Water Heaters?

Question

I can only take a 5-minute shower before the water turns room temperature. My water heater is a 42-gallon electric, and it says it uses 4724 kWh per year. Can someone tell me why I only get a small amount of water? I'm looking to buy a new condo, and I would like to know what to look for in a water heater so that I can get longer amounts of water. I can't even fill up my bathtub with hot water. I live in Florida if that makes any difference.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Your heater has two heating elements. One at the top and one at the bottom. The top ones heats first and when the water reaches temperature than the bottom one. The bottom element is probably not working. This can be verified with an ohm meter. Make sure you turn off the power and disconnect the element before testing it. It also may be possible that the thermostat is bad, so check that as well. If your heater is very old you may want to consider replacing it.

Answer 2

Hot water heaters have A "dip tube" that puts the cold water in the bottom of the tank.The hot water comes from the top of the tank.  Your dip tube probably has a crack in it putting the incoming cold water at the top so you only get a small supply of hot water before the cold that just got deposited starts running through the hot water lines. All you need to to for your new condo is just run the hot water for a while to make sure it gives plenty of hot water. If you call your plumber it should be an easy fix but call around to get the best rates.

Answer 3

That one guy is right it is that inlet tube and it is a easy fix. If is was a heating element after a long wait you would be still be able to take a long shower.

Answer 4

this information can help you for chose water heater.

http://theclickinfo.com/cse:Water_Heater...

Answer 5

You can adjust the temperature on water heaters.  It's probably set quite low if you live in an apartment because it's a potential danger...meaning you can scald yourself it is high.  I'd just adjust the temperature and not stand under the shower unless you mix the hot water with cold water!

Other than that, I can't help.  Someone else will know more about this though.

Answer 6

Electric water heaters have 2 separate heating elements. One maybe bad. Thats maybe why your running out of hot water so fast..... Something to check out.

Answer 7

It sounds like you have a bad heating element in you present one. For an updated one, look for a tankless hot water heater. It will provide hot water on demand, and is cheaper on the wallet on bill day.

Answer 8

The most common problem with electric water heaters is a burned-out heating element. If replacing the heating element doesn’t solve the problem, replace the thermostat, which is located under the access panel on the side of the water heater.