Water Heaters - Gas water heater puts out luke warm water on first use each morning

I have a 4 year old gas water heater that has worked fine until recently. Over the course of a day with normal water use the water supply is hot and adequate. The only problem occurs with the first use in the morning: the water is only luke-warm. It is as if the thermostat did not maintain the temperature of the water overnight. After this first use of hot water in the morning, the cold water entering the tank wakes up the thermostat and the water heats up to the normal temperature. The water heater provides hot water for the rest of the day.

I know the pilot does not go out as there is not an automatic re-lighter and I have not had to re-light the pilot. Has anyone seen this problem? I would really like to understand what is going wrong in this situation.

(I posted this earlier today in another thread and was encouraged to start a new thread with this problem)

Check for a broken dip tube (http://www.rd.com/19441/article19441.html).

I am familiar with the broken dip tube problem (it is why I replaced my water heater 4 years ago). In that situation the problem was different. Cold water entering the water heater higher than it should caused the water heater to run out of hot water much faster than expected. My water heater works fine during the day and evening (I have 3 teens that take long showers with no complaints). This problem only exists with the first use of hot water each day (my shower a 6am typically).

:eek:dont fret i have worked w master elec for 8 years turn up top @ bott if app to 175* u will use less hot than cold

Any more updates or ideas on this issue? I have a similar issue and am hoping to take advantage of any answer for the original poster.

Broken or defective dip tube, wrong setting on a thermostat, a defective thermostat, burned out heating elements (electric), or a heavy build up of sediment can limit hot water supply.

http://www.chilipepperapp.com/images/Gheater.gif
Photo Credit: Chili Pepper Appliance

Dip tube supplies cold water to bottom of the tank where it stays to be heated. Hot water rises. Damaged or defective dip tube or one that has come loose will not allow cold and hot water to mix. 75% of the capacity of the tank should be hot water.

Check flame. Natural gas should be bright blue with yellow tip. Propane should be bluish green with yellow tip.

Check thermostat setting to see if it's set too low.

Sounds like you need a new gas control valve. You can buy replacements at HD/Lowes for about $65.