I just moved into a newer 2 level manufacturd home. It was the model home for about 3 years. All the appliances where in place but no water or gas was hooked up and none of the appliances plugged in while it was a model. Now the problem (one of many), Just how long should the hot water in a newer energy efficient electric hotwater tank last? It is a 40 gallon and I turned the heat up to 130 degrees. Only one adult can take a shower at a time :(and then we have to wait a half hour recovery for the next person to take a shower, so we are stuck stagering our showers. Is this normal or should I have the tank checked and by who? I don't even know who checks water tanks, can I check something myself? I have another question but have to find the correct forum for heat ducts. Thank you for any help and or advice.

Your home should still be under warranty as the warranty period for manufactured homes is usually one year for finding problems with the home. You need to contact the dealer who you bought the home from and get the phone number for the water heater manufacturer. The water heater should be under warranty for one year. This does not seem right that only one person can take a shower. Have you tried turning the temp up to 135 and see if that makes any difference?

A factory technician for the water heater needs to check out the unit to see if both elements are working properly. This should not cost you anything for the service call as it would be under warranty. With a 40 gallon unit there are two elements. One just might have burned out or not worked from day one.