How to Make More Hot Water Come Out of the Shower

Not hot?

Not having enough hot water may not be a result of the person that took a shower before you. There can be a number of reasons why a water heater may not be producing enough hot water. You can check these without calling a plumber. The thermostat may need to be adjusted or the heating element may need to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
• Electrical tester
• Replacement element

Instructions

Adjusting the Thermostat

1. Remove the electrical access panel from the side of the water heater to expose the thermostat. Test to verify the power has been disconnected by using an electrical tester. Touch one probe of the electrical tester to the black wire on the thermostat and the other probe to any metal on the water heater. Your tester will not light up if the power has been disconnected correctly.

2. Adjust the thermostat. Locate the white rotary turn dial below the terminal block of the thermostat. Turn the thermostat clockwise to raise the temperature of the water. If you own gas water heater the thermostat will be located on the exterior of the water heater near the bottom of the unit. You may adjust the thermostat from this location by turning the thermostat dial clockwise.

3. Replace the access panel and turn the breaker on at the main electrical panel.

4. Move on to the next section if you are still not getting enough hot water.

Replacing the Element

1. Turn off the electrical power to the water heater by turning off the breaker at the main electrical panel. Turn off the water supply to the water heater and connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Drain the water heater of all the water.

2. Remove the element access panel from the side of the water heater. Verify that the electrical power has been disconnected. Use an electrical tester and touch one prong to the screw holding the black wire onto the heating element and the other prong to any metal on the water heater. If the power has been disconnected correctly your electrical tester should not light up. Snap the plastic element protector from the element and remove the two wires attached to it. If your element is bolted on, use an adjustable box end wrench to remove them and slide the element from the tank. If your element is screwed into the tank, use an element wrench to turn it counterclockwise then remove it.

3. Install the replacement element. Slide the element gasket onto the element and install it into the water heater by screwing it in or bolting it on. Close the water heater drain valve and turn on the water supply to refill the water heater. Check for leaks around the heating element. If a leak is detected, drain the tank and readjust the gasket. Attach the two wires onto the element and snap the plastic element cover back onto the element.

4. Replace the access panel and turn the electricity back on at the main panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Test to make sure the electricity is off to avoid electrical shock.

References

• Bob Vila: Fixing Electric Water Heaters
• Plumbing Supply: Element Installation Instructions
• Natural Handyman: Lower Your Water Heater's Tempterature and Save Money

Resources

• Reader's Digest: How To Use Inexpensive Electrical Testers