Hi Guys!

I have a strange problem with my gas water heater. After having some issues with intermittent hot water shortage, I flushed the system. I also found the remains of a bird in the flue which I vacuumed out, yet the problem has continued.
I noticed that the vertical inlet (cold) is extremely hot for about 2 feet over the heater. Any idea if this is normal thermal expansion or if this is a symptom of the issue that is affecting my occasional lack of hot water?
(I have inspected all the faucets and there are no leaks, yet sometimes after coming home to a house that has been empty all day, there is very little hot water)
The heater is a 40 gallon natural gas unit, installed in a basement, which is about 14 years old.
Thanks for any input.
Dave

I noticed that the vertical inlet (cold) is extremely hot for about 2 feet over the heater. Any idea if this is normal thermal expansion or if this is a symptom of the issue that is affecting my occasional lack of hot water?

Yes thermal exp.

The heater is a 40 gallon natural gas unit, installed in a basement, which is about 14 years old.

The valve that controls the gas is probably getting tired with age. I have seen this happen many times. Once the heater reaches temperature the valve just stays off until you draw some hot water and it kicks back in to operation from the cold water flowing into the unit. 14 years is about time for a new one.

Thanks for the info HVAC1000!

I guess I'll start saving for a new one.

Dave