Why does my hot water heater not give me hot water... only warm! We have it set to the highest temp, but still only warm!:mad:

Your element is going and needs changed and more than likely the tank needs drained of built up sediment. You didn't say how old tank was. You probably can get away with a new element versus going out and buying a new tank. If you don't know how to change the element call a plumber to change it for you.

The water heater is only 2 yrs old... and I failed to mention that the water has NEVER been hot. Do you think the water heater is faulty?

Hi Spaynster... I'm not clear on what type of water heater you have... seems to be an electric? BUT I will cover both electric and gas solutions for your circumstance... just in case.

If you have a gas-fired water heater and your thermostat is set at the highest setting then you most certainly have a defective thermostat (actually the gas valve and thermostat are one part together)... The water heater is definitely under warranty if only 2 years old... will need the name of heater (RUUD, AOSMITH, GENERAL ELECTRIC, BRADFORD WHITE, etc.), serial number, and model number (almost always on a rating plate at front/center of heater) and will probably need to call your local plumbing supply house and ask them who deals with this type of heater and what your next step is. It could be they replace thermostat or entire heater... labor is never covered under warranty)

If it an electric water heater then it sounds like you have lost an element... BUT you never know... it could be a thermostat as well.

Here, I am going to assume you have two elements... an upper and a lower element that are concealed behind small access panels on the heater. I guess the easiest test for you to perform is a continuity test.

You will need to shut power to the water heater (do not forget this!!)... AND then remove the access panels and disconnect the two wires from the upper element AND the two wires from the lower element. You then set your electrical tester to continuity (hopefully has audible alarm to confirm continuity... confirm by touching probe ends before beginning test) and test each element for continuity (touch a probe to each screw on the element). If you confirm continuity then element is fine. If you confirm both elements have continuity then the elements are not the problem... must look to the thermostat next... BUT that is pretty rare. If it is an element...that part will also be under warranty...just follow the steps provided in the gas-fired section..

Hopefully this helped. Let me know if this does not work. If my answer was helpful please rate my answer by clicking on RATE THE ANSWER! Button below. Thank you!!

While you are testing your element check your line voltage to see if you are getting 240 to the elements.