Why is My Hot Water Running Out So Fast?

There is nothing more frustrating than your shower turning lukewarm halfway through. If your hot water supply seems to be shrinking, it's usually due to one of three common issues.

In areas with hard water, minerals settle at the bottom of your tank. Over years, this sediment layer can grow thick, physically taking up space where water should be. A 50-gallon tank might only be holding 40 gallons of actual water.

The Fix: Flush your water heater to remove the sediment.

The dip tube directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank to be heated. If this plastic tube cracks or breaks, cold water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank near the outlet. This sends lukewarm water to your shower immediately.

The Fix: Replace the dip tube (a relatively inexpensive repair).

Electric heaters usually have two elements: top and bottom. If the bottom element burns out, only the top half of the water gets heated. You'll get hot water, but only half as much as usual.

The Fix: Test and replace the faulty heating element.