Lately, the amount of hot water for our morning shower has been lasting less and less time. It's gotten to the point where we get one good hot shower out of it. After that, it goes lukewarm for a little while, and then just cold. I'm pretty sure our water heater is going out. What should I do? Should I get it inspected by a local plumber? Does that cost anything? Is there something I can do myself to make sure it's bad before going out and completely replacing it?
2006-10-04 09:27:37 · 9 answers · asked by dmp 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it's an electric heater, the heating elements are replaceable. If you have the owner's manual, it might have directions for replacing them. If not, call the plumber/electrician
If it is a gas heater, call the gas company to have them check it out.
2006-10-04 09:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by lunatic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the element is just going out. It's not very expensive and it is something you can replace yourself. Just find out what kind of heater you have, and then buy an element for that model. Someone at the store you choose should be able to help you. Then, just follow the directions on the package to install the new element. To get a plumber to check it out will likely cost as much as it would to just buy a whole new unit. I wouldn't go that route. If you absolutely can't figure it out, I would ask a few friends and see if someone can help you.
2006-10-04 09:31:49 · answer #2 · answered by mjboog2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the water starts out hot and then cools off. The dip tube is broken. This is a tube on the cold water side that takes the water to the bottom of the tank. You should be able to get a new one. Check to see what brand you have and call your local plumber to ask about one.
2006-10-04 15:31:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may just be filling the tank with sediment, or one or both of the heating elements could be out or going out. First, turn off the power to the heater, then using the drain connection at the bottom of the heater, connect a garden hose and try to blow out (with the water) any sediment that has built up in the bottom of the heater. Turn off the water to the heater and pop open the temp valve to allow air into your tank, then turn your water back on and off a few times and see if and sediment comes out. Drain the tank and pull you heating elements and teke them to the hardware store and find a replacement the same size and design, Install them, fill the tank (leave the temp valve open until you get some water coming out, then shut it back off) leave the water valve on and turn the power back on. If this doesn't fix it, you'll need to get a new heater.
2006-10-04 10:51:08 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be just a cheap to buy a new heater and replace the old one as it would be to call the plumber to come out. They are easy to replace and get a friend to help you. I have put in many and it is no big deal.
2006-10-04 09:57:24 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's gas it could be the tube that runs from top tank inlet to the bottom of heater inside. New Heater.
If its Electric 1 out the 2 elements are bad You should replace both of them. Not hard to do.
2006-10-04 09:44:16 · answer #6 · answered by bob r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford a new one then get a new one. If you are in a tight budget, do it yourself as long as you have the knowledge that it takes. Another option is get an electrician not a plumber !!
2006-10-04 09:33:02 · answer #7 · answered by betterlatethannever 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's electric you could replace the heater coils.
2006-10-04 09:32:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a bad smell and my eyes is burning
2015-04-16 02:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by Mark 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋