I've seen 10 year old tanks cut open to make a bbq grill and found
over an inch thick layer of sediment buildup on the bottom where the
heat was supposed to be making the water hot. I can understand why it
was thrown out.

I used to have showers getting cold on me, but I bought a new shower
nozzle with multiple positions and it solved my problem. It wasn't a
restrictor per se, but when using the medium spray, the water heater
could keep up with my use and I could take a 2 hour or 4 hour shower
if I wanted.

You will feel really good about your water heater when you get a new
one. It will be twice as efficient and you will have all the hot
water you could ever use.















On 29 Apr 2007 14:48:00 -0700, wrote:

I didn't think it was confusing, but okay...

1. Most of the time I can't get through an entire shower (10 min.)
with enough hot water.
2. A couple of times it wasn't even hot to start out with (!!)...that
is, I had to shower with the cold turned off from the start.
3. I *think* the problem has become more frequent.
4. 40 gal., 40,000 BTU gas water heater. 5 years old? Just a
guess...bought the house 1.5 years ago. Manuf. date is 1996. Can't
see the inside, but the outside looks mint.
5. Drained the tank last week....got some sediment and some slimey
blobs.
6. Pulled the dip tube yesterday and verified it's in perfect shape.
7. Thermostat is set on the tick after "HOT". No numbers.
8. I'm 5'11", I like long walks on the beach, Frank Sinatra songs...

Mike