If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan


Might be as simple as an inlet dip tube which has fallen off, or maybe
one element in a two element heater is burned out, or as you suggest one
(even possibly two) thermostats bad.

You'll need some diagnostic assistance and a decent VOM (volt-ohm
meter)to learn what's wrong.

If it isn't leaking, it CAN be returned to normal operation by finding
and replacing defective parts at less cost than buying a whole new heater.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.98*10^14 fathoms per fortnight.

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

How hot is the water it does provide? I don't know if thermostats
change their effective setting, but if they do and if water isn't hot
enough, making it hotter will make it last longer.

The water heater probably has an element burned out, but it could also
be other problems. Whether it is better to replace the whole heater or
repair this one depends on what the actual problem is, the age and
general condition of the rest of the heater, etc. It is not that hard to
check one out if you have a volt-ohmeter and a basic kmnowledge of
electricity. Larry

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan
More likely one of the 2 elements is done

wrote:
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan
More likely one of the 2 elements is done

A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).

Leaving that aside though, some simple trouble shooting without even
the use of a meter can point out the trouble.

While a technician/electrician might use a test-meter of some sort;
because they have one and are familiar with it most parts can be
tested with a simple light bulb. We have several test meters for
example and it is usually a matter of which one is at hand etc.

Assuming we are talking about a standard 40 US gallon or equivalent,
North American style water heater, connected to 230 volts and
grounded.

However the style of question suggests that the OP has little/no
electrical knowledge and should therefore get someone knowledgeable to
do the work. The 230 volts and a tank full of hot water at pressure
requires care.

Agree it is probably, most likely something simple such as burnt out
heater element, defective thermostat etc. But since there are two of
both in most tanks and the method they are usually connected (flip-
flop between upper and lower etc.) while instantly understandable by a
competent person, it can be confusing to someone working on it for the
first time or only once in 20 years.

If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

"Dan" wrote in message
...
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing the
thermostat? TIA, Dan

First thing I'd check would be whether there is 240 volts at the bottom element.
If there is, check the element for continuity. It's probably burned out. I'm
guesing the bottom element, or the thermostat switching that enables it, because
it sounds like only the top of the tank is being heated.

"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?

Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a
20 minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just
replacing the thermostat? TIA, Dan

You are taking a "Hollywood Shower." Have you considered the alternative of
the "Navy Shower?"

1. Turn on shower, get wet all over.
2. Turn off shower.
3. Lather and scrub.
4. Turn on shower, rinse.
5. Turn off shower.

Total resources: Less than 3 gallons of water in only two minutes.

It's for the children.

On Dec 29, 11:51�pm, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? �TIA, Dan

how old is the tank? it might be sluged / sediment filled? bad
thermostat or element. is your shower a low flow head? if you pay for
a pro diagnosis its probably cheaper to just buy a new tank

if you can afford a 20 minute shower just buy a new 100 gallon
heater

and before someone says tankless ............

know you will need to upgrade your main service to 200 amps just for
heating water plus 200 amps for regular home use. a 400 amp upgrade is
very expensive

if you like such long showers have you considered 2 heaters in series?
that doubles capacity

On Dec 29, 10:51*pm, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? *TIA, Dan

I take 3-4 minute shower, what do you do for 20, watch tv? 20x3 gpm-
60 gallons. My electric has 2 thermostats-2 elements. Do you rent, is
it one person use. 20 minutes could shower 7 people clean.

On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:00:15 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski"
wrote:


"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?


Where I live I would repair it. I live in an area with good
water and water heaters tend to last longer than in many areas of the
world.

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. Have you tried turning it up? The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't be any
hotter than lukeworm. If nobody living in your house is mentally handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

HeyBub wrote:

Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a
20 minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just
replacing the thermostat? TIA, Dan


You are taking a "Hollywood Shower." Have you considered the alternative of
the "Navy Shower?"

1. Turn on shower, get wet all over.
2. Turn off shower.
3. Lather and scrub.
4. Turn on shower, rinse.
5. Turn off shower.

Total resources: Less than 3 gallons of water in only two minutes.

It's for the children.




But the OPs name "Dan" might be short for Danielle.

Most Wimmen I know spend far more time taking a shower than guys do, viz:

Young Dannie has fun in the shower,
With the water-jet set to full power.
For it sets her aglow,
When she aims it below,
And she comes for at least a full hour.

(Adapted from a lim by Peter Wilkins)

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.

HeyBub wrote:
Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a
20 minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just
replacing the thermostat? TIA, Dan

You are taking a "Hollywood Shower." Have you considered the alternative of
the "Navy Shower?"

1. Turn on shower, get wet all over.
2. Turn off shower.
3. Lather and scrub.
4. Turn on shower, rinse.
5. Turn off shower.

Total resources: Less than 3 gallons of water in only two minutes.

It's for the children.


I agree it's a good idea, but with the heat set to 67 degrees, it's too
damn cold to stand in the shower soaping oneself without the hot water
running. (some insulation behind the walls might be nice...)

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?


My WH is 18 years old and while I have not repaired it, I have replaced
the T/P valve, drain valve, and anode. See no need to spend big $$$ to
replace it as it shows no signs of failing now that I've caught up on
the maintenance. (gas tanks seem to be far more expensive than electric
for some reason.) Plus if I get a new WH I'll save the valves that I
replaced for spare parts (actually, I'd install the ball drain valve in
the new heater before even turning it on.) No, I don't drive a hybrid.

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On Dec 30, 5:59�pm, Nate Nagel wrote:
Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?

My WH is 18 years old and while I have not repaired it, I have replaced
the T/P valve, drain valve, and anode. �See no need to spend big $$$ to
replace it as it shows no signs of failing now that I've caught up on
the maintenance. �(gas tanks seem to be far more expensive than electric
for some reason.) �Plus if I get a new WH I'll save the valves that I
replaced for spare parts (actually, I'd install the ball drain valve in
the new heater before even turning it on.) �No, I don't drive a hybrid.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel

false economy, a new tanks better insulation etc would save energy.

you are working hard to spend more on ehergy

"AZ Nomad" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. Have you tried turning it up? The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't
be any
hotter than lukeworm. If nobody living in your house is mentally
handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

But that does not fix the problem. Note, he said "anymore" meaning it used
to and now does not. Something broke.

On Dec 30, 11:01�pm, "Ed Pawlowski" wrote:
"AZ Nomad" wrote in message

...

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? �TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. �Have you tried turning it up? �The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't
be any
hotter than lukeworm. �If nobody living in your house is mentally
handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

But that does not fix the problem. Note, he said "anymore" meaning it used
to and now does not. �Something broke.

thermostats lose calibration and drift, kids turn knobs. things
happen.

increasing the tanks temperature a little may solve the problem. he
could turn the tank to max after adding a tempering valve so no one
can get scalded

On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:01:40 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

"AZ Nomad" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. Have you tried turning it up? The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't
be any
hotter than lukeworm. If nobody living in your house is mentally
handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

But that does not fix the problem. Note, he said "anymore" meaning it used
to and now does not. Something broke.

If may fix the problem. if you're using 150 degree hot water instead of
90 degree hot water, you'll need much less as it'll be greater dilutted
with cold water.

On Dec 30, 10:26*pm, " wrote:
On Dec 30, 5:59 pm, Nate Nagel wrote:





Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?

My WH is 18 years old and while I have not repaired it, I have replaced
the T/P valve, drain valve, and anode. See no need to spend big $$$ to
replace it as it shows no signs of failing now that I've caught up on
the maintenance. (gas tanks seem to be far more expensive than electric
for some reason.) Plus if I get a new WH I'll save the valves that I
replaced for spare parts (actually, I'd install the ball drain valve in
the new heater before even turning it on.) No, I don't drive a hybrid.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel

false economy, a new tanks better insulation etc would save energy.

you are working hard to spend more on ehergy- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Agree. If I had an 18 year old gas water heater, I'd replace it just
based on age to avoid a potential disaster. If a tank lasts that
long, a new one would work out to ~$30 a year, which is a small price
compated to a flood in the middle of the night.

Also, for someone worried about the energy usage of a 20 min shower, I
would think they would want either a new higher efficiency conv tank
or tankless instead of an 18 year old one.

wrote:
On Dec 30, 10:26 pm, " wrote:
On Dec 30, 5:59 pm, Nate Nagel wrote:





Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!
Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?
If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?
My WH is 18 years old and while I have not repaired it, I have replaced
the T/P valve, drain valve, and anode. See no need to spend big $$$ to
replace it as it shows no signs of failing now that I've caught up on
the maintenance. (gas tanks seem to be far more expensive than electric
for some reason.) Plus if I get a new WH I'll save the valves that I
replaced for spare parts (actually, I'd install the ball drain valve in
the new heater before even turning it on.) No, I don't drive a hybrid.
nate
--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel
false economy, a new tanks better insulation etc would save energy.

you are working hard to spend more on ehergy- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Agree. If I had an 18 year old gas water heater, I'd replace it just
based on age to avoid a potential disaster. If a tank lasts that
long, a new one would work out to ~$30 a year, which is a small price
compated to a flood in the middle of the night.

Also, for someone worried about the energy usage of a 20 min shower, I
would think they would want either a new higher efficiency conv tank
or tankless instead of an 18 year old one.

I wasn't the guy that was worried about the energy usage, just giving my
experiences. Right now there's not enough free cash laying around to
simply replace it; if I had a lot of cash I'd consider it, but new
clutch hydraulics for the car, new tires for the pickup, etc. have taken
precedence lately over proactive replacements of home appliances that
are still working. And I don't think that I'm "working hard..."
everything I've replaced has taken a few minutes with a pipe wrench
and/or socket/breaker bar, not a whole lot of labor involved.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

terry wrote:
wrote:
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan
More likely one of the 2 elements is done

A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).

http://www.energyhog.org/

On Dec 29, 11:51*pm, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? *TIA, Dan

20 minutes!! Wow. I thought DH's 10 minute showers were bad. Yes, his
hair is waist length (so's mine) so there's washing and conditioning,
but he shaves at the sink. I shave my legs in the shower, and I still
can get out in under 4 minutes. Of course, I don't feel the need to
stand there in a zen trance forever, like DH. All that's missing is
the "ooommmm".

"AZ Nomad" wrote in message

But that does not fix the problem. Note, he said "anymore" meaning it used
to and now does not. Something broke.

If may fix the problem. if you're using 150 degree hot water instead of
90 degree hot water, you'll need much less as it'll be greater dilutted
with cold water.

No, nothing is fixed. If one element is out it will take twice as long to
get to temperature and once you've diluted the high temperature, it is going
to take longer to recover. It may be a temporary work-around, but it does
not fix something broken. Those thing usually come back to bite you in the
ass at the worst times. There is no substitute for a proper repair.

i could just feel around my heaters elements to tell if it was working..

----------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm

terry wrote:
wrote:
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for
a 20 minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just
replacing the thermostat? TIA, Dan
More likely one of the 2 elements is done

A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).


A city-slicker is strolling down a country lane when he spots a farmer
holding a pig up in the air so the pig could nibble at low-hanging apples.

"Just WHAT are you doing?" asked the city-slicker.

"What does it look like I'm doing," replied the farmer. "I'm feeding the
pig!"

The city-slicker shakes his head and comments: "Looks like a tremendous
waste of time to me."

Farmer smiles and replies: "Shows what you know. What's time to a pig?"

On Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:45:01 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

"AZ Nomad" wrote in message

But that does not fix the problem. Note, he said "anymore" meaning it used
to and now does not. Something broke.

If may fix the problem. if you're using 150 degree hot water instead of
90 degree hot water, you'll need much less as it'll be greater dilutted
with cold water.

No, nothing is fixed. If one element is out it will take twice as long to
get to temperature and once you've diluted the high temperature, it is going
to take longer to recover. It may be a temporary work-around, but it does
not fix something broken. Those thing usually come back to bite you in the
ass at the worst times. There is no substitute for a proper repair.

You can't fathom that it might simply be the thermostat? It is worth
checking.

"AZ Nomad" wrote in message

If may fix the problem. if you're using 150 degree hot water instead of
90 degree hot water, you'll need much less as it'll be greater dilutted
with cold water.

No, nothing is fixed. If one element is out it will take twice as long to
get to temperature and once you've diluted the high temperature, it is
going
to take longer to recover. It may be a temporary work-around, but it does
not fix something broken. Those thing usually come back to bite you in
the
ass at the worst times. There is no substitute for a proper repair.

You can't fathom that it might simply be the thermostat? It is worth
checking.

I can fathom that, but setting it up to 150 still does not fix it if broken.

If the thermostat is the problem it must be re-calibrated or replaced. For
a long time he was OK with the present setting. It no longer works. Why
can't you fathom that something changed and must be fixed properly to make
it work properly again? If it is set at 125 and the water is 90, something
is wrong. If it is set at 125 and the water is 150, something is wrong.
Using 150 degree water mixed with cold does not negate the fact that
wherever it was set at worked before and does not now.

Work arounds are not fixes. Duct tape may get you by, but it is not a weld
or a rivet. If one of the elements is broken, setting the temperature to 150
may compensate, but after the second element burns out, should he then set
the thermostat to 200?

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"terry" wrote in message
A 20 minute shower is a tremendous use of energy (and time!).
If tank not leaking; a shame (and wasteful) to spend at least several
hundred dollars to have it replaced if it's a $20 to $40 repair
item!

Just curious, do you have a Prius or Inisght?

If the tank is 15 years or older, would you change your opinion?

Ed: Yes.
Tanks we have used during last 50 (1960 to present) years have lasted
an average of about 9-10 years.
All have been 40 US gallon electric with two elements usually 3000
watts IIRC correctly.
Minerals in water, an acidic soil and acid rain from mainland north
America seem to be reasons for short life.!
All tanks here are electric; no gas available except propane, used by
RVs and for some propane fireplaces and is expensive.
Impression from OP is that an electric being discussed?
No; do not drive a Prius etc. have along paid for and hopefully, in
these corrosive conditions next to the North Atlantic, pickup will
last for another 8 years or so. So while gas is expensive here, drive
only as necessary.

On Dec 30, 7:42*pm, Bubba wrote:
On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:41:23 -0800 (PST), ransley

wrote:
On Dec 29, 10:51*pm, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? *TIA, Dan

I take 3-4 minute shower, what do you do for 20, watch tv? *20x3 gpm-
60 gallons. My electric has 2 thermostats-2 elements. Do you rent, is
it one person use. 20 minutes could shower 7 people clean.

3-4 mins? No wonder you stink
Its quite apparent you dont know what kids are. Amazing the water they
can use.
Bubba

Another worthless Bubba post, from mr worthless.

Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Just google 'water heater diagnosis'. You'll find sites with gobs of
easy-to-follow instructions.

On Jan 1, 10:58�am, Bubba wrote:
On Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:23:59 -0800 (PST), ransley





wrote:
On Dec 30, 7:42�pm, Bubba wrote:
On Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:41:23 -0800 (PST), ransley

wrote:
On Dec 29, 10:51�pm, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? �TIA, Dan

I take 3-4 minute shower, what do you do for 20, watch tv? �20x3 gpm-
60 gallons. My electric has 2 thermostats-2 elements. Do you rent, is
it one person use. 20 minutes could shower 7 people clean.

3-4 mins? No wonder you stink
Its quite apparent you dont know what kids are. Amazing the water they
can use.
Bubba

Another worthless Bubba post, from mr worthless.

Just cant handle it when you are wrong huh ransley?
Face it, you just aren't the brightest bulb in the pack.
Bubba- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

you too sound like your married, typical husband wife banter

Bubba wrote:

you too sound like your married, typical husband wife banter

Yup, wife and 3 girls. Even the damn dog is a girl.
I know all about PMS, bitchin and why there is no more hot water.
:-) Bubba

Tell 'em you read an article on how to save money:

"[OREGON] almost 1,500 Coffee Creek [women's prison] inmates won't get hot
showers or more than one hot meal a day, said Department of Corrections
spokeswoman Jennifer Black."

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index...d_showers.html

Imagine: 1,500 women taking cold showers! Film at eleven.

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:

If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Could be going out, how old is it? Hard water? Running the hot water
for 20 minutes is a large amount, especially done daily. You might
opt for a larger replacement unit. Or, install a new showerhead
upgrade, the kind that have 50+ sprays, self-clean and have an easy
On/Off water saver.

on 12/30/08 1:52 AM Bob F said the following:
"Dan" wrote in message
...
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing the
thermostat? TIA, Dan

First thing I'd check would be whether there is 240 volts at the bottom element.
If there is, check the element for continuity. It's probably burned out. I'm
guesing the bottom element, or the thermostat switching that enables it, because
it sounds like only the top of the tank is being heated.



This is the logical response I need. Thanks. I only take a 20 minute
steam shower when I have a chest cold.

on 12/30/08 9:53 AM AZ Nomad said the following:
On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. Have you tried turning it up? The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't be any
hotter than lukeworm. If nobody living in your house is mentally handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

Thermostat is set properly. Close to scalding to clean my wine glasses.

Dan wrote:
on 12/30/08 1:52 AM Bob F said the following:
"Dan" wrote in message
...
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a
20 minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just
replacing the thermostat? TIA, Dan

First thing I'd check would be whether there is 240 volts at the
bottom element. If there is, check the element for continuity. It's
probably burned out. I'm guesing the bottom element, or the thermostat
switching that enables it, because it sounds like only the top of the
tank is being heated.



This is the logical response I need. Thanks. I only take a 20 minute
steam shower when I have a chest cold.
Hi,
If you have clamp type ammeter, it's real handy. 'stat can fail open or
close. I'd check bottom 'stat and element first.

On Jan 4, 9:55*pm, Dan wrote:
on 12/30/08 9:53 AM AZ Nomad said the following:

On Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:51:32 -0600, Dan wrote:
If my electric water heater is not providing adequate hot water for a 20
minute shower anymore is it time for total replacement or just replacing
the thermostat? *TIA, Dan

Thermostats are adjustable. *Have you tried turning it up? *The usual
recomendation is set by safety idiots who don't think hot water shouldn't be any
hotter than lukeworm. *If nobody living in your house is mentally handicaped
then you can set it far hotter.

Thermostat is set properly. *Close to scalding to clean my wine glasses..

Department of Health, here recomend at least 160 deg F for safe and
sanitary dish washing.

However if small children are using taps that may be too high y to
avaoid scalding.

On the subjcet of efficiency; it depends where the 'wasted' heat from
an older less well insulated tank will go. In our case it escapes into
and helps heat the house which requires some heating for at least ten
months of the year and is heated electrically (from hydro generated
power) in any case.