I’m a new home owner and a novice at plumbing-related problems, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I live in a small, three-level home (including basement) with the water heater in the basement, kitchen on main level, and one (and only) bathroom located on the top level. My issue is both with the longevity and temperature of the hot water in the bathroom…it doesn’t last long (maybe the duration of one 12 minute shower) and even at the very beginning of a shower or use of the sink, it’s never “hot”…just warm. The hot water pressure upstairs seems fine, it’s only the temperature that’s the problem. Conversely, the kitchen sink is capable of delivering much, much hotter water and probably for a longer duration, although we haven’t really tried it for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

The water heater is old (maybe 10-12 years), is currently set at the hottest possible setting, and the tank says “65 gallons”. I wouldn’t think that it’s an issue with the water heater, though, because it seems to supply our kitchen sufficiently. Is there anything I can do to get more and hotter water to the upstairs bathroom?

Thanks for your help!!

We need to know what type of heater you have. Gas or electric? Regards Tom

It's a gas heater. Also, in case it helps, both the shower and sink in the bathroom have separate knobs for the hot and cold water.

Thanks again for your help!

Gas hot water heaters can build up minerals on the bottom of the tank that act as insulators cutting down on heat that's trying to reach the water. This costs you more in fuel and gives you less hot water. This buildup happens when you don't flush your heater on a regular basis. Let me show you how.
For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Let me know. Tom

I flushed my water heater this weekend, using your instructions. The water was essentially clear from the outset (maybe slight discoloration in the first cup or so). After doing that, the water temperature (and duration of hot water) in the upstairs bathroom hasn't changed - and the water temp in the kitchen is still significantly hotter than upstairs.

Do you have any other suggestions on what might be causing this problem? I still can't seem to understand why we have no problems in the kitchen - only the bathroom. This would seem to indicate that the problem is not with the water heater, since it's able to effectively supply the kitchen with hot water.

Thanks!

P.S. My plumbing book described the water that should be coming out when flushing the water heater as "scalding". I'd have to say that my water was warm, but no where near "scalding".