we have a 2 story home and I don't have much faith in the installer. I did go from a 50 gal to a 40 gal, but I can't figure why that would make a difference. The hot water pipe coming directly out of the heater is not even warm, Now the water on the second floor ( third floor not used much), does get hot, but it takes about 5 minutes before it is even warm.???
2007-12-17 09:34:50 · 3 answers · asked by Ron S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thanks, but I have already checked and it is set on high. The pressure isn't the main problem, the water is hot after it runs for 5 or ten minutes, but why is it taking it so long to get hot. It didn't with the old heater?
2007-12-18 01:16:51 · update #1
Check the temperature setting as suggested in the above answer. It should be set for 120 degrees. If there is a shut-off valve to the water heater, check to see if it is opened all the way. If you have good cold water pressure and lower hot pressure, then the heater valve is the problem. Going from a 50 gal. to a 40 would only mean that you will have less hot water available and have nothing to do with the problems you described.
2007-12-17 11:17:04 · answer #1 · answered by fish-bowl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi - There are a couple of things you can check. One is to look at the temperature gauge at the bottom of the water heater. It's usually a red dial near the foot of the heater. Sometimes it is hidden behind a lift-off metal plate. Make sure it is set somewhere near 120 degrees farenheit (or just above the "warm" mark. Your installer may have set it too low or vacation mode. You don't want it above 140 degrees for risk of scalding. Regarding the pressure, this might involve a plumber. On the main water service pipe (the water pipe serving your house from the street), there is a pressure control valve. It is likely near your water meter or in a utility closet. The installer likely had to shut that off to change the water heater, and didn't reset it correctly when turning it back on. If your pressure is low throughout the house, then that is the likely source. If it is slow in just one bathroom, particularly in a shower, it could be as simple as a clogged shower head. Try cleaning it with white vinegar (tie a plastic sandwich bag with vinegar over the shower head and leave on for a couple of hours) to see if it cleans it off. Hope this helps.
2007-12-17 17:55:27 · answer #2 · answered by Lauren F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i like the answers to check the valves before and after the water meter and any other valves related to the upstairs water pipes. probably not turned all the way on.
2007-12-17 19:53:59 · answer #3 · answered by adam/penny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋