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Hot Water In House

Our how water is not lasting as long as it has before, it seems like we have about two thirds the capacity we had before. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Moody on February 6, 2012 at 8:24pm

Well one of your elements could be out. If it electric, there is a top and bottom heating element. You might check those and see if they are both working.

Also over time a tank will fill up and collect sediments in the bottom of the tank. They recommend you drain your tank at least once a year. I don't really know anyone that does that around here but as it fills up there is less water in the tank so your capacity is lower.

I would check the heating elements first if it is electric.

John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

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Site HostPermalink Reply by Charles Nicholls on February 6, 2012 at 8:33pm

Yep we used to drain our tank every summer for that reason.

Charles
nicholls61@att.net
http://www.nichollswoodworks.com
This website is new so it doesn't have much to it yet but you are welcome to take a look :)

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Master CarpenterPermalink Reply by Mike Dillen on February 6, 2012 at 8:41pm

In some electric hot water heaters there is a zink installed that allows electrolysis and it's supposed to increase the life of your heater. It's sacrificial and cuts down on the corrosion on the heating elements and the tank. Some manufacturers will extend the warranty time if the zinc is installed.

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Morris on February 6, 2012 at 8:48pm

Thanks guys, our heater is gas, so do you think draining it might help?

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

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Master CarpenterPermalink Reply by Mike Dillen on February 6, 2012 at 8:56pm

It may. I have a gas water heater and I drain mine once a year. You only need to drain it until it runs clear.

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Morris on February 6, 2012 at 9:14pm

Thanks Mike, I'd hate to think a third of our tank is full of sediment. But we do have incredibly hard water and we have not drained it since we lived here.

Mike Dillen said:

It may. I have a gas water heater and I drain mine once a year. You only need to drain it until it runs clear.

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

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Site HostPermalink Reply by Ron Dudelston on February 7, 2012 at 3:45am

If your water is hard then it is probably lime and yep, it could be 1/3 full. Be happy it is gas because an electric heater would have killed the lower element a long time ago. This is a common problem here in the midwest and just about everyone here jas a softener.

Ron Dudelston
Above and Beyond WoodWorks

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Morris on February 7, 2012 at 2:13pm

Alright guys, I drained the tank. I also kept the pressure on to blow out the water. I hooked up the garden hose and ran it out to the street, opened up the valve and there was about 1 minute of brown water coming out of the hose, then it turned to light brown and eventually clear. Then I turned it all off, let the tank drain all the way out, and opened the water pressure again to churn up any sediment left over, again the water turned brown and then light brown and then clear, I did this process about 4 times until I ran clear water. We'll see what happens tonight when it come time for 5 showers!!!

Thanks guys, I'll keep yall informed.

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops