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There are a few possibilities. One is that the water heater is not large enough for the demand put on it. Another is that it is not turned up high enough. Another is that your shower and bath valves are preset so as limit that maximum temperature. These can be adjusted and how to do it is dependent on the type of valve. Typically you have to remove the shower valve trim to get to the adjustment screws. Some Delta brand single-control pressure-balancing valves have a stop disc hidden under the control handle that can be rotated left or right in fixed increments to set the maximum temperature.
Another reason is calcium buildup at the bottom of the water heater which impedes its ability to heat water efficiently. This can be mitigated by opening the valve at the bottom of the heater and shutting off the hot water outlet valve on the top. I like to drain it a bit and then turn on and off the cold water supply to surge and lift the sediments off the bottom so they will make their way out the hose bib at the bottom of the heater. If you have very hard water in your area, the tank may require deliming after a few years of use. Remove the hot water fitting at the top and drain out half the water. Pour de-liming granules (a weak acid) into the hot water outlet with the aid of a funnel and turn the temperature of the heater up to its highest setting for an hour, or so. Turn the heat off and let the hot acid solution work for a while, then drain the tank, reconnect the hot water fitting and flush it out thoroughly via the drain valve before setting the thermostat to the normal temperature and returning the tank to service. Deliming granules are available from many hardware stores.
You might consider replacing hot water tank with a tankless water heater. It pays for itself in a few years, but will require a dedicated circuit, if electric, or upgraded supply pipe, if gas. Tankless heaters also have a tendency not to turn on at low flow rates, thus providing no hot water at all, and giving up a water tank is also loss of an emergency potable water supply in case of a natural disaster.
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How long does it take water to get hot in a gas hot water heater that has been shutoff for several months?
15 minutes to half an hour.
How do i know when my hot water heater is broken?
When you want to know when your hot water heater is broken, simply run your faucet and test the water. If it's cold, the heater is broken.
Need to replace hot water lines. Do you need to turn off the hot water heater if you shut off the main water line?
Yes. I would. If you are replacing the hot water lines, it is also a good time to drain the hot water heater and get rid of all the junk at the bottom of the hot water heater. That should be done once a year. Your hot water heater must be off when you do that, your hot water heater should be off when you drain your hot water heater. You will see boiler scale come out of your water heater. Leaving the boiler scale in your water heater makes it less efficient. It makes it harder to heat your water. It is the same as throwing money down the drain. If you want to give your money away, you should give it to the Salvation Army instead of the Utility Company.
How can you tell when your hot water heater isn't working properly?
The simplest thing is that there isn't any hot water! You can check at the hot water heater as well as at the faucets. Check the heater itself and make sure it isn't leaking. If it is a gas heater, make sure the pilot light is on! If it is an electric water heater, make sure the breaker isn't blown and reset if necessary. If all else fails, time to call a plumber, unless you like the challenge of replacing it yourself, which isn't as daunting a task as you may think!
Why is a hot water heater called a hot water heater?
It is called this as it heats up or brings up the temperature of cold water to hot. In other words, it is producing hot water by heating it. Some people incorrectly believe it is redundant to refer to "hot water" and "heater", but there are many other types of heaters, so the distinction of one creating hot water is entirely proper.
Is the hot water heater gas and electric?
Gas heater & electric heater both are available.
Your electricity just got shut off Will your gas water heater still distribute hot water?
Yes, your gas water heater will still distribute hot water.
Where is the drain on a gas hot water heater?
Side of water heater, near bottom.
How can you get hot water from a gas water heater if the service is not on?
You cant
How does a gas hot water heater generate electricity?
thermopile
Can an oil-fueled hot water heater be converted to gas?
no
What is the most efficient hot water heater?
instant gas
A natural gas water heater converts what?
It converts cold water to hot water.
What are the advantages of using a gas water heater?
At current gas prices they cost less to use and a gas heater gives you a much greater supply of hot water on demand.
What type of noise should you hear when hot water tank is making hot water?
It depends on if it's a gas water heater or electric. I don't think electric makes any noise, but a gas water heater, you'll the gas ignite, and hear the rushing gas from the burner.
Why isn't the gas hot water pilot not lighting?
Gas not turned on to water heater. Gas valve on water heater not set to pilot setting. Faulty gas valve. Igniter for lighting pilot not working.
How do you install a gas hot water heater?
You need a qualified tradesman
