not much hot water

[charliet]

My son and I just installed a 50 gallon gas hot water heater. There should be plenty of hot water but they can't take consecutive showers without running out of hot water. We have the same one and we can take 3 showers plus do some laundry and still have hot water. The showers they were taking weren't long ones.
Any help would be appreciated.

[majakdragon]

Could be a bad thermostat. With the tank not used for a while, take a temp reading at the nearest hot faucet. Is it near what the thermostat is set at? How long does it maintain temp? Is the burner kicking on shortly after the water is being drawn? Less likely, but sometimes happens, was the diptube in the new heater? If not the cold water would "short circuit" with the hot supply line and turn the water warm real quick. These are a few things to check. If it is a new heater it should have a warranty. Good luck.

[KField]

The variables between your house and his are: Water pressure, shower head, length of showers, plumbing in general. He may have a problem other than the heater.

Ken