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    Nutty1's Avatar
    Nutty1 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 2, 2009, 10:22 PM
    All faucets in house.hot wtr lasts only 2-3 minutes
    I am not very knowledgeable with my homes plumbing like I should be. But I do know this... hot water has never been a problem in my home for the many years I've lived here. Within the past month, I've noticed that the hot water at all faucets lasts only for a few minutes. We have never had that problem. We do have a tankless hot water heater, and I do understand that I should run out of hot water faster than if I had a tank. But the hot water has always lasted for at least 10-15 minutes. Not anymore. Why could this be? What should I be looking for? This is becoming a pain, during the dead of winter, while taking a shower and/or giving the kids a bath. The water never actually gets real cold, it just gets luke warm with the hot valve(s) in the full open position. My hot water heater is very old. 70's I think. I know I should replace it anyway, but just not in the financial position to do so at this time. Please tell me my problem is something simple. Thanks in advance for any/all responses.

    Nutty
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 3, 2009, 12:38 AM

    Hello Nutty,

    Your heater is very old and It sounds like you have a broken dip tube.

    The dip tube is a long narrow tube that directs incoming cold liquid to the bottom of the tank, preventing pre-mature mixing of incoming cold liquid with the out going hot liquid at the top of the tank. Without the dip tube, or with a broken dip tube, it may seem as though you run out very quickly, or you just get a Luke warm temperature.

    See the Image below, Thanks.

    John

    How a water heater dip tube works and what it looks like.
    Nutty1's Avatar
    Nutty1 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 3, 2009, 06:22 AM
    Hi John. Thanks, I will check the dip tube. Assuming I have one. As I said, I was told that it is a tankless htr. It is very small and tucked under my basement steps. It's a 3ft x 3ft box. I'm sure it has a tank, just a very small one. Should it also have a dip?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Feb 3, 2009, 06:43 AM
    You do not have a dip tube on a tankless water heater, (see image). However ,depending on its size, you have elements. Have them checked and replaced if necessary. Good luck, Tom
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #5

    Feb 3, 2009, 07:16 PM

    Thanks Tom,

    I miss read it I thought it was the regular water heater, you are correct there is no have a dip tube on a tank less water heater, Thanks.

    Regards,
    John the tank less
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Feb 3, 2009, 07:43 PM
    Nutty1...

    Is this a gas or electric tankless water heater..?

    Let us know...

    MARK
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