Do you ever wonder why your hot water heater appears to be working nonstop to provide you with a steady supply of hot water? You're not by yourself. Many homeowners face this common problem, and it's critical to understand why. In this article, we'll look at the reasons why your hot water heater may be running constantly and offer practical solutions to this problem.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup is a major cause of a hot water heater running continuously. Minerals and sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This buildup acts as insulation, making it more difficult for the heating element to work efficiently. As a result, your heater must work longer and harder to reach the desired temperature of the water.

Solution

Consider flushing your hot water heater on a regular basis to prevent sediment buildup. This maintenance procedure entails draining the tank to remove accumulated sediment, which allows your heater to run more efficiently.

Problems with The Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can also cause your hot water heater to run continuously. If you set the thermostat too high, your heater will work overtime to maintain that high temperature, even if you don't require extremely hot water.

Solution

Check your thermostat settings and adjust them to a more comfortable temperature. Setting your water heater thermostat to 120°F (49°C) is usually sufficient for most households and can help you save energy.

Leaking Hot Water Faucets or Pipes

Although a dripping faucet or a leaking hot water pipe may appear insignificant, they can cause your hot water heater to run indefinitely. When hot water constantly escapes through leaks, your heater must work extra hard to compensate for the lost heat.

Solution

Repair any leaking faucets or pipes as soon as possible. This not only saves water but also keeps your hot water heater from running all the time.

Insufficient Insulation

Inadequate insulation around your hot water heater can cause it to lose heat faster, resulting in constant operation as it tries to maintain the set temperature.

Solution

Insulate your water heater and its pipes, particularly if they are in a cold basement or garage. This will aid in heat retention and reduce the need for constant heating.

Overuse or High Demand

Due to high demand, your hot water heater may occasionally run continuously. If multiple people in your home take long showers or use hot water appliances at the same time, your heater may struggle to keep up.

Solution

If your household consistently experiences high demand, consider staggering hot water usage or upgrading to a larger capacity water heater.


Understanding why your hot water heater constantly runs is the first step in resolving the problem. You can improve your heater's efficiency and reduce energy consumption by identifying and resolving the root causes, such as sediment buildup, thermostat issues, leaks, insulation issues, or high demand. Regular maintenance and responsible hot water usage can go a long way towards ensuring that your hot water heater runs efficiently without having to work indefinitely.

Safety should be prioritised. When in doubt or dealing with more complex problems, it's best to seek the help of a professional plumber or technician. 247 Melbourne Hot Water is a leading hot water Melbourne company that has been providing residential and commercial clients with dependable, timely, and cost-effective services for many years. We are a dedicated team of expert plumbers with the necessary licencing and insurance coverage to complete every job correctly the first time.