Inches of sediment on the tank bottom displaces water and insulates the burner or lower element. A 50 gallon heater may effectively hold 35. An annual flush prevents it.
Electric heaters have two elements. When the lower one fails, only the top third of the tank heats, so hot water runs out in minutes. Replacing an element is a quick repair.
The dip tube sends cold water to the bottom of the tank. When it cracks, cold water mixes at the top and you get lukewarm water fast. Cheap part, common failure on heaters from the mid-1990s.
Check that the thermostat is around 120°F. If it was turned down, the tank holds less usable heat.
A growing household, a soaking tub or a rain shower can outrun a 40 gallon tank. Options are a larger tank or a tankless water heater that provides endless hot water on demand.
We repair, replace and install tank and tankless water heaters across Florida and will tell you honestly whether a repair or an upgrade makes sense.
Florida Cracker Plumbing offers tankless water heater installation across Florida, including Panacea, San Antonio, Cedar Key, Lanark Village, Deland, Ocala, Gainesville, Middleburg and every other Florida city. Call (888) 809-6756 24/7.
Live dispatchers answer 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
(888) 809-6756