Water Heaters - Not enough hot water-help!

I have noticed over the last 6 months that I have less and less hot water for my showers. The hot water tank is about 9 years old and has not been serviced in the last five years. Do I need a new one? Or can it be drained? Any ideas?

Thank you!
Robyn G.

Generally a new water heater is not needed unless the tank is leaking. But.... there are exceptions. For example, an attic install or any place where a leak would cause extensive property damage. In such cases it's a good idea to replace the heater before it starts leaking. If you don't fall into this category, the question remains as to how much money should be put into an old heater. My answer is very little.

Anyway, I think your problem may be a combination of two. There is a real possibility the dip tube is broken allowing the cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the tank. I think the age of your heater may place it in the time frame when defective dip tubes were manufactured. Replacing the dip requires disconnecting the cold water inlet to the heater.
The second problem may be mineral deposits. I have seen many gallons of deposits sitting in the bottom of tanks that were never drained. These deposits, in vast quantities, reduce tank capacity. In such cases it may be difficult to drain the tank without removing the entire drain valve (the deposits clog the valve), which is just as well because the old one will likely not close completely once opened.