propane hot water heaters?

Question

what are some problems when heater is not getting hot like it should

Answer 1

If you have hard water, you may just have build up in the bottom of the tank that is acting as an insulator between the flame and the water. Drain off 4 or 5 gallons from the drain valve on the bottom of the tank and see if you get any particulate matter; if you do keep draining until the water runs clear.

If you have soft water you can still drain off some water to clear anything off the bottom of the tank.

You will also want to observe the main burner while it is running; look for a uniform flame just off the bottom of the tank. Look for any rust or soot that may be built up on or around the main burner. Also look around the draft diverter on the top of the water heater looking for any soot around the vent opening.

This will give you a start.

Answer 2

Could be that the tank is getting sediment in the bottom. Try draining some water(maybe 5 or 6 gallons) and see if there is sediment in it. It is help full to drain the water into a white or light colored bucket. If there is quite a lot, turn off the water, both hot and cold if possible, turn the control valve to pilot and drain water from the tank until as much sediment comes out as will come out.

Another possibility is that the dip tube has disintergrated. The dip tube is installed in the cold water side or the tank. Its purpose in life is to direct the cold water to the bottom of the tank. When it breatks off, cold water is allowed to travel directly to the outlet on hot water side and cool the water exiting the tank. To change it, turn the control valve to either "Off" or "Pilot" and turn off at least the cold water at the supply side of the tank. If the hot side has a shut off at the tank, turn it off also. Drain enough water from the tank to prevent water from flowing from the tank and lines above it. About an inch or so below the top of the tank will do. Disconnect the cold water supply line at the tank and remove the short nipple. Look down inside the tank and you will see either a white or light blue plastic piece. Remove this piece by sliding it upward and out the top of the tank. If it is long enough to reach within a few inches of the bottom of the tank and it is still intact, slide it back in where it was and reassemble the cold water inlet and look for another reason for the problem. However, if it is not very long or has a hole in the side of it, this is most likely the problem and the dip tube needs to be replaced. A trip to the hardware store or home center and about $8 will get you a new one to install. If they have one that comes with the nipple attached get it. Be sure that the tube will not touch the bottom of the tank as it will interfer with the cold water entering the tank. About a three inch clearance would be about right.