I Feel Like My Water Heater Isn't Getting My Water Hot Enough

By Missy Nolan

July 01, 2025

Water heater not getting hot enough when you shower? Unless you're a fan of cold plunges, you're probably ready to identify what's causing your low hot water temperature ASAP. Keep in mind that water heater problems aren't limited to tubs and showers. You may also notice lukewarm water when you run the dishwasher or washing machine.

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Check out these practical hot water heater troubleshooting tips and get your home's water back to a comfortable temperature.

How Hot Should My Water Heater Make My Water?

A properly functioning water heater should heat water to 120 to 140 degrees F (49 to 60 degrees C). Water flowing through the hot side of your faucet should feel hot to the touch, not cold or lukewarm.

Your water heater likely has a thermostat that provides information about the system's temperature. You can check the temperature of water in your tub or sink with a waterproof thermometer if you're unsure whether your water heater's thermostat settings are accurate.

Is It a Problem If a Water Heater Doesn't Get Very Hot?

A low hot water temperature creates an inviting haven for illness-causing bacteria such as Legionella. This is a harmful microorganism found in plumbing systems and natural water such as lakes and ponds.

Contact with Legionella can result in Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Exposure is especially dangerous for smokers, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly and young children. Set your water heater's thermostat at 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or higher to help thwart the development of this dangerous pathogen and other harmful bacteria.

Water heater thermostat issues can jeopardize your family's well-being. Replace a broken or damaged thermostat at once if you're experiencing temperature problems. You should also check for water heater sediment buildup, as this can lead to issues with your heating element. Heating element failure in a water heater makes it difficult for your appliance to heat water properly.

A malfunctioning water heater can also cause increased energy costs and corrosion or other damage to plumbing fixtures. You may even burn yourself if your hot water supply is inconsistent and you're expecting cooler water. Play it safe and address water heater temperature issues with help from a skilled plumber.

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My Water Heater Is Not Getting Hot Enough — What Should I Do?

You must determine the reason your water heater is not getting hot enough before you can resolve the issue. Several factors influence your water heater's temperature, including its size, condition and settings. An undersized water heater can struggle to keep up with your family's needs, especially if they shower, wash dishes and do laundry daily. Consider upgrading your water heater to a model with a larger tank if water often feels lukewarm when you bathe or clean.

The condition of your water heater also plays a key role in the temperature of your home's water. Pilot light outages can impact water heater temperature. Sediment buildup, dip tube problems and insulation issues can also affect your water's temperature. If you suspect something is wrong, have a plumber perform hot water heater troubleshooting to identify the culprit.

Let's run through some basic solutions for a water heater that isn't getting hot enough. Remember to shut off the power to the water heater before you examine it.

1. Check Your Water Heater's Settings

Sometimes fixing your water heater's temperature is as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Make sure your water heater is set to at least 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) so the water feels hot, not warm or cold.

2. Make Sure the Thermostat Works

Water heater thermostat issues are common. Signs you have a bad thermostat include inconsistent water temperatures, no hot water and water that takes longer than usual to heat up. A plumber can replace or repair a faulty thermostat. You may also need a new heating element or pilot light.

3. Remove Sediment Buildup

Dirt and debris can get stuck in your water heater, affecting your appliance's performance. Have your water heater flushed regularly to remove sediment buildup. Your plumber may also recommend using vinegar or a descaler to prevent buildup.

4. Examine the Dip Tube

Dip tube problems block cold water from flowing to the bottom of the tank, which is where the heating process occurs. Ask a plumber to take a look at your dip tube if you have no hot water.

Contact a plumbing company for personalized hot water heater troubleshooting tips.

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