Faulty Water Heater Dip Tube Causing Inconsistent Temperatures. Another common reason why you may be experiencing inconsistent water temperatures at any service point in your house is that your conventional tank-based water heater’s cold water dip tube is faulty.

Why is my hot water inconsistent?

Since the average residential water heater uses a 50-gallon tank, there is a chance that your inconsistent water temperature is due to insufficient tank size. This is especially true if you regularly have more than one shower running simultaneously or if you have installed multiple shower heads in a single shower.

What causes hot water to fluctuate?





If your water temperature fluctuates, the pressure-balancing valve might be to blame. Your pressure-balancing valves open and close depending on your water flow in your plumbing system. If cold or hot water levels drop, a broken pressure valve could cause a drop in water pressure.

Why is my hot water going hot and cold?

A shower that keeps going hot and cold is usually a sign of a blockage in the hot water heat exchanger inside your combi boiler. Sludge can build up in your heating system, especially if the filters are faulty, and cause your shower to go hot and cold when in use.

How can I make my hot water consistent?

How to Get Hot Water Faster

  1. Insulate the Pipes. If you think your water pipes are to blame for your hot water troubles, adding insulation might improve your situation. …
  2. Hot Water Recirculation Pump. …
  3. Replace Fixtures with a Higher Flow Rate. …
  4. Upgrade to a Tankless Hot Water Heater. …
  5. Routine Preventative Maintenance.

How do you fix fluctuating water temperature?





Shower Water Temperature Keeps Changing

  1. Check Your Pressure-Balancing Valve.
  2. Check Your Water Heater.
  3. Replace the Shower Cartridge.
  4. Descale the Water Heater and Check for Blockages.
  5. Why Your Water Temperature Keeps Fluctuating.
  6. Conclusion.

What does an anti scald valve look like?

They look similar to ordinary shower and tub valves and are equipped with a special diaphragm or piston mechanism that immediately balances the pressure of the hot- and cold-water inputs, limiting one or the other to keep the temperature within a range of several degrees.

Can a dip tube be replaced?

New water heaters have dip tubes that’ll last as long as the water heater. Or second, replace the defective dip tube with a cross-linked polyethylene one and flush the debris out of the water heater and the screens and filters. You may have to flush the system more than once.

How long should hot water last in a 50 gallon tank?



The 50-gallon hot water heater is currently one of the most selling and popular sizes available. You can find both electric and gas 5-gallon versions depending on what you want for your home. These systems are sized to dispense enough hot water for one to two bathroom hours.

How long should a hot water heater last?

about eight to 12 years

How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

Can a water heater last 20 years?



Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.

Should I replace water heater before it fails?

Unless you replace this rod every few years, your water heater could begin taking a beating. If the tank rusts through, it could fail catastrophically and flood your home. You can avoid this disaster by replacing your water heater before it fails.