What's wrong with my water heater?

Question

My water heater is acting up. It doesn't seem to hold enough hot water. This just started recently. It does heat up water, but the hot water will only last for 3-5 minutes, then it would suddenly turn ice cold. I nearly froze to death the first time it happened to me (JK). xP

I called up the company because the water heater is still in warranty. The guy said the parts are free but I have to pay for shipping. If I need someone to install the parts, it would cost me nearly $70 per hour for labor. A brand new water heater (that's comparable to the one I have right now) is only $200!

I want to try to fix it myself...

Does anyone have any experience with water heaters and know what might be wrong with mine?

Hey Chuck,

The water heater has an 8 (or 10) year warranty. It's about 5 years old. There is no dial that I can turn to turn up the temperature. It runs on electricity. That's all I know. I tried resetting it according to the guy on the phone, but it didn't work. He said my best bet is to have someone come out and look at it. Even though that's not "labor", it will still cost me nearly $70 per hour. <_<

Answer 1

Okidokey.. since youve been running this water heater for a few years, and it is only now acting up... my guess is that one of the heating elements has gone bad. A second place to check is the thermostat controlling the element. (usually one thermostat per element, 2 elements in a standard water heater).

A voltmeter is the quickest way to check these parts. If the thermostat has gone bad, then it will not turn on the heating element... no matter what temp it is set to (most thermostats have a tiny dial on their face, you can set with a flat blade screwdriver).
If the thermostat is good, and it is the element that has burned out, then you will have power going TO the element, but not FROM it.
Since you have SOME hot water, I expect it is just ONE of the two elements that has gone bad.

After the electrical wire is disconnected from the element, you can use a large plier, or special socket wrench to unscrew the element from the water heater (those that have a screw base) or unbolt it (typically 4 bolt/base). The element removal tool (an oversized socket, really) can be found anywhere that sells the parts... usually come 2 sizes to a package.

Two tips... turn off the electric to the hot water heater before disconnecting the wiring... and drain the tank to below the element you are going to replace, after you shut off the water, hehehehe.

See if you can get the brand name, and model number off of the manufacturer's plate... with that info, you can look it up on the net, and see an actual picture of the thermostat, and heating elements used in that model, and quite often, a service manual on how to check, and repair/replace the items.

If you're not comfortable doing this, you can get a local 'handyman' to take care of this for you. (Usually at less than $70/hour)

Since you say you'd like to give this a shot yourself... here are some 'sample pics' to look at, and an article -
Thermostats (one for upper element, one for lower - click on the pics to enlarge them) - http://www.famousparts.com/170desumoth.html
Heating Element - http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/waterheater_1973_905693

Link to 'do it yourself' site (goes into a bit more detail than I have here) - http://www.doityourself.com/stry/mobileheater

Most thermostats run about $1... heating elements can run as high as $30 each, depending on the type.... just to give you an idea of what your 'warranty' is covering for you, hehe.

Take the time to get the brand/model number... and read up on it.

Oh... a voltmeter (digital) can be bought for as little as $20, depending on where you get it. Analog meters (needle) can be had for as little as $12.... For my money, I prefer the digital. As long as you don't throw them around, and follow the instructions, they last. Every tool box should have one good meter, they are just too handy for so many uses.

The biggest problem I see here, is that you're going to be learning how to use the meter, AND how to fix the water heater, at the same time. Either one can be confusing to the uninitiated.

If you want a 'quick' approach... tell them to send you both thermostats and elements, and just replace them all. When you pull them out... the 'bad' element will usually have a burn spot along it someplace. Mark down how you disconnect what (pictures are handy), and in what order, and simply retrace the steps to put the new ones in.

Good Luck

Answer 2

All the electrical answers seemed to be right on Id like to add another that could be the cause. Where the inlet to the heater is they have what is called a dip tube this extends to nearly the bottom of the tank so when you run your hot water the water is taken from the top of the tank and the cold water enters the bottom . these can rot so you only get a minimum amount of hot water before it truns cold sometimes you find small white particals in your aerators of faucets . If this is the cause you will need help the part is very cheap but pipe cutters a torch etc. will be needed to replace this.

Answer 3

It sounds like it is fairly new so it shouldn't be having any trouble. Try turning up the dial to a higher temp. Have someone turn on the hot water while you are at the heater to see if it comes on when the water is turned on, it may be that it is not holding the water at a high enough temp or it may be too small for your needs. There are many things it could be so try and analyze the situation from the source to the shower. It has to be something,good luck.

Answer 4

Gas or Electric Check your thermostat first If it is electric your upper or lower element may be burned out or your thermodisc is bad, However since it is still under warranty any attempt to correct the problem yourself will void any further warranty if it is gas you probably have a badf valve or thermocouple or the RTD valve has malfunctioned it sets by the burner and burner has to be removed to check it

Answer 5

sounds to me like its a element.if you look at the side of your heater you will see two element plates.one toward the top,one toward the bottom.you can open the plates and use a voltage tester to see which is burnt out or i would #1 kill the elect to the heater at the breaker box,#2drain the heater of water.#3 disconnect the wires to the elements and screw them out and replace them both.because if ones bad the other is not far behind.once you replace them remember this is critical do not cut the power back on to your water heater until you fill it back up or you will fry your elements.open a hot side faucet in your hose to relive the air pressure in your water heater as it fills up.

Answer 6

Oh dear , do not fix it yourself! There are many reasons for it to malfunction- faulty thermostat, electrical parts, heater valve, electronics system , wear and tear part etc. My friend just too bad it had to happened- spares parts are for many electrical goods are not worth the repairs-better total loss than sorry later(scalding, explosions to name afew- its a live wire here you are courting) Buy reliable products from reputable brand- not irresponsible sellers that shirks customer safety!

Answer 7

The wrangler knows what he's talking about.

A symptom such as yours (hot, but only for a short period) is typical of one of the two elements (or the thermostat controlling it) not functioning.

Answer 8

the parts are free but the labor isn't.........
to me it seems like he is trying to pull one on you........
if your car is under warranty and your alternator screws up are you suppose to get it free and put it on yourself......
I believe that a lot of the water heaters have two separate heating elements on them and one might be burned out..........
not sure but that could be the problem..........

Answer 9

If you live close by...I would come over and check it out for free....but I'm in Ft. Worth, TX.