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View Full Version : Hot water problem after installing new water heater


EdenSW
Feb 7, 2011, 01:41 PM
We had an old 40 gal water heater that I was told was only heating up half the water because of an old anode (?). We were getting all the hot water we needed in the house so we stuck with it until it actually started to leak. Now, we replaced with a 50 gal. The shower on the far side of the house just does not get enough hot water. Before, the mix of hot and cold as half and half during a shower. Now, the mix is almost full hot and the water temp coming out is medium hot. Not too good for my husband who likes HOT showers. I measured the water temp in the kitchen (directly above the water heater) at full hot. Water measures 150 degrees. I asked the plumber who installed the water heater and he said that the 3/4 pipe is the same.

I'm not very adept at plumbing. Without spending lots of $$ to solve this issue. Can someone direct me to what I need to look at to get the hot water at a higher flow back into our shower?

ballengerb1
Feb 7, 2011, 02:49 PM
First off a water heater can make great hot water with no anode rod at all. An anode just slows corrosion nothing to do with heating. Chances are good some debris came loose during the installation and is now partially clogging the hot inlet on that farside shower. Remove the stem or cartridge and clear the valve by flushing. If you need more detail tell me but try to give me the brand/model of valve or posta pic.

EdenSW
Feb 7, 2011, 07:22 PM
We have a Delta shower that was installed by the contractor who built this house. When you say remove the stem, are you talking about the part that the shower head is attached to? What is a cartidge?

ballengerb1
Feb 7, 2011, 07:43 PM
OK, we normally assume when you want to fix something you have some knowledge of skills so this link may help explain what to do. How to repair a Delta Monitor (http://www.masterplumber.net/delta/monitor.htm) Do nothing without first closing your main and opening that shower valve so it can drain. Mixing valves have a stem with a washer and a seat but most shower valves use a cartridge inside attached to the knob you pull/turn. The shower head attaches to something called a shower arm.

EdenSW
Feb 7, 2011, 09:45 PM
Thanks. I'll give it a try and let you know what comes of it.

EdenSW
Feb 7, 2011, 09:50 PM
Ballenberb1 - I appreciate your answer. I do a lot carpentry and the handy-man work around the house. I have even replaced our garbage disposer and installed our dishwasher. My last project was to replace the worm gear in my stand up Kitchenaid mixer. Replacing is way different than taking apart and fixing. Success with the Kitchenaid is giving me the courage to try my hand in this. I hope it is not too far over my head. Thanks for the link!

ballengerb1
Feb 8, 2011, 02:44 PM
You will probably be fine, just wanted to give you the accurate plumbing names so you won't confuse folks at the store if you need parts sometime