Rheem 40 Gal Gas W.Heater (NOt enough Hot H2O)

[MasterPlumbersKeymaster]

We have a 7 yr. old Gas Water Heater. It has stopped producing the usual amount of Hot Water and it is not as hot as it used to be at the same settings. Can I assume this would be the Thermostat ?Their are no associated Leak/Pilot Light symptoms. We also do not notice this problem prevalent at any particular time of day.

[nicktheplumberParticipant]

It could be any number of problems. About the only thing I would recommend for you to do would be to drain and flush the tank. If there is a lot of sediment in it, that may restore function. Make sure that you turn off the gas and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining and flushing and restarting your heater. If that doesn’t fix it, call in a plumber. The heater could be shot, and though many last for two decades or more, 7-10 years is about their rated life expectancy. Replacing gas regulator valves will cost a couple of hundred bucks and most tanks can be gotten for $400 or less. A plumber will also be able to advise you about the status of your pipes, valves, and faucets, which can sometimes be a problem. If your water is very hard or sedimented, you might want to consider a water softener or filter on the supply to the water heater.

NtP

[SelgasParticipant]

Nick

I take my hat off to you with your answer to the above problem – congratulations you are almost perfect lol

---

Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians

[nicktheplumberParticipant]

Peter,

I appreciate your positive comment, especially since you know more about gas than I do. I always post with a bit of trepidation on the Gas/Gasfitting forum.

BTW, what do you think of that gas meter Jabamon has posted in the General Plumbing forum?

NtP

[SelgasParticipant]

The gas meter is a typical installation by a Gas Company but they are usually fitted close to a building or against a property boundary line. Perhaps the one shown in the forum is the nett result of a previous building having been demolished along side of it.
In any case it is a commercial sized meter not one I would have expected to see supplying a domestic residence.
Only in America huh lol lol

---

Selgas Services Ltd
Craftsman Gasfitters, Plumbers, Electrical Service Technicians

[NOS Plumbing and Heating</titlParticipant]

if nicks idea works “draining it” or even if you get a new one drain a few quarts out every 2-3 months to keep the sediment out it dont take long and save on money and get you the hot water you want.

---

NOS Plumbing and Heating
Tristan Novak, Pres.

[Author]

Posts