Hot Water Heater…

[powless]

I just bought a condo. It has a 12-year-old electric State Censible 52 gal hotwater heater. When I moved in the water temp at the faucets was luke-warm. I turned the thermostat almost all the way to HOT. The temp is hot enough now… but only lasts for one shower. Then the hot water runs out. Does this sound like an element is bad? If so, is there any way to tell which element is bad? (Or should I just replace both?) Or does it sound like something else (i.e. I should just clean it)?Also, I consider myself to be a rather handy person, should I attempt to do this myself, or is it more complicated than it looks? (Ive read-up on how to do it and from what I see it appears to be straight-forward, are there any hidden hurdles that I should be aware of?)Thanks for any assistance! Paul

[Paul N]

call state industries technical for assistance or call your plumber you may just want to get a new water heater. 7- 15 years is about the life of a water heater with good water

[Paul N]

I agree with Mark, its probably time to replace that old thing.But if you want to fix it, check both elements…One is probably burnt out. (But similar symptoms can occur when the dip tube breaks off).Here is someone elses answer on how to check the elements…See if it helps:http://www.niceeasy.com.au/MESSAGES/6836.html

[Paul N]

Thanks for the info… Im putting-off replacing the whole unit because of the cost at the moment.Whats a dip tube? Sounds like even I replace both elements and this is problem, I wouldnt fix anything. Is the dip tube something that can be replaced?Thanks again! Paul: I agree with Mark, its probably time to replace that old thing.: But if you want to fix it, check both elements…One is probably burnt out. (But similar symptoms can occur when the dip tube breaks off).: Here is someone elses answer on how to check the elements…See if it helps:: http://www.niceeasy.com.au/MESSAGES/6836.html

[Paul N]

Nevermind about explaining a dip-tube… I looked it up and found the attached link — its a good place for people to look if they want to know the parts of an elec water heater and how it works.But how do I found out if its bad and how do I replace it? Do I have to disconnect the cold-water line? (If so, then I agree with everyone that I might-as-well replace the tank once Ive gone that far. :)Thanks!: Thanks for the info… Im putting-off replacing the whole unit because of the cost at the moment.: Whats a dip tube? Sounds like even I replace both elements and this is problem, I wouldnt fix anything. Is the dip tube something that can be replaced?: Thanks again! : Paul: : I agree with Mark, its probably time to replace that old thing.: : But if you want to fix it, check both elements…One is probably burnt out. (But similar symptoms can occur when the dip tube breaks off).: : Here is someone elses answer on how to check the elements…See if it helps:: : http://www.niceeasy.com.au/MESSAGES/6836.html

[Paul N]

That is a good site for info on electric water heaters. I think the only way to tell if you have a bad dip-tube is to make sure everything else is working properly…And if still not enough hot water, check the tube. Yes you have to remove the cold water inlet nipple in order to pry out the tube.Heres another site I just came across on checking electric heaters:http://www.chilipepperapp.com/troublee.htm

[Author]

Posts