DIYbanter - View Single Post - Problem with new water heater (electric)

(Robert) wrote:

We replaced a 66 gallon with a 50 gallon water heater (66 gallon was
out of stock). It is a whirlpool water heater (has two 5000 watt
elements) with life-time warranty. Our household has only 3 people.
When we bought the water heater we were assured that, it will be
sufficient for a household of four people.

The problem we are facing right now is, the hot water is not even
sufficient for two people to take a shower. The second person will end
up with chilling cold water. We did not run our washer or dishwasher
in the morning and hot water was not used for any other purpose.

When we noticed this problem, we increased the water temperature even
up to 150 degree, thinking a higher temperature would solve the
problem. The water did heat up to a higher temperature, but still the
second person to shower is ending with cold water. Three people cannot
take shower in the morning.

So please advice, is there anything wrong with the water heater? - Or
is it just because it is smaller in capacity than what we need. Is
there anyway to test that both elements in the heater are working?

Electric heaters are generally larger because they need more time to recover
than gas heaters. That shouldn't be your problem.

It sounds like either the lower element isn't working or the supply dip tube is
missing. Either way, the installer should be able to confirm if everything is
working correctly.