Posted by ward shaw on January 23, 1998 at 15:43:15:
In Reply to: sudden drop in hot water volume posted by Mark McWaters on January 22, 1998 at 11:33:38:
: Our electric hot water heater has been doing fine.
: Suddenly, last week, it won't produce enough hot water
: to finish a shower. Not sure how old the heater is. We
: just recently bought the house. Is this a sign the heater
: is going bad? Could a dripping hot water faucet (slow drip)
: drip enough to effect hot water volume?
your leaky faucet has nothing to do with your problem. Three things too consider:
1] the dip tube may have come loose in your cold water inlet;
2] an element is fried, or;
3] the incoming water temp. has changed dramatically (colder).
Of all the options, i would suggest that an element or thermostat has failed. If you call in a repairman, DO NOT have him test the elements or t'stats. JUST have him replace them all----they are usually @ $25.00 for all parts, and will save on diagnostics and labor. Make sure that lower element is not immersed in sediment. Plumber can get rid of most of it at the same time.