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Failing Water Heater

10 years ago

Hi,
Our water heater (electric 50 gallon Rheem) started running out of hot water quickly - i.e. half way through a single quick shower. In researching the issue, it seems likely that either the thermostat or the heating element(s) is failing. I have not yet removed the two access panels to determine if I have one or two elements. Is there any way to diagnose which parts may be faulty? The heater is 8 years old, so I would like to determine if I should attempt a repair or just purchase a new unit.

Any insights would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Tobin

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Comment (1)

bus_driver
10 years ago
The symptoms you describe are either 1. a broken dip tube or 2. the bottom element is not heating.
When the heater starts from cold, the upper element heats about 1/3 of the water in the tank-- rather quickly. Then the UPPER thermostat switches off the upper element and switches to send power to the lower thermostat. So if the bottom element is not heating, the problem could be the upper thermostat, the lower thermostat, the lower element, the wiring between the two or some combination of the 4 possibilities. Testing is simple for those who are electrically knowledgeable.
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