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View Full Version : Hot Water for only about 2 minutes


mbflg8r
Feb 9, 2007, 12:19 AM
My hot water heater is about 2 years old. The other day I noticed there was no hot water in the shower. I discovered that the switch in the electrical fuse box had tripped, so I reset it and turned it back on. Since then when I take a shower, I only get lukewarm water which lasts for only about 2 minutes, then it gets cold. I checked the fuse box again and the switch is fine. Is there any thing else I need to reset on the hot water heater itself? Does the thermostat reset? Or does it seem like I have a bigger problem?

I also noticed that after a shower, the sound the hot water heater makes when it is refilling is much quieter than normal.

ballengerb1
Feb 9, 2007, 09:42 AM
Be very careful when you try this and maybe have a "electrically wise" friend help. Do not treat 220 vac lightly so if you are not sure of your skills get help. Shut of the breaker to your heater and open the panel that will expose the wiring connections. Also try to get at the heating element. Check to insure you are getting 220vac to the heater. Check the element for continuity and then check it under a full 220 vac load. I think your breaker may have tripped when your element burned out and now you will not find continuity through the element.

speedball1
Feb 9, 2007, 10:19 AM
Shut the water and the breaker off to the heater and drain the heater. Open the T & P valve to prevent air lock. Purchase two 4500 watt elements and replace both of them. This gets you away from working with live 220 volts which I don't recommend to any home owner. Good luck, Tom