TL;DR: This article outlines how certain shower habits can strain your hot water tank, leading to potential issues. To maintain its efficiency:

• Limit long, hot showers: Frequent, prolonged use forces the tank to work harder, potentially reducing its lifespan.
• Avoid running water unnecessarily: Turning on the shower well before entering or leaving it running while soaping up wastes hot water and energy.
• Be mindful of baths: Baths can use nearly double the water of a shower, increasing demand on your hot water system.

Implementing these practices can help extend the life of your hot water tank and improve energy efficiency.

It is glorious to turn on a tap and have hot water readily accessible. However, for this simple pleasure to operate without interruption, your water heater must be fully operational to keep your hot water tank primed and ready.

Aside from a lack of maintenance, some other things could impact your hot water tank’s endurance, which could lead to costly repairs or early replacement. For example, we have found some interesting shower habits that may affect your hot water system.

Taking Long, Hot Showers

Taking a long, hot shower relieves sore muscles and allows us to relax without disruption. However, if this turns into a regular habit, it could take a toll on your hot water tank. 

Aside from risking mould growth without solid ventilation, excessive hot showers force your hot water tank into maximum output and drive more hot water through the piping system from the basement. In addition, the water heater must keep up with the demand and could wear out sooner.

Instead, try moderately warm showers for everyday bathing and save your luxurious showers for when you need them.

Turning On the Shower Before Getting In

Let’s face it; few people are keen to jump in the shower and then shiver in cold water while waiting for it to heat up. 

Instead of starting the water and then, say, brushing your teeth, for example, get all your tasks out of the way and start showering the moment the water hits your desired temperature.

Letting the Water Run While You Soap Up

For folks with a limited supply of hot water, it may be frugal to turn off the water while you lather soap and shave. Then, quickly rinse off and finish your shower. 

If this doesn’t seem practical, it may be time to consider why you don’t have an excellent hot water supply. Here are some signs your water heater is wearing out:

• It’s more than ten years old
• The hot water tank is leaking
• Water discolouration
• Unusual noises from the tank
• Frequent tank or heater repairs
• Not enough hot water

The more inventive you have to be to have a decent shower, the more likely you will have an issue with the hot water system.

Not Shutting Off the Water When You’re Finished

Perfectly running water is something we likely take for granted, especially when we aren’t the ones paying the water bill. However, forgetful family members or an unexpected interruption could leave the taps running longer than planned. Indeed, rather expensive water damage comes from overflowing bathtubs and sinks. 

Keep an eye on youngsters’ shower times and remind them to be mindful of water usage—and not use up all the hot water! 

Taking Baths Instead of Showers

Did you know that taking a bath uses almost double the amount of water than taking a shower? That’s right… the average bath uses approximately 50 gallons of water. At the same time, a standard showerhead flows around 2.5 gallons every minute. 

A ten-minute shower only uses about 25 gallons of water—as long as you don’t have one of those exceptionally long soaks. So, not only are you saving water, but you are also giving your hot water tank a break.

Keep Your Hot Water Tank in Top Form

Showering is pleasurable and essential, so it makes sense that you need a reliable hot water system in perfect working order no matter how long you enjoy the hot water. For routine maintenance, repairs, or hot water tank replacement, trust the experts at Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating in Langley, BC.

Their professional plumbers have the experience and knowledge to handle any residential hot water system and provide honest, solid advice and quality service when you need it most.

Avoid cold showers and book your water heater inspection online or call 604-514-9967 now!