Hot Water Tank Problem

[carcrazy67]

In reality, electric water heaters are pretty simple devices. There are only a few (serviceable) parts that typically fail. My water heater is nearing 20 years of age and still fine but I've seen on occasion, failures in less than a year. From what you describe, the odds are very good the lower element is defective. No need to replace the entire unit for a 10 dollar part. When the lower element is defective you run out of hot water much faster than normal. This is a simple repair. The other possibility would be the thermostat. No need to replace the whole water heater if this is the case.

As far as tankless water heaters, payback on the investment is long-many years. Generally only worthwhile if you plan on living in the house for a long time or your water heater is located in the attic and you are concerned about leakage. Almost all units are gas which is not always an option.

[Carlos_Danger]

carcrazy67 is right. To replace the element you have to drain the tank. So probably an hours job. One tip. Take the element out and observe the wattage written on the end of it. Replace with the same.
A good flush and a new element will likely solve your problem. Less than $20.

[Love to travel]

Originally Posted by carcrazy67

In reality, electric water heaters are pretty simple devices. There are only a few (serviceable) parts that typically fail. My water heater is nearing 20 years of age and still fine but I've seen on occasion, failures in less than a year. From what you describe, the odds are very good the lower element is defective. No need to replace the entire unit for a 10 dollar part. When the lower element is defective you run out of hot water much faster than normal. This is a simple repair. The other possibility would be the thermostat. No need to replace the whole water heater if this is the case.

Originally Posted by Carlos_Danger

carcrazy67 is right. To replace the element you have to drain the tank. So probably an hours job. One tip. Take the element out and observe the wattage written on the end of it. Replace with the same.
A good flush and a new element will likely solve your problem. Less than $20.

Many thanks! This is very helpful.

[underPSI]

Originally Posted by Carlos_Danger

carcrazy67 is right. To replace the element you have to drain the tank. So probably an hours job. One tip. Take the element out and observe the wattage written on the end of it. Replace with the same.
A good flush and a new element will likely solve your problem. Less than $20.

You don't have to drain the tank. But you do have to be fast!

[mlhm5]

I would replace that tank before you are faced with a bad leak. 12 years is probably gone past the use by date as evidenced by your problem.

[carcrazy67]

Originally Posted by mlhm5

I would replace that tank before you are faced with a bad leak. 12 years is probably gone past the use by date as evidenced by your problem.

If it is in an attic or somewhere it could do massive damage to the house then I would tend to agree with you as the statistical life expectancy of an electric water heater is typically less than 15 years. If it is in an attached storage shed or even the crawlspace I wouldn't be too concerned. However I've seen many water heaters 30 years and older still performing fine while others fail within a few years.

[Carlos_Danger]

Originally Posted by mlhm5

I would replace that tank before you are faced with a bad leak. 12 years is probably gone past the use by date as evidenced by your problem.

I hope it sits in a pan with a proper drain installed.

[Love to travel]

Originally Posted by mlhm5

I would replace that tank before you are faced with a bad leak. 12 years is probably gone past the use by date as evidenced by your problem.

It's in the crawl space.