then drain it again. Repeat it until the water runs clear. This should help you get hot water back.
Faulty dip tube
The dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the water heater tank, where it can be heated. If the tube is damaged or clogged, cold water will mix with the hot water at the top of the tank, and that’s why your water is not reaching the desired temperature.
How can you test the dip tube? The most common signs are insufficient hot water supply and unusual water temperatures. If you suspect the dip tube is causing issues, it’s best to look for professional help.
Pilot light issues
If you have a gas water heater, it has a pilot light. This is a small flame that ignites the burner to heat water. If the pilot light goes out, you’ll need to relight it. The relighting process varies depending on your water heater model.
How can you check the pilot light? Usually, instructions for relighting the pilot light are given on a sticker attached to the water heater. If not, check your owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to see if your model has manual or electronic ignition. Following the steps to relight it.
Gas supply problems
A gas-powered water heater fully relies on the gas supply. A poor gas supply is a common response to your question, “Why my gas water is only warm?” Such a heater needs a steady flow of gas to heat the water. Any disruption can stop the heating process. It can be a closed valve, low pressure, or a gas leak.
How can you check your gas supply? If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply and contact a professional immediately for inspection and repair. Gas issues can be dangerous and must be handled by experts.
Electric element failure
Electric water heaters use heating elements to warm the water. If these elements fail, the water may not get hot enough. Signs include inconsistent water temperature, higher energy bills, or no hot water at all.
How can you solve the problem? If you suspect an element is not functioning as it should, it’s best to consult a professional for diagnosis and replacement. Replacing the elements can be complex and requires professional skills and knowledge.
Water heater age and wear
Over time, water heaters get older and wear out. Their heating elements, thermostats, and other components can degrade, so the device will not heat the water effectively. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s more likely to experience issues like lukewarm water.
How can you tell if a replacement is needed? Frequent lukewarm water, multiple repairs, or rust in your water can indicate you need a new water heater.
The easiest way to keep your hot water heater running well and give you hot water when needed is to care for it. Regular maintenance can prevent common issues, so don’t settle for lukewarm water—simple upkeep goes a long way! Contact Panda Home Comfort for professional advice and repair services. Our specialists know all the nuances of HVAC systems – we will easily tackle any water heater challenge!
