Afternoon, Kellie...

If you're opening the thermostat or element panels -- TURN OFF THE
POWER FIRST. It's probably on a 220V circuit breaker.

The first thing I would do is check with AO Smith to determine the age
of the water heater. http://www.ho****er.com/cs.html . You should have
a panel on the side that identifies the make and model with serial number.
Have that handy when you contact AO Smith. If it's an old hot water
heater then your best bet is to replace it. If you have a pin hole leak
somewhere, it's corroding from the inside, the problem will simply get
worse and you'll find a floor full of water one day and the heater will
continue to try to fill, continuing to empty water into your house.

My suggestion is to have a qualified person check out the problem.
I'd be willing to bet you're due a new water heater. There is usually
a sacrificial anode inside the water heater and when that dissolves pin-
hole leaks can form from the inside.

Good Luck...

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lvMMMCDLXXIX+1
"Photon713" wrote in message
news:NFcVg.11849$Zj3.6632@trnddc03...
Sounds like you have a leak. Check to see if there is a leak around
the upper element. Of course, it could be anywhere. However, the
fact that your water is not as hot would make me suspect the upper
heating element. I am surprised you have not seen water around the
base of the heater. Open the element panel and see if the insulation
is wet. How old is your water heater? It is not normal to have water
in your thermostat panel. I would deal with it promptly. You don't
want to find a flood from a leaking hot water heater no matter where
it is located.

Good Luck

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lvMMMCDLXXIX+1
"13jane" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a AO. Smith electric heater. When I opened the thermostat
access panel there was about and inch to an inch & 1/2 of water in the
panel. This doesn't seem right to me. I have also noted that my hot
water isn't as hot as it used to be. Help! What action should I take
here. Thanks.