My hot water is running out very quickly lately..I can take maybe a 5 minute shower before it runs out. My guess is that one of the elements may be burned out, but that seems strange to me as the tank is only two years old. How can I tell if it is one of the elements? If that's not the issue, any idea what it could be? It's an electric heater btw.
Thanks!
2006-08-11 01:39:29 · 9 answers · asked by Howe132 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Just an add on; it's definitely not a leak; the temp guage shouldn't be the issue as it was working fine at the temperature its been set at for years.
2006-08-11 02:25:00 · update #1
It could be a burnt out element, or an element covered with sedimentation. While 2 years is pretty quick for either of these to happen, it's not unheard of. You should be able to check the functionality of the elements with a multimeter. If they both appear to be working, drain your heater to see if you can flush out any sedimentation that might have built-up If you have to replace one of the elements, see if you can determine if it failed on it's own, or if something made it fail (like sedimentation or running uncovered).
2006-08-11 02:51:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elements in water heaters go out often because of your water quality. All of the calcium, iron etc. that are in you water end up burned on the elements or as dubris in the bottom of the water heater tank. In order to change the elements, you have to shut off and drain the water heater. Considering elements are only about $8.00 your better off to replace them both at the same time. Also the #1 thing to remember.......DO NOT TURN THE POWER BACK ON UNTIL THE WATER HEATER IS FULL OF WATER. If you don't, you have just smoke 2 more elements and you'll have to go to the store and get 2 more. Good Luck.
2006-08-12 05:10:09 · answer #2 · answered by homelessgal2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree two years is a short time, but you must understand a heating element is a lot like a light bulb. Both work because of their resistance to electrical flow. I am sure in your lifetime you have purchased a package of light bulbs. One bulb in the package seems to last forever and another burns out right away.
Your heating element has gone bad, I agree with the other responder, most liekly it is the bottom one. They are also correct in the proceedure on how to check so I will not repeat that information.
One other thing. Heating elements do come in multiple qualitys just like most things. I have found "Sand-Hog" to be one of the best brands. If this brand is not available in your area any that are specially made for use in "hard water" are usually more heavy duty than those that are not.
2006-08-11 08:54:14 · answer #3 · answered by dont_call_me_sweet_pea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would bet it is lower element that is bad. As upper unit only comes on to supplement and heat water quicker, It will not provide as much hot water as it only heats the upper portion of the tank. If you have multimeter you can sometimes check the lower element by turning off the power to heater. Placing the multimeter to ohms X 200 remove both wires from element check from screw to screw you should read maybe midscale of the meter if you have infinity you have open unit. I have seen some elements check continuity but still be bad. If unit is bad you will have to drain tank be sure and leave one of the hot water faucets on as it will not drain without it. Some elements require a special wrench or large socket to remove. The wrench can be bought at most hardware stores.
2006-08-11 06:09:45 · answer #4 · answered by RoeB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like you are correct. We had to buy a new hot water heater after only 3 years because ours went out.
2006-08-11 01:42:03 · answer #5 · answered by dolphin2253 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have minerals built in the bottom of tank,let some water out the bottom and see what comes out.
2006-08-14 11:42:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check you temperature guage. It may need to be turned up.
2006-08-11 01:45:41 · answer #7 · answered by Whiskeytangofoxtrot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean the lime and other sediments out of it and check the elements
2006-08-11 05:57:42 · answer #8 · answered by jodycat2@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be a leak. are your water and gas or electric bills higher? if not I'd get one of those water saving nozzels for your showerhead.
2006-08-11 01:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by Hando C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋