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    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 5, 2008, 04:40 PM
    Lack of hot water
    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?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #2

    Apr 5, 2008, 04:51 PM
    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

    .
    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:00 PM
    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?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #4

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:03 PM
    Sounds like an element or thermostat gone bad...

    Do you own an electrical tester?
    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:06 PM
    Just the small one that you plug into an outlet
    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:08 PM
    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?
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #7

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:14 PM
    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
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    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:24 PM
    It pushed freely, no click
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #9

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:31 PM
    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
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    frizbro's Avatar
    frizbro Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:41 PM
    Thanks for the help.
    Have a great rest of the weekend.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #11

    Apr 5, 2008, 05:46 PM
    Get a tester at home supply store tomorrow... check back tomorrow at 12:00 eastern time... walk you through this... let me know... Goodnight.
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