A reduced hot water supply will drive homeowners to their wits end.
There are some things homeowners can check on before calling in a plumber to solve the problem. The first thing to make sure that the hot water tank is not leaking. Check for water pooling up underneath the unit itself. The next thing is to make sure that mineral deposits have not accumulated in the tank, which would make the hot water heater less effective.
You can flush the water heater to get rid of any build up minerals. First, turn off the water heater’s gas valve or power, and let the water tank cool for at least an hour. Turn off the water inlet valve (the water tank owners manual can tell you where this is, or call the manufacturer if it is not obvious).
Next, attach a hose to the drain valve, located at the bottom of the tank and run the hose to the floor drain or to a very large bucket. Open the valve, and also one hot water valve anywhere else in the house. This will air in so the tank can drain properly. Let the tank completely.
Now retrace your steps. Close the drain valve and turn the water inlet valve back on. If you have a gas model you may also have to relight the pilot light.
If you are still experiencing reduced hot water supply, than the issue could be a cracked or compromised dip tube. This is a tube that supplies cold water to the bottom of the hot water heater, and if it has been split or damaged it could be leaking cold water elsewhere in the tank and diluting the hot water that way.
It would be hard for a typical homeowner to make this determination and we suggest you call in licensed plumber for their assessment.
The other issue to take note of is the age of the hot water heater. If the unit over 12 years old, and you are experiencing problems, than we suggest you replace it.