pressure washer gas vs electric image
Michigan F
I am a new homeowner. My hot water heater is pretty new, as it was installed in the spring of 2008. In the last few weeks, it seems that the hot water isn't as abundant as it used to be. I used to take really hot showers and stay in them for 20 minutes or so and soak. The hot water would never run out and I would have to get out because I had enough. I also notice that when I turn on my shower, I have to almost turn the cold water all the way off to get it to the temperature I like. Before, I would turn the hot water on, and then maybe turn the cold water halfway on.
I was just curious if this is something that I could fix. It has gotten colder due to winter, so are there adjustments I have to make to my hot water heater to account for the cold outside?
I did recently shut off the water to my 2 outside spouts, but I'm not thinking that has anything to do with this, but who knows.
Any help from any of you experienced homeowners would sure make my day, and my showers more enjoyable.
Thanks.
Answer
I would guess one of the (2) heating elements you have has gone bad. This means that you only have 50% of the heating capacity left in your water heater. So as you use hot water, there is new cold water coming into the water heater. This cold water cannot be heated up as fast now, so as it comes into the tank it immediately starts cooling off the existing hot water in the water heater.
The other thing it could be is your heating elements are starting to build up mineral deposits on them which covers them with a coating of scale and minerals. This is especially true if you are on well water. There can also be sediment build up in the bottom of the tank, which can get so deep as it covers up the bottom heating element completely. This then burns out the bottom element.
The thermostat could also be bad, however thermostats usually either work or they don't - there is no in between.
Call a reputable plumbing company and ask provide them with the brand of your water heater, the model number and the total gallon capacity. Ask them about what it would cost to diagnose the problem - most of the time this is a free estimate, but ask how much anyway.
If and when they do come out to actually do the work - you can save yourself some labor time by shutting off the water heater and draining the water heater before the plumber arrives. There is a drain valve at the bottom of the tank you can attach a garden hose to. Shut off gas/electric first, then shut incoming water supply, let pressure off by opening hot&cold faucet at lowest place in the house, attach garden hose and open drain valve.
After plumber is finished, remove all aerators ( little screw on fitting under your faucet spouts), this lets any debris that comes loose when you shut your water off flow out of the lines vs. clogging up all your faucets. Let water run for a couple minutes, then shut off and screw aerators back in place.
I would also remove shower heads, and check your washer screens on your clothes washer inlet fittings on the back of your washing machine.
Good Luck
I would guess one of the (2) heating elements you have has gone bad. This means that you only have 50% of the heating capacity left in your water heater. So as you use hot water, there is new cold water coming into the water heater. This cold water cannot be heated up as fast now, so as it comes into the tank it immediately starts cooling off the existing hot water in the water heater.
The other thing it could be is your heating elements are starting to build up mineral deposits on them which covers them with a coating of scale and minerals. This is especially true if you are on well water. There can also be sediment build up in the bottom of the tank, which can get so deep as it covers up the bottom heating element completely. This then burns out the bottom element.
The thermostat could also be bad, however thermostats usually either work or they don't - there is no in between.
Call a reputable plumbing company and ask provide them with the brand of your water heater, the model number and the total gallon capacity. Ask them about what it would cost to diagnose the problem - most of the time this is a free estimate, but ask how much anyway.
If and when they do come out to actually do the work - you can save yourself some labor time by shutting off the water heater and draining the water heater before the plumber arrives. There is a drain valve at the bottom of the tank you can attach a garden hose to. Shut off gas/electric first, then shut incoming water supply, let pressure off by opening hot&cold faucet at lowest place in the house, attach garden hose and open drain valve.
After plumber is finished, remove all aerators ( little screw on fitting under your faucet spouts), this lets any debris that comes loose when you shut your water off flow out of the lines vs. clogging up all your faucets. Let water run for a couple minutes, then shut off and screw aerators back in place.
I would also remove shower heads, and check your washer screens on your clothes washer inlet fittings on the back of your washing machine.
Good Luck
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