In the last 2 weeks I have had a problem with a lack of hot water.
You can't even finish taking a shower and you run out.
I just ran some bath water and I didn't have the hot on all the way and I had the cold partially on and it didn't even fill the tub 3" with out getting cold.

What do you think?

Hey Frizbro:

What kind of system heats your hot water?

Hot water heater (gas or electric)
Boiler with indirect storage tank
Boiler with tankless coil, etc...

Answer that... tell us how old the unit is... will see from there... Mark

.

It is a 8-10 yr old reliance 501 electric heater.
40 gallons with twin 4500 watt elements.
Until last August we ran it with 110 not knowing that it should be 220.
Also the water heats up pretty fast after it goes cold?

Sounds like an element or thermostat gone bad...

Do you own an electrical tester?

Just the small one that you plug into an outlet

You know what? I turned it up the other day thinking that being hotter it would last longer if I didn't turn the faucet on all the way. It didn't get any hotter.
Thermostat?

Check it out...

Top thermostat has RESET button (red circle in pic)... see if that CLICKS when you push it in... let us know what you find... Mark

It pushed freely, no click

You either need to purchase an electrical tester (see pic.) that will test continuity OR hire a plumber to fix this...

Let me know if you get tester and want to try this yourself. It is dangerous, but if you follow all recommendations we can help you fix this... Talk soon... Mark

Thanks for the help.
Have a great rest of the weekend.

Get a tester at home supply store tomorrow... check back tomorrow at 12:00 eastern time... walk you through this... let me know... Goodnight.