Ever since we bought our house (built 2001) we have had a hard time getting the hot water hot in the shower. This is intermittent. Sometimes we start the shower and the water is hot and ready within a normal amount of time (2 minutes or so). Other times you can let it run for 5 or more and still only have luke warm water. We see no rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes it is first thing in the morning. Sometimes late morning. Outside temps don't seem to make a difference and it only is noticeable in the shower not other faucets (but then again maybe I just don't notice it because I am not waiting to take a hot shower out of the sink!)
What should we try to narrow down the problem? It is a gas water tank. 50 gallons. Not set too high (small children in the house). The house is 2800 sq feet and this is probably the farthest point from the hot water. We also run a water softener in the middle of the night sometime but I don't think that is any way connected to the hot water tank?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ever since we bought our house (built 2001) we have had a hard time getting the hot water hot in the shower. This is intermittent. Sometimes we start the shower and the water is hot and ready within a normal amount of time (2 minutes or so). Other times you can let it run for 5 or more and still only have luke warm water. We see no rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes it is first thing in the morning. Sometimes late morning. Outside temps don't seem to make a difference and it only is noticeable in the shower not other faucets (but then again maybe I just don't notice it because I am not waiting to take a hot shower out of the sink!)
What should we try to narrow down the problem? It is a gas water tank. 50 gallons. not set too high (small children in the house). The house is 2800 sq feet and this is probably the farthest point from the hot water. We also run a water softener in the middle of the night sometime but I dont think that is any way connected to the hot water tank?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

What's the brand name of your mixing valve? A model number would be nice. Does it have a skald guard or a temperature control feature? The master bath is usually the farthest way from the heater so it takes longer to run the cool water out of the hot line but a two minute wait is simply too long.
Have you considered adding a recirculating line to the bathroom? Regards, Tom

Hi Tilyet,

Please respond to Tom's question, and I will recommend installing instant hot water recirculation system, see the attachment, Thanks.

John