Water Heaters - 'Hot' does not produce on Gas Water Heater

Hi:
Recently, my Water Heater(Gas) does not work properly, even I set 'High,'
it does not produce 'hot' water, a kind of 'warm,' but not VERY hot.

Prior to this happened, the Gas Heater(natural gas) was always 'hot'
whenever I set its temperature on 'High.'

Is this a 'sign' the Gas Heater going bad?

Or, just I need to replace temperature plate on Gas Heater?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Thermostat or control may be bad. Take a temperature reading from the closest fixture and then turn the control to piplot. Open a hot faucet and run 5 or so gallons out. Turn the control back to on and see how long the burner stays on. Then check the temp of the water again. Good luck.

Hi:
Thanks for your response.

I, too suspecting 'Thermostat' going bad, ... not quite,
but the life of Gas Heater seems NOT long.
It's a matter of time to break-down anytime?

Then, in your opinion, ...
what option, should I take?

(1) Should I purchase a brand new one from 'Home Depot'
to replace the current one which is about 8 - 9 years' old?

Or,
(2) Should I call to a Plumber to fix a Thermostat/Control?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Pricewise, if you call in a Pro to change the control or thermostat, it will cost as much as a new heater. Since the existing unit is 8 or 9 years old, might as well get a new one now. Good luck.

Hi:
Thanks for your very honest and truthful response on this problem.

The current 'Hot Water Heater'/Natural Gas has been on-going and
sporadic problem as to getting 'Very'-Hot-Water' even a brand new,
three months after we got through a local 'big' store which has a
contractor/plumber to work with.

Getting 'very Hot water' might not be so importan to majoriy, but for me
getting "very"-Hot-Water from bathtab faucet is VERY important, because
I love to take 'Hot Shower or Bath' during cold spell.

Then, I would like to know, ... what brand of Gas Hot Water Heater
(Natural Gas) would be good for a person like me?

Also, which store I should go to ask and purchase?

Thanks, ...

You would be wise to check around and read the Warranties and energy ratings on a few different units. Many companies make heaters and put different names on them. Kind of like Kenmore. Sears does not make/build any of their appliances but other name brand Companies put the Kenmore name on them. Checking at a library in Consumer Reports magazine may also give you some ideas. Some companies give parts and labor for one year and tank warranty for up to 10 years. What you have to watch is how the warranty work has to be done. They may require a factory rep to look at the unit before repairs can be made.

Based on your description, and the age of the tank, this could even be the famous dip tube problem. The labor cost to replace the dip tube would be almost as much as to install a new tank, and then you would still have a 9 year old tank.