Hello,
Today the water was so hot that it burned me. It was more hot than ever! Then hours later there's no hot water just lukewarm water.
Can you please help me put by explaining what may have happened.
Kenmore miser 6 40 gallons. Model number153.326460

I have to ask. When was the last time you have drained the waterheater? Depending on the type of water in your area they need to be drained every so often to maybe once a year. The more minerals in the water the more often it needs to be drained. If the minerals settle and cake on the bottom it can cause your water heater to act weird. Just like how your stating. There should be a spout on the lower side on the unit. It is best to attach a garden hose and let the water run to the outside but it can be done with buckets too. Try draining it and let us know.

That heater is electric, start by first checking to see if the breaker is still in the full ON position. A tripped breaker will be more centered and you can wiggle it. If the breaker is good then we need to test for power reaching the thermostat and elements. Is working with 240 vac something you can do? If not call and electrician or plumber

Califdadoif was correct that you should flush, not drain, your heater monthly. I'll give you instructions later on.
But that's not the cause of your problem. I suspect that you have a electric waster heater that has a element burned out. Do you wish to attempt to repair this yourself? Let me know. Here's how to flush your heater.


For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING 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 or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes.

Do this monthly to keep it clear. Now flush out your hot water lines on ALL fixtures that are affected . Now pull each aerator and clean the screens. Be sure you put them back together the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my answer,

It's a new one maybe 3 to 4 years old. We have city water. I reset the breaker
Thank you

You had to reset the breaker? And did that help or did it blow again? Back to you. Tom

It the problem repeats than you should have somebody to check on heating element(s) and / or wiring. Milo