Things
you can do to increase
amount of hot water
Adjust water heater thermostat to higher temperature. How to adjust thermostat
Adjust water heater temperature higher in winter when incoming water is colder
Install larger water heater tank.
Install two tanks. Two water heaters
Install water heater with higher recovery rating, and higher first-hour delivery. These water heaters available at plumbing supply.
Install tempering tank next to regular tank to passively preheat incoming cold water in winter. Tempering tank
Install mixing valve so some usage points receive warm water while others receive hot water. See mixing valve
Install recirculation system Recirculation system puts hot water at faucet so there is less waiting.
Install under-counter water heater at sinks. How to install under-counter water heater
Install insta-hot faucet in kitchen. Use pot boiler at kitchen sink. See examples
Turn off hot water to washing machine.
Install dishwasher on cold water line instead of hot. Wash dishes by hand.
Leave gallon jugs of water in sun during day for hot water needed at lunch or dinner.
Install solar water heater in addition to other sources. Solar water heater
Install shower timer so more people can shower before hot runs out.
Install low flow shower heads and areators so hot lasts longer.
Don't use the oversized bathtub
Take showers instead of bath. Shower uses 5-9 gallons hot water, bath uses 12-15 gallons See details
Take showers in quick succession so hot water located at top of tank does not cool when incoming cold water arrives.
Do not turn on hot water when using cold water so more hot is available. Single handled faucet lifted straight up will cause cold water to immediately enter tank Read about:. Dip tube & Crossover
Electric: convert elements from non-simultaneous to simultaneous operation. requires additional circuit breaker and wire to heater, and rewire of heater. Simultaneous wiring
Gas water heater: install external air intake so ambient room temperature is not lowered in winter when combustion draws cold air through cracks and doors.
Reduce water pressure in house using pressure reducing valve. Turn down water well pressure. Hot water lasts longer. Plumbing pipes and fixtures last longer.
Clean restrictions in pipes. Low hot water pressure
Shorten distance from hot water tank to usage point. Distance hot water travels in 30 seconds
Clean sediment out of tank to increase efficiency. How to remove sediment/ efficiency numbers
Insulate water pipes throughout house. Insulate water heater .Read 9-ways to save with water heater
