I have my hot water tank set to medium. I have not change the
setting, but it seams we are getting less and less hot water every day.
We are to the point where I don't have enough to fill my tub for a
hot bath. I think the tank is about 8 years old give or take a year.
Any idea?

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have my hot water tank set to medium. I have not change the
setting, but it seams we are getting less and less hot water every day.
We are to the point where I don't have enough to fill my tub for a
hot bath. I think the tank is about 8 years old give or take a year.
Any idea?

When I had that problem, it turned out that a hot water line had ruptured
under the slab and the water heater finally couldn't keep up with the water
lost.

Tom G.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have my hot water tank set to medium. I have not change the
setting, but it seams we are getting less and less hot water every day.
We are to the point where I don't have enough to fill my tub for a
hot bath. I think the tank is about 8 years old give or take a year.
Any idea?


Could be as simple as a 4$ dip tube. Pull off the cold water feed and remove
the tube and check it, should be about 3/4 the length of the tank.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have my hot water tank set to medium. I have not change the
setting, but it seams we are getting less and less hot water every day.
We are to the point where I don't have enough to fill my tub for a
hot bath. I think the tank is about 8 years old give or take a year.
Any idea?

Gas, oil, solar, or electric?

If it is solar, could just be cloudy days. If it is electric, one of the
elements may be burned out.

Edwin,


If it is solar, could just be cloudy days. If it is electric, one of the
elements may be burned out.

Yeah, I was going to say that about the solar heater. We from the
plumbing newsgroup run into that question all the time. Matter of fact,
the local supply house is running a two for one solar water heater sale.
You'd be surprized how many plumbers haven't been certified in Solar
Water Heater repair. It's scandalous.

it is gas. tx

Sediment, drain and refill don't listen to those who say no.
Turn up the stat on the HWT that's why its there.
If iron pipe you need to go to L copper.

OTOH;
8 years is a very good run, get a new one before this one
goes.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have my hot water tank set to medium. I have not change the
setting, but it seams we are getting less and less hot water every day.
We are to the point where I don't have enough to fill my tub for a
hot bath. I think the tank is about 8 years old give or take a year.
Any idea?

dip tube

had that happen to me.,

the system normally draws hot water out from the top of the top and
the cold water is supposed to enter at the bottom of the tank via the
dip tube...

if the dip tube fails, the cold water enters at the top and quickly
cools off the hot water that is drawn out....

Mark

Messing with anything may cause a leak in a 8 year old tank.

I would turn up the TEMP, and if that doesnt do it replace the tank.

The thermostat probably has sediment on it and isnt responding as it
should....

Look in the burner area! See all that rust? Its acting as a insulator,
increasing your energy cost

time to shop for new tank so you know whats available

it is very common for gas water heater to have sediment build up on bottom
cause this problem.
You need to purge the tank and see if it goes away.


wrote in message
oups.com...
Messing with anything may cause a leak in a 8 year old tank.

I would turn up the TEMP, and if that doesnt do it replace the tank.

The thermostat probably has sediment on it and isnt responding as it
should....

Look in the burner area! See all that rust? Its acting as a insulator,
increasing your energy cost

time to shop for new tank so you know whats available

Around here the water is so hard draining the tank accomplishes
nothing. but perhaps get the drain valve to leak

dip tube, just replaced one next door.
see:
http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pag...hot-water.html