If your family is constantly fighting over hot water, then it might be time to make a few changes around your home. With a handful of simple upgrades and renovations, you can ensure that everyone in your home is going to have hot water when it is needed the most.
Check for Leaks
Checking your entire property for any signs of leaks is one of the first things that you should do if your home doesn’t have an adequate supply of hot water. Some of the most common signs of a plumbing leak include peeling paint, water stains, musty odors, and patches of mold. You should also keep a close eye on your water bill to see if there are any sudden changes from one month to the next.
Insulate Your Pipes
Even if you plan on carrying out other upgrades, you might still want to insulate all of the exposed pipes throughout your home. That type of project is going to be especially important if you live in an area that regularly gets freezing temperatures. Luckily, most pipes can easily be insulated with nothing more than foam tubes and some high-quality tape.
Switch to High-Efficiency Appliances
Your appliances could be responsible for using up quite a bit of hot water, and older appliances are notoriously inefficient. While every model is slightly different, those devices must usually be replaced at least once every 15 years. When you are searching for new appliances, you might want to keep an eye out for models that have been certified by Energy Star. Those appliances must stand up to rigorous testing, and they could pay for themselves within a few years.
Install Tankless Water Heaters
Another great way to improve the flow of hot water in your home is to install a tankless water heater. Those appliances only heat water as it is being used, and you won’t run out of hot water as long as you don’t exceed its maximum capacity. In a larger home with multiple family members, you might need to install a smaller tankless water heater in each of the bathrooms.
In addition to these few projects, you should also have a plumber check your entire plumbing system at least once every year or two. Other factors could be impacting your home’s hot water production, and some of those problems can only be taken care of by a certified and experienced plumber.
