Water heater question

[MotionMan]

We have an about 10 year old water heater. We have had a problem with getting enough hot water out of it (going cold in the middle of our showers) since we moved in about six months ago. (We had been hoping it would die so we could get a new one through the home warranty )

Tonight, we have been getting only lukewarm water out of it. I went out and checked to see if it had blown or some other obvious problem. I did not see anything obvious.

I decided to see if it was actually putting out hot water (which, I guess, would mean a problem with the plumbing). I touched one of the pipes at the top of the tub and it felt cold. I touched the other pipe and it felt warm (I was able to wrap my hand around it right at the base of the pipe where it comes out of the tub without it feeling hot).

So, my question is: Should the apparent hot out pipe be warm or should it be hot? If it should be hot but it is only warm, what is probably the problem? (If it was cold, I would think the pilot might be out, but is it obviously warmer than the cold pipe).

Thanks.

MotionMan

 

[QED]

It would only be hot if hot water were actively flowing through your pipes (i.e. you had a hot water tap open somehwere). Otherwise, it would only be warm-- and how warm would depend on how recently you had hot water flowing.

Is the heater gas or electric? Electric heaters usually have two heat coils-- it's possible one might have died, which would explain the sudden drop in performance.

 

[indamixx99]

It should be hot, not warm. There could be a problem with your thermostat where it's shutting off earlier than it should. Try turning up the temprature on your water heater to see if that helps. Also, it could also mean there's excess lime buildup inside your tank, which is preventing your water from reaching the temp it should get to. We had that issue here and eventually the bottom wore out due to lime buildup and started leaking.

Edit: I'm speaking from gas water heater experience

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: QED
It would only be hot if hot water were actively flowing through your pipes (i.e. you had a hot water tap open somehwere). Otherwise, it would only be warm-- and how warm would depend on how recently you had hot water flowing.

Is the heater gas or electric? Electric heaters usually have two heat coils-- it's possible one might have died, which would explain the sudden drop in performance.

It's gas.

Any clue on why we had been short on hot water and why we have almost no hot water tonight?

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: indamixx99
It should be hot, not warm. There could be a problem with your thermostat where it's shutting off earlier than it should. Try turning up the temprature on your water heater to see if that helps. Also, it could also mean there's excess lime buildup inside your tank, which is preventing your water from reaching the temp it should get to. We had that issue here and eventually the bottom wore out due to lime buildup and started leaking.

Edit: I'm speaking from gas water heater experience

Is a thermostat something that can be replaced, or would we have to replace the whole smash?

MotionMan

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: QED
It would only be hot if hot water were actively flowing through your pipes (i.e. you had a hot water tap open somehwere). Otherwise, it would only be warm-- and how warm would depend on how recently you had hot water flowing.

Is the heater gas or electric? Electric heaters usually have two heat coils-- it's possible one might have died, which would explain the sudden drop in performance.

:thumbsup:

Had to change one or both a couple of times over the years.

Changing out a coils isn't hard it's just a PITA because you have to turn off the water and drain the hot water heater with a hose, remove a plate, remove a couple of bolts and they come right out. Make sure to get a coil with the correct wattage

 

[KK]

dip tube

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: KK
dip tube

???

MotionMan

 

[Greenman]

Did you try turning up the stat?

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: KK
dip tube

???

MotionMan

Text


Now that I think of it that is a good place to look-- especially if your hot water heater was manufactured between 1993 and 1996.

And here's a link that shows you to how to replace a broken dip tube.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Greenman
Did you try turning up the stat?

I had done that a few times in the past six months with no success. I am afraid to put it up too high because this heater services my kids bathroom, too.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: QED

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: KK
dip tube

???

MotionMan

Text

Now that I think of it that is a good place to look.

Interesting. How does a layman check the status of the dip tube?

MotionMan

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: QED

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: KK
dip tube

???

MotionMan

Text

Now that I think of it that is a good place to look.

Yeah, I had mine go out a couple of monthes ago. We would have hot water for about 3-5 minutes and then it would turn to luke warm. Another way to tell is that the aerators on your faucet get clogged up with the bits and pieces of diptube. If it is the diptube, they only run about 10 dollars. What year is the water heater?

 

[NoShangriLa]

Have it service by a gas/plumber if you are not sure.

Check thermostat setting (default setting is 140 degrees), and make sure that it is function properly.
Check & clean the burner orifice (should be check/clean annually)
Make sure flue is not clogged
Check & replace dip tube if required
Check gas meter pressure to make sure that you have adequate pressure (may require to clock the meter to make sure that you have correct pressure and flow, also look at the flame to see if you see any flickering [could be from low incoming pressure, falling regulator, or dirty burner orifice])

 

[QED]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: QED

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: KK
dip tube

???

MotionMan

Text

Now that I think of it that is a good place to look.

Interesting. How does a layman check the status of the dip tube?

MotionMan

Your first sign will be lukewarm/inconsistent water temps. You second sign will be finding small bits of plastic caught in your faucet filters/aerators-- just take off once of your faucet aerators and see if you have bits of plastic caught in them.

Or you can just pull out the tube-- it seems pretty easy-- just disconnect your cold water inlet, and then unscrew the whole thing off pulling it straight up and out.

 

[MotionMan]

Rather than screw it all up, which I am sure I will do, I am going to call my plumber. If I thought it would be an easy fix (for me) I would try doing it myself.

Thanks for all the feedback.

MotionMan

 

[IEC]

I learned a bit more about plumbing after reading this thread

 

[indamixx99]

If it's a 10yr old water heater.. might want to try buying a new one rather than spending money on a plumber to fix it. I believe they run like $300-$400 for a new one depending on capacity. Plus they're more energy efficient than your old unit, which may save you some in the long run.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: indamixx99
If it's a 10yr old water heater.. might want to try buying a new one rather than spending money on a plumber to fix it. I believe they run like $300-$400 for a new one depending on capacity. Plus they're more energy efficient than your old unit, which may save you some in the long run.

To be quite honest, I am hoping the plumber tells me it needs to be replaced. Then I can go a few rounds with the home warranty people and possible get the new heater for free.

The water heater for the other side of the house blew about a month after we moved in and was paid for by the home warranty. I think that whet my appetite for free water heaters

MotionMan

 

[Vette73]

have you drained some water out of it yet. It could be just sediment in the bottom and also if the dip tube is coming apart peices would come out as well.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
have you drained some water out of it yet. It could be just sediment in the bottom and also if the dip tube is coming apart peices would come out as well.

I have not seen any evidence of dip tube issues.

I have not done anything to it except check the heat of the pipes and aimlessly look at various interesting looking parts of it (with a flashlight, CSI-style).

MotionMan

 

[skyking]

You have a good case for a new heater on home warranty. (forgive the pun).

 

[Apathetic]

Does anyone know what to look for in a tankless water heater? I've heard they are popular in Europe (not sure if this is true or not). When are they a good choice?

Dave

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: skyking
You have a good case for a new heater on home warranty. (forgive the pun).

Ironically, it is usually my wife who argues and negotiates with them.

We have a long and colorful history with home warranty companies. When I have more time, I may try to regale you with a few stories.

MotionMan

 

[Chryso]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
have you drained some water out of it yet. It could be just sediment in the bottom and also if the dip tube is coming apart peices would come out as well.

I have not seen any evidence of dip tube issues.

I have not done anything to it except check the heat of the pipes and aimlessly look at various interesting looking parts of it (with a flashlight, CSI-style).

MotionMan

That is exactly what I would do.
Nice work.