Water heater too small (hardwood floors, how much, hot water heater, bathtub)

[monkeygorilla]

What is involved in replacing a water heater? We just discovered that in the house we bought, the hot water runs out before the bathtub is filled! I can only fill it maybe 1/2 way up before the hot water turns cold. Is getting a larger water heater a big & expensive job? Thanks!

[K'ledgeBldr]

We're not trying to fill a Roman tub are we?
First I'd check to make sure the present heater is working correctly.
Is the dip tube still in one piece?
If it's electric- are both elements working?
If it's gas- is the thermostat working properly (on the electric also), is the vent restricted?
If all seems to be in order and your just not getting enough hot water- swapping for a larger heater is pretty straight forward- disconnect/reconnect.
The only difference would be- if you go extremely larger than the present you may need a larger supply line, if gas. If electric, you may need a larger gauge wire to handle the voltage.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

We're not trying to fill a Roman tub are we?
First I'd check to make sure the present heater is working correctly.
Is the dip tube still in one piece?
If it's electric- are both elements working?
If it's gas- is the thermostat working properly (on the electric also), is the vent restricted?
If all seems to be in order and your just not getting enough hot water- swapping for a larger heater is pretty straight forward- disconnect/reconnect.
The only difference would be- if you go extremely larger than the present you may need a larger supply line, if gas. If electric, you may need a larger gauge wire to handle the voltage.

Sounds like we need to call in a professional for this. Its a gas heater...what type of professional would I call for this? Thanks so much for your help!!

[K'ledgeBldr]

Usually any plumber can handle a water heater.
Just make sure they're licensed.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Usually any plumber can handle a water heater.
Just make sure they're licensed.

OK, thanks! Any idea how much I can expect the plumber to charge for this? I'm a 1st time homeowner & obviously I don't know a lot about the mechanics of a house...I don't want to get ripped off!!

[K'ledgeBldr]

For Lon Giland- I don't know the going rate for that area. Plus I don't know how difficult the access would be, what size, and warranty of heater your getting,etc.
Best thing- get three different bids and make a sound decision.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

For Lon Giland- I don't know the going rate for that area. Plus I don't know how difficult the access would be, what size, and warranty of heater your getting,etc.
Best thing- get three different bids and make a sound decision.

Thank you!!

[Ultrarunner]

A couple of things to check...

What temperature is the water heater set for? A higher setting will provide more hot water... the trade off is that higher temperature increases the chance of scalding.

The Dip Tube may no longer be functioning as previously mentioned... it is not hard to replace... I've done it... but, if I had to pay a plumber to replace it, I would just replace the entire heater.

Check the Burner... Once I came across a similar problem due to a dirty/blocked burner... Many local utilities will do a free burner inspection.

Check the Gallons Per Hour your heater is rated to produce... this is often overlooked.

Residential Water Heaters are sold by the size of the tank... 30, 40, 50 gallons etc. All heaters are also rated by how much hot water they produce per hour...

I have seen high output 20 gallon heaters that make 55 gallons per hour and I have seen low end 40 gallon heaters that are only rated for 34 gallons per hour.

In CA... I now pay about $300 for a 40 gallon Bradford-White USA made Heater. I've had a few issues with the First Generation Sealed Combustion CA Reg Heaters on Brands made in Mexico.

Depending on where the heater is located... I strongly recommend spending the extra money for a water heater pan to safely channel any water leaks away from hardwood floors, carpets, etc...

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

A couple of things to check...

What temperature is the water heater set for? A higher setting will provide more hot water... the trade off is that higher temperature increases the chance of scalding.

The Dip Tube may no longer be functioning as previously mentioned... it is not hard to replace... I've done it... but, if I had to pay a plumber to replace it, I would just replace the entire heater.

Check the Burner... Once I came across a similar problem due to a dirty/blocked burner... Many local utilities will do a free burner inspection.

Check the Gallons Per Hour your heater is rated to produce... this is often overlooked.

Residential Water Heaters are sold by the size of the tank... 30, 40, 50 gallons etc. All heaters are also rated by how much hot water they produce per hour...

I have seen high output 20 gallon heaters that make 55 gallons per hour and I have seen low end 40 gallon heaters that are only rated for 34 gallons per hour.

In CA... I now pay about $300 for a 40 gallon Bradford-White USA made Heater. I've had a few issues with the First Generation Sealed Combustion CA Reg Heaters on Brands made in Mexico.

Depending on where the heater is located... I strongly recommend spending the extra money for a water heater pan to safely channel any water leaks away from hardwood floors, carpets, etc...

Great information...thank you! How would I find out how many gallons per hour are produced?

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by monkeygorilla

Great information...thank you! How would I find out how many gallons per hour are produced?

There is a specification tag affixed to each heater and one of the specs is manufacturer's Gallon Per Hour Rating...

I just looked at an AO Smith 50 Gallon Gas Heater with a 40.4 gallons per hour rating

I've changed probably 60 water heaters and there is not much to it... However, in my city, I must pull a permit each time and that cost time and money.

If money is no object... you could spend a couple of grand and convert to a continuous hot water heater... It costs more to retrofit and I wouldn't do it unless I was building a new home.