water heater----warm

[ThomasB]

I have a 40 gallon gas water heater (richmond) that is dripping from the drain area...minor leak....the problem is the hot water does not seem to last as long as it use to.....is it getting ready to go south?.....should I replace it now or is there a repair I can make to it?...If I should rreplace do you have any recommendations as to a brand?...I will install it myself...

***THE WATER HEATER IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH A 6 YEAR WARRANTY****


Thanks

[majakdragon]

There are several causes for decreased hot water amounts. You don't say whether this is a gas or electric heater. Most causes can be repaired DIY.

Electric:
Elements..... usually the lower one is defective
Thermostats.......defective
Dip Tube.... broken off or fell into the tank
Sediment buildup... usually caused by hard water

Gas:
Sediment buildup.... Needs to be drained AND flushed
Dip Tube... Broken off or fell into the tank

These are the MOST common things that can cause what you describe and MOST EASILY repaired by a DIYer.
If its the dip tube the repair is usually less than $5
The elements and thermostats are higher and more time consuming but still less than a new heater.

The drain can also be replaced when you drain the heater.. Usually around $5 for the new valve.

Everything in a water heater can be replaced EXCEPT the tank. When this is the case, its time for new. This does not sound like your problem.

Good luck with your project and reply back if you have further questions.

[ThomasB]

thanks

It is a gas heater....what is a dip tube?....does it have anything to do with the pressure relief valve?

Thanks

[majakdragon]

The dip tube SITS in the opening for the cold water supply in the heater. It is located under the pipe that feeds the heater. If you turn off the water supply and disconnect the piping, then unscrew the pipe going into the heater, you SHOULD see the dip tube. If you stick your finger into it, it should lift out. The dip tube directs the cold water to the bottom of the tank thus pushing the hot water out. If it fails, then there is a "short circuit" and the cold water goes directly out the hot water exit without being heated. This is what causes a minimal supply of hot water in some cases. This is the easiest of fixes. New dip tubes are about $3.00. Hope this explains it.

[Ed Imeduc]

Most of the time on a gas hot water heater that dont like make as much hot water as it did. Is from hard water. I have had where 3 guys cant carry a 30 gal tank out. Its from the hard water and this will build up like a rock around the flue tube there in the center of the heater when it does that the hot water out put will fall off.

***THE WATER HEATER IS 6 YEARS OLD WITH A 6 YEAR WARRANTY****

Id get the new tank.

My .02 cents
ED ;)

[Bob Haller]

Yeah dump the tank, its cheap insurance. Get a high BTU output tank for more hot water:)