Not enough hot water
#1
03-15-00, 07:15 AM
We have a 50 gal hot water heater but we are not getting enough hot water for even two showers. Any suggestions ?
#3
03-15-00, 02:18 PM
Also what temp is the hot water heater set to? We have little kids and ours is set to 120 degrees and we have the same deal. Before when we had it set up higher we did not have the problem
quote:<HR>Originally posted by EdM:
We have a 50 gal hot water heater but we are not getting enough hot water for even two showers. Any suggestions ?<HR>
#4
03-15-00, 10:48 PM
First, is the heater gas or electric? I would guess electric (with this problem) and I am going to assume that the problem just started. If it's electric, then more than likely it is either the lower element or one of the thermostats that is bad. If it's gas or electric, it's also possible that the dip tube has broken off about 1/3 to 1/2 way down (This is the pipe that directs the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank). If this is a problem that has esisted since day one with this heater, then it could be that the cold water was plumbed into the hot nipple and the hot to the cold nipple. (Have seen that, even in new construction!) And that is about the end of the possibilities.
#5
03-16-00, 05:32 AM
Hi:EdM
Another possible cause for your hot water problem not mentioned.
Question? Is this lack of hot water isolated to only the shower? If so, check the faucet valve.
If it's a mix-it valve <one lever that swings both left and right> those have been known to cause this problem. In this case, the internal cartridge needs to be replaced.
------------------
Sincerely,
TomBartco
TomBartco Enterprises.
Trade:Natural Gas Energy Consultant & Technician.
Appliance Service & Repairs Rep.
Vocations:Saw & Tool Sharpening. Small Engine Repairs.
Accurate Power Equipment Company.
Personal Quote:
"Drive Safely. The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
Another possible cause for your hot water problem not mentioned.
Question? Is this lack of hot water isolated to only the shower? If so, check the faucet valve.
If it's a mix-it valve <one lever that swings both left and right> those have been known to cause this problem. In this case, the internal cartridge needs to be replaced.
------------------
Sincerely,
TomBartco
TomBartco Enterprises.
Trade:Natural Gas Energy Consultant & Technician.
Appliance Service & Repairs Rep.
Vocations:Saw & Tool Sharpening. Small Engine Repairs.
Accurate Power Equipment Company.
Personal Quote:
"Drive Safely. The Life You Save, May Be Your Own."
#6
03-16-00, 04:11 PM
hello EdM,
there is 1 other thing that can cause loss of hot water that no 1 has addressed. i recentely had 2 replaice my gas hot water heater due to lack of hot water this was caused by the tank limeing up, 1 way to tell if its limed is to open drain valve if it drains slow or not at all its probily limed up, also ours made a poping sound whin it was heating and a plumber told me this is also a sing of lime. you can try flushing it out by removing drain valve and useing a coat hanger to work lime loose, but mine was 2 far gone to save, we were only getting around 25 gal out of a 40, lession learned here is to flush tank at least once a year.
there is 1 other thing that can cause loss of hot water that no 1 has addressed. i recentely had 2 replaice my gas hot water heater due to lack of hot water this was caused by the tank limeing up, 1 way to tell if its limed is to open drain valve if it drains slow or not at all its probily limed up, also ours made a poping sound whin it was heating and a plumber told me this is also a sing of lime. you can try flushing it out by removing drain valve and useing a coat hanger to work lime loose, but mine was 2 far gone to save, we were only getting around 25 gal out of a 40, lession learned here is to flush tank at least once a year.
