Hot water problem in my apartment complex

[ViRaLRuSh]

I noticed since the winter has started, my hot water for the shower/sink has been totally weird. I have had maybe 3 hot showers (around 11 am each day) for the past 3 weeks or so. I know I could tell my landlord about this, but can it really be fixed or does it just mean so many other people have used all the hot water before I can even get to it? The apartments are broken up into sections, each building must have their own water heater I assume.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: NoSkillz
I noticed since the winter has started, my hot water for the shower/sink has been totally weird. I have had maybe 3 hot showers (around 11 am each day) for the past 3 weeks or so. I know I could tell my landlord about this, but can it really be fixed or does it just mean so many other people have used all the hot water before I can even get to it? The apartments are broken up into sections, each building must have their own water heater I assume.

Do you not have a water heater in your apartment?

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

I have some, but only in like the late afternoon, which doesnt help me any

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: NoSkillz
I have some, but only in like the late afternoon, which doesnt help me any

Not hot water, does your apartment not have a utility closet with a hot water heater in it?

 

[Crusty]

You think you have hot water problems?

Sometimes I can have ONLY the cold water on...and water abour 200 degrees comes out. The temperature fluxuates so often that sometimes when I rinse my shampoo out the water just turns 200 degrees and burns the fvck out of me...

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

ohhh no, its centralized downstairs i think.

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

Originally posted by: MCrusty
You think you have hot water problems?

Sometimes I can have ONLY the cold water on...and water abour 200 degrees comes out. The temperature fluxuates so often that sometimes when I rinse my shampoo out the water just turns 200 degrees and burns the fvck out of me...

I've had that same problems also. I feel like I got burned severely

 

[psydancerqt]

in the school dorm we had a similar problem... people were only getting cold water. it was because the water pump or something couldnt handle pushing all the hot water up from the basement. they replaced whatever it was... the problem here only occured in the morning after no one used the water all night. i dont know what time people in your building get up and start using the water. that would make a difference.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: MCrusty
You think you have hot water problems?

Sometimes I can have ONLY the cold water on...and water abour 200 degrees comes out. The temperature fluxuates so often that sometimes when I rinse my shampoo out the water just turns 200 degrees and burns the fvck out of me...

You need an Anti- Scald valve. It is a requirement in most new construction and MOST bathroom remodels, especially if used as rental.
"For about $15, you can purchase a simple valve that shuts off the water if the temperature gets too high. These valves are easy to install by removing the showerhead, screwing in the valve, and replacing the showerhead.
For about $75, you can get a valve that senses changes in water pressure and adjusts the mix of hot and cold water. A plumber must install these valves.
Some electronic anti-scald systems remember the temperature of your last shower and deliver the same level of hot water until they are reset. Other systems let you program multiple water temperatures into the unit to fit the comfort level of different users. These devices often come with an LCD temperature readout or a standard dial. They start at $150. "
from website linked above.

 

[MikeMike]

bah, plumber installing the valves, if you know how to solder, and cut pipe your fine.

also, i believe a lot of the newer shower heads have the valve built into them to keep water at a set temperature and not let it fluctuate that much, atleast that is how it is at my home.

MIKE

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
bah, plumber installing the valves, if you know how to solder, and cut pipe your fine.

also, i believe a lot of the newer shower heads have the valve built into them to keep water at a set temperature and not let it fluctuate that much, atleast that is how it is at my home.

MIKE

He lives in a rental apartment. I doubt that the landlord would appreciate someone with unknown abilities hacking into the walls and piping.
What you have installed is an Anti-Scald Showerhead / valve.
Please note that there are several options available to him, but that learning a set of skills it takes some time to do right plus purchasing supplies to do the job, may be more of a hassle than paying a tradesman to do it right, once.

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

Any other suggestions on if this cold water problem can be fixed easily or not?

 

[kranky]

Get up earlier for a few days and see if you have hot water every day. Then you'll know if it's just being used up before 11AM.

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

tried that actually, doesn't seem to make a diff even at 8am

 

[GRIFFIN1]

I had the same problem in an apartment I used to live in. They never did get the problem fixed, so I just moved.

I would start calling the manager as soon as you can.

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

He's getting a visit tomorrow. Hope it works out cause he just sold the place to new management