Our hot water does not even last a full shower, new tank or new element??

Question

do you have an idea what the elements would cost, I priced the tanks at Lowes...thanks

Answer 1

Before you go to the trouble of replacing your element or elements, and wasting money, try some simple tests.

Turn off the power to the water heater. remove the wires to the elements (one element at a time) and get a meter and check the element for continuity. If you have continuity, I would then put the wires back on and turn the power back on and see if you have power to the element from the thermostat. If not then replace the upper or lower thermost. If you do have power on them both, there is a possibility that you have a false reading from the continuity test but try these tests first.
If it should be your element, make sure you get the correct wattage element. It should be stamped on the side where the wires connect.
I wouldn't replace the tank until it starts leaking or shows signs of wear by giving you rusty water and such.

Answer 2

If it suddenly stopped giving a full shower, it's almost certain to be an element. A tank that is filling up with sediment slowly gets worse and worse. When you put in the new element, drain the tank completely, and after you put in the new element (s) turn the water back on with the drain still open to flush out the last of the junk in the tank.

Answer 3

Instead of buying a new hot water heater of either kind i would consider changing the heating elements in the tank you have first. We change the elements about every 7 years and our electric hot water heater is over 20 years old with no other problems.The last time we changed them ..2 weeks ago.. the elements were @$10 each at Home Depot. It took us about 2 hours to change thelements. most of the time was spent draining the tank.

Answer 4

Here’s the deal; if you have hot water but it only lasts a little while, the bottom element is out. If you have hot water but it takes forever to heat back up, the upper element is out. In your case I’d say it’s the bottom. Go to the hardware store and get a “sandworm” brand/type of element. It will cost more but they hardly ever burn out. Next, don’t drain the tank, it takes hours on older tanks {lime clogs the draincock} Shut the water off to heater, shut the power off, open then close a hot water faucet, { this takes the pressure off} get some towels and lay them down at the bottom of the heater. Loosen the old element with a wrench or channel locks, then spin it out with one hand while you have the new element in the other hand. Switch them fast and you’ll only have about two “glugs” of water come out. {about a cup} I change about three of these a month. Good luck!…Bruce the electrician. { don't forget to turn the water and power back on}

Answer 5

Has it always been this way? Try raising the thermostat on the tank first (usually by the reset button). Then you can try a new element (cheap less than $20). Lastly, I would replace the tank with a bigger one.

EDIT: Incidentally, if you have "hard water" there is probably minerals built up on the heating element itself. Before you install the new element, check out the old one and see if there is build up. If there is, scour it off with a dry steel wool pad.

Here is an easy how-to on installing water heater elements:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_electric_other/article/0,1797,HGTV_3698_1374321,00.html

Answer 6

Worry about the age of your tank. If you tank is older or the water in your area has lots of minerals you should buy a whole new tank. Maybe get it slightly bigger. The tanks only last so long. Look at the type you bought normally they say 7 yrs or 10 yrs warranty. The warranty time is the amount of Magsulfate they added the tank to make it not corrode. The electrode will only last the time of the warranty, once the electrode is gone your tank will not last very long. So look at the age and make your choice from that.

Answer 7

Sounds like you've got a bad element. They're a lot less expensive than a new heater and less mess to replace, too. If you're using an electric water heater, when you go out to purchase your replacement element, look for a timer, too. It will cut your power bill by about 25% and extend the life of your heating elements.

Answer 8

If you have truly hot water, the element is working. If it is a matter of how long it lasts, then you probably need a larger tank. Or a shorter shower.

Answer 9

Most likely a burned out element. It'd difficult to tell if it is upper or lower, so best to just replace both. When one burns out the other is usually not far behind.
Maybee $20 each and dont forget to get an element wrench as well.

Answer 10

see if the high limit is tripped on one of the thermostats, if it is electric. It will be a little red button on the thermostat on the side of the tank. you may have to take a small metal cover off for access. ___________Be sure to turn off power at breaker before opening!!!!!! It will have a distinct click when you reset it. Replace cover then turn power on. There are is an upper and lower tstat.