4 Reasons Your Water Heater Isn’t Making Enough Hot Water

There’s little more frustrating than turning on the hot water taps in your commercial kitchen only to be met with a stream of freezing cold water. A water heater that fails to produce enough hot water can be a major disruption to your daily routine, leaving you searching for answers when you should be getting on with your day.

In this article, the plumbing experts at Superior Drainage explore the common reasons behind this issue and what you can do to fix it.

Sediment Buildup

Over time, minerals in your water supply can settle at the bottom of your water heater, forming a layer of sediment. This issue is particularly prevalent in Akron, where the water quality is considered very hard at 10.5 grains per gallon. When sediment buildup occurs, it creates a barrier between the heating element and the water, making it more difficult for the heater to produce enough hot water.

What To Do About Sediment?

To combat this problem, flush and fill the tank. This process helps eliminate sediment and restore the heater’s efficiency. For best results, perform this maintenance at least once annually. Regular water heater flushes ensure steady hot water and help extend your system lifespan.

Corrosion in the Tank

Another common issue that water heaters experience is corrosion — especially if your system is older. Signs of corrosion typically include:

• Discolored water (yellow, brown, or reddish hue)
• Unpleasant metallic tastes or smells in the water
• Reduced water pressure

If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely that your tank may be experiencing internal corrosion, which can reduce its ability to heat water. While flushing can sometimes help, severe corrosion often requires a full replacement to correct.

Broken or Faulty Parts

Water heaters rely on several different components to function properly. Even one faulty part can result in a complete system failure. Some parts that tend to fail most often include:

• Heating elements: Electric water heaters depend on these to warm the water. A burnt-out element will significantly reduce heating capacity.
• Thermostats: A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the water from reaching the desired temperature.
• Dip tubes: Broken dip tubes can permit cold water to mix with hot water, lowering its overall temperature.
• Gas valves: Gas water heaters with faulty valves can experience burner malfunctions.

Each of these problems requires prompt attention from a skilled professional to fix properly. A trained plumber can diagnose and replace the faulty component, restoring full functionality to your system in no time.  

Incorrect Sizing

If your water heater is new and still struggling to support your daily hot water demands, it may be the incorrect size for your needs. Water heaters that are too small won’t be able to keep up with your demands, leaving you with insufficient hot water.

When selecting a new water heater for your property, calculate your daily hot water demands to choose a system with the appropriate capacity. An installation professional can help you choose the ideal system for your business’s unique needs.

Get Your Hot Water Restored in Akron Today

Hot water struggles are enough of a headache without worrying about who you can trust for the fast, reliable repair solutions you need. For nearly 30 years, Superior Drainage has delivered powerful commercial plumbing solutions that Ohio business owners trust to keep their systems running smoothly. With upfront pricing and satisfaction guaranteed, you can count on us to deliver high-quality solutions that satisfy your business’s unique needs.

Request commercial water heater services in Akron by calling or contacting our team online.