There is probably no worse bathroom experience than stepping into the shower hoping for a nice warm bath, only to have ice-cold water dumped on your body. If this happens to you during winter, it is not just annoying, but it can be downright dangerous, says TE Johnson & Sons company.
Why does this problem even happen? Why is the water from your shower cold when it should be warm? There are many possible explanations for this problem. It could be that your anti-scald device is set too high, or the shower mixing valve is damaged.
But if one of these is the source of the problem, you should have hot water everywhere else in your house except the shower. However, if there is no hot water in your home, you may want to check your water heater; that’s the most likely cause of the problem.
Ice-cold water from your shower; potential causes and solutions
Incorrect temperature settings
Selecting the wrong temperature on your water heater can leave you with lukewarm or cold water in the shower. The safe temperature zone for most water heaters is between 120°F (49°C) and 160°F (71°C). Setting the temperature above 140°F (60°C) may lead to scalding. On the other hand, lower temperatures below 120°F (49°C) will encourage bacteria to grow inside the water heater tank. If the temperature is too low, your water heater will not produce enough hot water. Hence, you get dunked with cold water in the shower.
Faulty thermostat
If the temperature setting is correct but the thermostat is broken, your water heater may still produce cold water. The thermostat will malfunction if it is dirty. Installing your thermostat in a location inside your home with significant temperature variations can also affect the function of your water heater. For instance, placing the thermostat near a window or fireplace can lead to inaccurate readings. The thermostat may also be old and worn out, or there could be problems with its wiring. Have an expert inspect the thermostat to help you determine the cause of the problem.
Excessive mineral buildup
Mineral buildup inside your water heater can interfere with its normal function. If lots of calcium and magnesium are in your home’s water supply, these can precipitate inside the tank as the water heats up. Over time, this buildup will form a layer of insulation that impedes the water heater’s ability to transfer heat efficiently. Sediment from inside the tank can also clog the water lines and cause fluctuations in the water temperature. To address this issue, you need to flush the water heater tank. It is also advisable to descale the water heater with a deliming solution. If you live in an area with hard water, you may consider installing a water softener.
Water heater element is damaged
A damaged water heater element will leave your home with lukewarm or no hot water. Water heater elements typically last 10-15 years (for storage water heaters) and up to 20 years (for tankless water heaters). However, any of the following problems can damage the water heater element: dry firing (the heating element is exposed to air and burns out as a result); power surges, loose or faulty wiring; excessive sediment buildup (leading to poor heat transfer) and a damaged coil. To check if the heating element is damaged, a professional plumber can inspect and test the component. If the heating element is bad, you will have to replace it.
Water heater tank is leaking
A leaky tank can impair your water heater’s ability to heat water. If your water heater tank is leaking, you may or may not need to replace it. It depends on the actual cause of the problems. A leaky water heater tank may be due to a faulty TPR (temperature and pressure relief) valve, a drain valve that has come loose, problems in the cold water inlet or hot water outlet pipes, corrosion or rust inside the tank and cracks in the walls of the water heater. If the leak is caused by a corroded or cracked tank, you will need to replace the water heater.
The water heater is too small
There could be a mismatch between the size of your water heater and your home’s hot water needs. Installing a water heater that is too small for your household’s needs will result in insufficient hot water. If you now have more people living in your home than when the water heater was installed, or you didn’t correctly estimate your home’s hot water needs, you will need to upgrade your water heater or install an additional tankless water heater.
To conclude, if you are getting cold water out of your shower when you should be getting hot water, please do not neglect the problem. It could signify bigger issues in your home’s hot water system. By addressing the problem quickly, you can stop it from worsening and save your family from a potentially dangerous situation during winter.