Let your hand rise if you take a bath with cold water. We didn't know that way. There aren't many things that are more frustrating and awe-inspiring than taking a shower and realizing that the water isn't heating up. It's not just uncomfortable, but it could also be a signal of a plumbing problem inside your home.

If you're experiencing cold water in your shower, here are several places to determine the root of the problem.

• Review hot water usage. Before you start worrying, consider how much hot water has been consumed in your home in the last few days. If your own tank-type water heaters are in use, you'll have a small amount of hot water available before the unit is exhausted and requires refilling. Therefore, if some members of your household went to the bathroom or a hot water appliance is in operation after 30 minutes, let it sit for 30 minutes before attempting the shower once more.

• Try other faucets. It could also help to determine if the cold-water issue is only limited to your shower or all over the home. Explore your home and test the hot water in the faucets in other sinks or tubs. If other outlets appear to be working, it is probably a problem in the shower. After you've completed this test, you are able to go on to the other two areas.

• Make sure to check your water heater. If the cold-water issue seems to be affecting your entire dwelling, it's time to look for the water heater. Make sure that the pilot light is on and that the temperature is set correctly (around 120 degrees F). If you observe any strange or leaky sounds emanating from the unit, get a professional plumber now.

• Think about your shower's valve. If other faucets within the house have hot water and hot water, then the problem is unique to the shower. If this is the case, you could be having a problem with your shower valve. This is an element of the plumbing system that mixes cold and hot water prior to it coming out from the shower head. In time, the small parts such as the O-ring and washer may wear out and cause the valve to cease working correctly.