Ken wrote:


Isn't there supposed to be a tube that forces the cold water into the
water heater so that it enters the bottom of the tank? If so, I
wonder if they are installed?

IT's called a dip tube and it sounds like it was either never installed or
recently broke free inside the tank (but that's unlikely on a new heater).

Low-flow shower heads will certainly help. I have one with a slider "bar"
in the head that blocks off the flow of water so you can take a "navy
shower". I rarely use that as I take what sailors call a "hollywood" shower.
:-)