Running out of hot water can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with—especially when you’re in the middle of a bath or shower or in the middle of household chores. If your water heater keeps coming up short, you’re not alone. At Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners in Evansville and the surrounding areas solve this exact problem. Let’s look at why your water heater might be running out of hot water and what you can do about it.
Common Reasons You Have No Hot Water
Your Water Heater Tank Is Too Small
If you live in a home with several people, your water heater might not be able to keep up. A smaller tank can only hold so much hot water at once. If multiple showers, laundry, and dishwashing are happening around the same time, your tank may run out before it can reheat more water.
Tip: Consider upgrading to a larger tank or switching to a tankless water heater if your household demand has grown.
Sediment Buildup in the Tank
Over time, sediment from hard water can settle at the bottom of your tank. This buildup makes it harder for your water heater to heat efficiently and can reduce the amount of hot water available.
Tip: Flushing the tank once a year helps remove sediment and keeps your water heater working better.
A Broken or Worn-Out Heating Element
For electric water heaters, the heating element inside the tank might be worn out or broken. If only one of the elements is working, you might get a short supply of hot water before it runs cold.
Tip: A licensed plumber can test and replace the heating element if needed.
Faulty Thermostat
Sometimes, the thermostat on the water heater is set too low, or it’s malfunctioning. If the temperature is set too low, your water might not be getting hot enough or running out quickly.
Tip: Check the thermostat setting—it should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit for most homes. If it still doesn’t work, it might need to be replaced.
Problems with Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are great for energy savings, but they aren’t immune to problems. If your tankless unit is not sized correctly or has a clogged filter, you could still find yourself with no hot water.
Tip: Regular maintenance and professional sizing during installation are key for tankless systems to perform well.
How Old Is Your Water Heater?
The age of your water heater plays a big role in how well it works. Most traditional tank models last around 8 to 12 years. As they get older, parts wear out, sediment builds up, and the unit just can’t keep up like it used to.
Tip: If your water heater is older than 10 years, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement before it breaks down completely.
Are You Using Hot Water More Than Usual?
Seasonal changes, guests staying over, or adding new appliances can all increase your hot water use. You might not realize how much more demand is being put on your system until
there’s suddenly no hot water left.
Tip: Keep track of new water demands and adjust usage or equipment size if needed.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve checked the thermostat, flushed the tank, and you’re still running out of hot water, it might be time to call in the pros. At Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing, we know water heaters inside and out. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement, we’ll help you find the right solution for your home and your budget.
The Brackett Difference
Since 1949, our family-owned company has proudly served Evansville and the surrounding tri-state area. We believe in doing business with honesty, integrity, and unmatched professionalism. Fully licensed and insured, our team is dedicated to making sure you always have reliable hot water when you need it.
Water Heater Repair in Evansville, IN
If you keep finding yourself with no hot water, don’t ignore the signs. It could be something simple—or a signal that your water heater needs professional attention. Either way, Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing is here to help.
Reach out to Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing today.
