Gas Water Heater Diagnosis Help
etherhuffer
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Last week I was not sure, but this week I am. Gas tank is not putting out enough hot water. So, here is where I am:
1. No leaks
2. Cracked drain, no corroded, white, chunks etc
3. Stat is at full temp, rated output is 160, I have 140 degrees at the tap
4. Checked burner, blue flame, looks good. Cracked hot water on sink and waited and watched, flame pops on in about about minute.
So, what do you guys think? Maybe a leaky dip tube or thermostat gone south? Tank is 8 years old with 6 year warranty, US Craftmaster. Best as I can tell its not a bad dip tube year as serial 9919800193 is a 98 model tank as best as I can tell.
Replies
Last week I was not sure, but this week I am. Gas tank is not putting out enough hot water. So, here is where I am:
1. No leaks
2. Cracked drain, no corroded, white, chunks etc
3. Stat is at full temp, rated output is 160, I have 140 degrees at the tap
4. Checked burner, blue flame, looks good. Cracked hot water on sink and waited and watched, flame pops on in about about minute.
So, what do you guys think? Maybe a leaky dip tube or thermostat gone south? Tank is 8 years old with 6 year warranty, US Craftmaster. Best as I can tell its not a bad dip tube year as serial 9919800193 is a 98 model tank as best as I can tell.
So your problem is that it cools off at the tap too fast? At all taps?
140 is more than hot enough, and I'd bet you're alot closer to 160 at the tank output(an IR gun would tell you).
If it's common to all taps, I'd be leaning towards the dip tube.
I checked all the taps and they range from 140 to 152. But they all run out of heat after one person takes a shower. I have not checked, but I would say 110 or lower is all I have after the first person takes a shower. http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
Sounds to me like it's pretty cut-and-dried then.
You've obviously got a good tstat and tank temp...it's either tank sizing(not it unless it's an old problem or somebody swapped tanks when you weren't looking), or dip tube.
I've heard some sediment buildup stories about it causing slow heating in the tank(as would a burner issue), but I think that's more relevant to a overall slow temp recovery. Really sounds like your pulling hot/cold mix from a few minutes on...diptube.
when was the last time you flushed you'r take of sedement,it could be that there is abiuld up of it and not letting the heater preform a peak out.it might be wearth a look
Checked for crud and its ok. Looks like a dip tube issue. Wrenches come out on Sat to see.
Thanks all!http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com