Hot Water heater

[kirkcules]

Hi… My 40 gallon hot water heater just doesnt seem to produce 40 gallons of hot water; in fact, its difficult to get through one quick shower before the hot water is gone. Ive checked all the electricals and all the connections are working EXCEPT the upper element doesnt get voltage until the water is already cold. The adjustable thermostat is on the bottom. Anybody have some good guesses about why Im getting so little hot water?thanks!

[RobParticipant]

Rob:

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Replace the lower element, and you should be back in the bathing business. Bud

[RobParticipant]

Bud has solved your problem, and Ill answer the rest of your question. The heater had a dip tube on the cold inlet so that incoming cold water is forced to the bottom of the tank, thus always activating the lower thermostat and element first when your tank is fully hot. Thus the lower element is the workhorse and almost always goes out first. If you use so much hot water that the upper thermostat trips, it cuts off power to the lower thermostat and fires the upper element. That way the water that heats first is closest to the hot water outlet, and furthest from the dip tube. Hope that helps. :

[RobParticipant]

: Hi… : My 40 gallon hot water heater just doesnt seem to produce 40 gallons of hot water; in fact, its difficult to get through one quick shower before the hot water is gone. Ive checked all the electricals and all the connections are working EXCEPT the upper element doesnt get voltage until the water is already cold. The adjustable thermostat is on the bottom. Anybody have some good guesses about why Im getting so little hot water?: thanks!

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