If your home's water isn't hot enough, there are several issues that could be coming into play. Not only could the heater itself be malfunctioning, but the plumbing system may not be keeping the heated water warm. Here are a few of the most common issues experienced with a home water heater, in addition to ways to improve upon them.

Turning the Water Heater Up

Some water heaters have been intentionally turned down. Most water heaters have a variable heat mechanism; they will only heat the water up to the temperature that they are set to. Turning the temperature down saves on cost. But the temperature that is suitable in the summer may not necessarily be suitable in the winter, and as the heater gets older it may fail to maintain the temperature that it's currently set at. If your temperature has been slowly going down, you may want to adjust the water heater upwards to see if it helps.

Updating the Insulation Around a Water Heater

It isn't always the water heater that is at fault. Sometimes it's actually the insulation around the heater. If it seems as though the water is too cold when it's too cold outside, it's possible that the water is being cooled again as it travels through your home. This is especially true in larger homes where the water has to travel farther before it is used. Adding insulation around your plumbing and pipes may improve the heat retention of your water, in addition to reducing the amount of energy you need to use.

Replacing the Heating Element

If it isn't an issue of temperature setting or insulation, it may be the heating element itself. Sometimes the heating element of a hot water heater may burn out -- this is more common in electric heaters than in gas heaters. The heating element can be either repaired or replaced, however, without necessitating a replacement of the entire heating device. A replacement of the heating element is usually best left to a professional, especially when it comes to gas heaters.

Regular maintenance is important for the functionality of a home water heater. A water heater is expected to last anywhere from ten to fifteen years, but this lifespan can be substantially reduced if the heater is not properly serviced. A professional appliance service can give a homeowner a better idea of whether or not their heater requires repairs. You can find additional information or advice on a related site.