Why does my hot water run out so fast new water heater?

Water Heater Runs Out Of Hot Water Quickly: Possible Reasons Why. As mentioned above, several things can cause a home’s hot water supply to run out faster than it should. The three most common culprits are sediment build up, a faulty heating element and a broken dip tube.

Are old or new water heaters more efficient?





Old water heaters are much less energy efficient, both because they are aging and because standards were lower back then, which could mean more money you’re paying each month in energy costs compared to a newer heater. It’s generally accepted that most water heaters last an average of about 13 years.

Why is my new water heater not hot enough?

Sediment build up in the tank

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.

How long does it take for water heater to adjust to new temperature?

about three hours





Fill a glass and check the hot temperature. If the water is above 120 degrees, adjust the dial, wait about three hours and check again. Repeat until you get 120-degree F water.

Why do I only get 10 minutes of hot water?

If you are getting less than a full tank of hot water, the most likely cause is the bottom element burning out. Less likely, either of the thermostats could be faulty, which could be keeping the lower element from turning on.

Why does my hot water not stay hot long?

One of the leading plumbing problems with a hot water system is a poorly maintained hot water tank. Sediment and corrosion build up within the tank. This lowers the water quality and slows the heating element’s effects. A simple draining and cleaning process resolves these plumbing problems.

Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?

Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it’s about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren’t everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn’t need replacing.

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?



15 Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World

  • A.O. Smith. …
  • Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. …
  • Kenmore. …
  • Bradford White. …
  • American Standard. …
  • American Water Heaters. …
  • Bosch. …
  • EcoSmart.

Which type of water heater is most efficient?

Long-term efficiency: Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient alternatives to fuel, oil, and electric water heating systems. For those in the market for a water heater that is both energy-efficient and cost-efficient, heat pump water heaters show great promise.

What should water heater be set at AB or C?

How to Set Temperature on a Gas Water Heater

  1. Low (or Warm) = 80-90°
  2. Hot (or triangle symbol) = 120°
  3. A = 130°
  4. B = 140°
  5. C = 150°
  6. Very Hot = 160°


What temperature should a hot water tank be set at?

60-65ºC

A domestic hot water cylinder thermostat should be set at 60-65ºC. This is high enough to kill off harmful bacteria such as Legionella. If you set the thermostat much higher than this the water that comes out of the taps will be too hot and there’ll be a risk of scalding.

Is 130 too hot for water heater?

Professionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous.

Would 150 degree water burn you?



Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.

Is 150 too hot for water heater?

Just be careful that you don’t turn the temperature up too high. Water that is 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit can easily cause scalding. Of course, the temperature setting isn’t always the problem. If you consistently run out of hot water, you may just need a bigger tank or a tankless water heater.

What does ABC mean on AO Smith water heater?

That should be plenty hot enough for most uses in your home. Now, some water heater temperature controls come with settings that read “A-B-C” as opposed to numbers. Generally, A means 120 degrees, B means 130 degrees, and C means 140 degrees.

What should be setting of AO Smith water heater?

The default temperature setting on an A.O. Smith electric water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s partly to reduce power consumption, but A.O. Smith’s owner’s manuals describe that temperature primarily as a safety feature that minimizes the risk of scalding.

What temperature is a on a hot water heater?



The EPA recommends 120 degrees because it’s hot enough to keep diseases at bay, it’s not hot enough to cause scalding, it will supply enough hot water for most small families and is relatively energy-efficient.

Is 140 too hot for water heater?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire’s disease.

How do I increase hot water heater?

Gas or electric water heaters

  1. Start by turning off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
  2. Find the access panel for the thermostat(s) and use a screwdriver to remove the panel.
  3. Peel back the insulation.
  4. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat up or down.