If you’re like me, you love taking hot showers. But sometimes the water can be a little too cold; no matter how long you wait for it to heat up.
So in this article, I will share some tips to help make your shower or bathroom water hotter even in an apartment.
Why is the shower water not hot enough?
Shower water not being hot enough is one of the common shower water temperature problems.
There could be a few reasons for this so if you suspect that one of these problems might be causing the low temperature of your shower water, then you can try to troubleshoot it yourself or call a professional to help you figure out what’s going on.
1. Clogged shower head
One possibility is that the shower head might be clogged due to a buildup of scale or sediment, and needs to be cleaned.
Clogged shower head makes it less efficient at heating up. This is due to the fact that some of the water droplets don’t get small enough to be propelled out of the showerhead by the force of the water behind them.
This means that they stay in the showerhead and heat up more slowly than they would if they were able to escape, which makes the water not hot enough.
Related article: How to clean showerhead without vinegarÂ
2. Water valve is turned off
Another possible reason could be that the water valve might be turned off or closed either intentionally or accidentally.
If your water valve is turned off, it’s likely that the water isn’t hot enough because the flow of hot water has been restricted.
Try turning the valve back on and see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to adjust the temperature setting on your water heater.
3. Water heater temperature not set high enough
It’s possible that the water heater temperature isn’t set high enough, which is why the water isn’t as hot as you’d like it to be.
You can test this by turning up the thermostat on your water heater and seeing if the water gets hotter.
4. Heating element burnout
If the water still isn’t hot enough after trying the above methods, there may be something wrong with the heating element in your water heater.
The heating element in a water heater can definitely burn out, which will then make the water not as hot as it should be. You’ll need to replace the heating element if this happens.
You can troubleshoot this by turning off the power to your water heater and then checking to see if the heating element is getting hot. If it’s not, then you’ll need to replace it.
5. Water heater needs servicing
Another possibility is that there might be a problem with the water heater and it needs to be serviced.
Failing to service your water heater can affect the temperature of the water. This is because build-ups or blockages in the system will impede the flow of hot water and could lead to a decrease in temperature.
It’s important to have your water heater serviced regularly to ensure that it’s running smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of it. So it’s best to talk to a professional immediately and schedule a service appointment.
See also: How do you know if you have a bad anode rod?
How to make shower water hotter
There are a few things you can do to make your shower water hotter and last longer.
1. Turn water heater up as high as possible
Make sure the water heater is turned up as high as it can go. If you have a gas water heater, you may need to adjust the temperature on the thermostat.
Be sure to take care when adjusting the temperature on your water heater or using any kind of heating device in your shower, as they can be dangerous if not used properly.
2. Turn up the flow control for showerhead
If your showerhead has an adjustable flow control valve, turn it up to maximum desired temperature.
But if your showerhead doesn’t have a flow control valve, you may need to adjust the water pressure coming into your home (this will require a professional plumber).
Alternatively, you could install a flow control valve onto your shower head pipe. This is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that anyone can do with basic plumbing skills.
Once installed, simply turn the valve to the desired setting and enjoy a hot shower.
3. Add hot water tank booster
A hot water tank booster can make shower water hotter, but it depends on the specific model.
Some boosters allow you to adjust the water temperature, while others simply heat the water more quickly so that you don’t have to wait as long for hot water.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that a hot water tank booster cannot create more hot water than what your tank is capable of holding.
So if you have a small tank, a booster may not result in much of a temperature increase.
4. Insulate the pipes
Insulating pipes can make shower water hotter for longer. This is because insulation helps to prevent heat loss, so the water in the pipes stays hotter for longer.
This can be especially helpful in winter when temperatures are colder and you don’t want to wait forever for your shower to heat up.
5. Change the heating element
Changing the heating element in your shower can make the water hotter.
This is because the heating element is what actually heats the water, so if you change it to a higher wattage, the water will be hotter.
However, this depends on what kind of heating element you are using. If you are using an electric heating element, then increasing the wattage will make the water hotter. But if you have a gas heating element, increasing the wattage will not make the water hotter.
See also: Magnesium vs Aluminum anode rod
6. Tankless water heater
Another possible solution is to change to a tankless water heater and make the shower water hotter.
However, it’s important to make sure that you purchase a model that is capable of heating the water to the desired temperature.
Not all Tankless water heaters are created equal, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that not everyone will require the same level of heat when taking a shower.
Some people may find that a lower temperature is more than sufficient, while others may need something more along the lines of scalding hot water in order to feel clean. It all depends on your personal preference.
7. Service the water heater
Finally, you need to service your water heater for a better shower experience.
A water heater is usually serviced to clean out the sediment that builds up over time and can decrease the efficiency of the unit and cause it to run cold.
If your water heater is running cold, then servicing it may help to correct that problem. If you service your water heater regularly, it will not heat your water properly but also prolong the life of your water heater.
So if you’re looking to save some money in the long run, be sure to keep up with those regular maintenance appointments.
See also: What jewelry can you wear in the shower?
How to make hot water last longer in the shower
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on a number of factors, including the type of showerhead, the water pressure, and the temperature of the incoming water.
That being said, many people believe that using a low-flow showerhead can help you conserve hot water and extend its life.
Low flow showerheads are designed to use less water than traditional showerheads, so they can be an effective way to save energy and reduce your water usage.
If you’re looking for a way to make your hot water last longer, consider installing a low-flow showerhead in your home.
Why does my apartment shower not get hot enough?
There are a few possible reasons why your apartment shower might not be getting hot enough.
One possibility is that the water heater isn’t set to a high enough temperature.
Another possibility is that there’s something blocking the flow of hot water to the shower, such as a buildup of sediment in the pipes.
If you’re not sure what the problem is, you may want to call a plumber or your apartment complex’s maintenance staff to take a look.
See also: Can you use wall paneling in the bathroom?
How do I make my bathtub water hotter?
You can make your bathtub water hotter for longer by increasing the temperature of your water heater.
Another way is to insulate your pipes so that they retain heat better.
You can add a heating element to your tub itself. This can be done by either installing a circulating pump or by using a portable immersion heater.
Adding some hot water to the bathtub just before getting in also helps to retain heat for longer.
How to adjust the temperature on a delta shower faucet and make the water hotter?
To adjust the temperature on a delta shower faucet, you will need to first locate the adjustment screw.
The adjustment screw is usually located on the side of the showerhead, near the base.
Once you have located the adjustment screw, use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn it counterclockwise in order to increase the water temperature.
Be sure to test the water temperature frequently as you are making adjustments, in order to ensure that you are getting it exactly how you want it.
Related article: Are Delta and Moen shower valves interchangeable?
How to adjust the water temperature on a Moen single-handle shower valve?
In order to adjust the water temperature on a Moen single-handle shower valve, you will need to locate the chrome knob on the front of the faucet.
With your thumb, push in on this knob and then turn it to the left or right in order to adjust the desired water temperature.
Remember that if you have a family member or friend who prefers a different water temperature than you do, you can easily adjust it to their liking without having to purchase a whole new shower valve.
Related article: What type of shower valve do I have?
Conclusion
To sum up, on how to make shower water hotter, we’ve looked at both the causes and potential solutions for this problem.
Some of the causes include clogged shower head, water valve turned off, and water heater is not set high enough among others. Solutions include turning on the water heater to the highest possible setting, adding a hot water tank booster, insulating pipes, and many more.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what might be causing your shower water to be lukewarm and some ideas about what you can do to fix it. If you try any of these solutions and they work for you, please let us know in the comments.
