Question for homeowners

[calbear2000]

The shower in my master bedroom (and other rooms I'm assuming) has been getting less and less warm. Do I need to replace my water heater?

Thanks

 

[onza]

1st thing, check the flame in the water heater, aka- pilot light (had to edit, forgot what it was called)

let us know

 

[godmare]

Check the temp dial on the heater. More likely it's heating element, they can be replaced relatively easily.

 

[Sundog]

1st check the dial on the water heater, turn it up if necessary.


//DOH godmare beat me by seconds!

 

[godmare]

well, actually, is this an electric or gas heater?

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: godmare
well, actually, is this an electric or gas heater?

 

[Papagayo]

Doesn't matter if it's gas or electric.. they both have dials to make it hot or not..

 

[calbear2000]

Originally posted by: godmare
well, actually, is this an electric or gas heater?

I *think* its electric (the house is 5 years old). I'll check the settings when I get home, thanks all!

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Doesn't matter if it's gas or electric.. they both have dials to make it hot or not..

But that, while possible, more than likely is not the problem.

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: calbear2000

Originally posted by: godmare
well, actually, is this an electric or gas heater?

I *think* its electric (the house is 5 years old). I'll check the settings when I get home, thanks all!

If it is electric you have one of two problems:

1: The heating element is bad.
2: The thermostat is bad.

Niether will require you to replace the hot water heater.

 

[Isla]

While you are at it, look into a heat recovery system. Our airconditioner provides us with all the hot water we need... we only have to use our hot water heater in the winter.

The only problem is, it seems like not too many companies know about the process or are willing to hook it up.

 

[welst10]

Speaking of water heater, mine is a gas heater (7 yrs old). What kind of maintenance should I do or should I just wait for it to die completely then replace the whole thing?

 

[calbear2000]

Originally posted by: fredtam

Originally posted by: calbear2000

Originally posted by: godmare
well, actually, is this an electric or gas heater?

I *think* its electric (the house is 5 years old). I'll check the settings when I get home, thanks all!

If it is electric you have one of two problems:

1: The heating element is bad.
2: The thermostat is bad.

Niether will require you to replace the hot water heater.

Thanks Fredtam... I'll play around with these 2 tonight

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: welst10
Speaking of water heater, mine is a gas heater (7 yrs old). What kind of maintenance should I do or should I just wait for it to die completely then replace the whole thing?

Your suppose to drain them every now and again to remove the sediment that builds up in the bottom. It makes them less and less efficient.

 

[OffTopic1]

Could be a bad element, thermostat, or leaking water tank.

[edit] Electric Hot Water Heaters Trouble Shooting Guide

 

[Chronoshock]

Just bring an electric blanket with you into the shower, problem solved!

 

[Demon-Xanth]

If it's electric, you can replace the heating elements. They do tend to get corroded over time.

 

[welst10]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
If it's electric, you can replace the heating elements. They do tend to get corroded over time.

You can't replace the element on gas heater?

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: welst10

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
If it's electric, you can replace the heating elements. They do tend to get corroded over time.

You can't replace the element on gas heater?

There isn't one. There is a thermostat however. Gas is a different ballgame.