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We seem to be running out of hot water quickly in mornings.
We have a 50g water heater located in the garage. The water heater (and townhouse) is only about a year old, but we noticed this issue this time last year as well, and at the point the heater was new.
The showers are upstairs, but the water gets hot reasonably quickly when you turn on the shower. My wife does take 15 - 25 minute showers, probably longer this time of year when it is chilly in the morning, which I'm thinking is why we are noticing this problem this time of year and this same time last year. When it's my turn to shower, there's really no hot water left. Asking her to shower less didn't really go over too well
Is she showering too long? How much showering can you expect from a 50g tank before it runs out? Is there a gallons per minute? This is a new townhome, but how can I tell if water saving shower heads are installed? Is there anything that identifies them? I've heard water savings heads mix the hot water more efficiently.
Right now, I have the water heater set to 3 out of 4 on the temp setting. Unit is not wrapped in insulation, but it doesn't get terribly cold in our garage here in LA.
Lastly, I am going to try draining the water heater in case there is sediment inside. Haven't done that yet. Also, is it fairly easy to check the dipstick inside the heater? I've heard that can also contribute to this problem.
Builder-grade shower heads flow at up to 2.5 gpm. You do the math. It's obvious your wife is using all the hot water. If convincing her to be more responsible is out of the question, then try a low-flow shower head. They are usually marked with the gpm rating somewhere.
I agree you need to get to the shower first. She'll then cut down on the length of her shower, after she runs out of hot water. If that's not possible, plan on getting a larger tank or go tankless.
Humm, I have a 50 ga. gas water heater and it can provide hot water for two people taking 20 minute showers back to back. You may want to have the water heater checked.
I don't know a soul who spends 25 minutes in the shower....
what the heck does she DO in there?
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I have a 50 ga. gas water heater and it can provide hot water for two people taking 20 minute showers back to back. You may want to have the water heater checked.
