Replies

1. 
   DanH | Oct 25, 2005 06:31pm | #1

   Either the thermostat's sticking or the water is stratifying in the tank.

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1. 
   LouV | Oct 25, 2005 08:10pm | #2

   DanH, yes, it seems either the stat is short cycling, or there is statification. But, what to do, short of replacing the heater?

1. 
   DanH | Oct 25, 2005 09:06pm | #3

   Well, if the stat were sticking it would be long-cycling, not short-cycling.It's possible that a buildup of crud is confusing the stat. How long since the tank has been flushed? How old is the unit?
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1. 
   LouV | Oct 25, 2005 10:57pm | #4

   The unit appears not very old, maybe five years, or so. The water in this area is light on minerals and not very corrosive. I'll run a goodly amount of water out the drain tap, and see if that makes a difference. I don't know of any other way to loosen the crud.Lou

2. 
   MrBill | Oct 26, 2005 02:19am | #5

   Lou,

    If you figure it out let me know :) My AO Smith Gas water heater has done the same thing since it was new. AO Smith was no help. After sitting all night there might be enough hot water for one decent shower and thats it. If you wait 20 minutes or so after the first shower, you can run it forever and never run out of hot water.

   Bill Koustenis

   Advanced Automotive Machine

   Waldorf Md

1. 
   DanH | Oct 26, 2005 02:34am | #6

   It is possible that this problem could be caused by having input and output switched (dip tube in the wrong hole).--------------
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2. 
   LouV | Oct 26, 2005 02:52am | #7

   In and out are not reversed per the factory labeling on the tank. The unit is a Rheem. I won't be able to flush it until Friday, so I'll get back to you all then. Thanks for the ideas.Lou

1. 
   DanH | Oct 26, 2005 03:43am | #8

   It's rare but it's happened that the plumber has gotten confused and reversed the tube when unnecessary.Of course, could also be a failed dip tube. There was a epidemic of that a few years back.[Well, actually, a failed dip tube probably wouldn't produce these symptoms. Would tend to be more hot water going cold quickly.]
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   Edited 10/25/2005 8:45 pm by DanH

1. 
   LouV | Nov 03, 2005 02:53am | #9

   I suppose the tube could be partly bad. I ran a hose from the bottom spigot to the floor drain so I was able to stir the water in the tank bottom somewhat. Things seem a little better so maybe it helped. I noticed the spigot has flats, so I get brave I may try to drain the tank, remove the spigot, and try to clean inside with a brush. That risks breaking the spigot and creating a major fix it project.