Residential Water Heater Problem Repair And Reviews

Question: How much hot water should i get from a 68 gallon gas water heater ?

(Posted by: amy h on 2010-03-02 18:39:34)

I was in a house befor with a 60 gallon water heater and it seemed to last for 35- 45 minutes. the house im in now has a 68 gallon heater and it is only hot for 15- 20 minutes. my shower head is a little bigger but is that the problem?

Posted by: Josh on 2010-03-02, 19:44:13

68 gallons most likely.

Posted by: Jeff J on 2010-03-02, 18:58:49

It may be that the thermostat just needs to be turned up. If that's not it then it's either a heating element or fill tubes have become brittle and broke. Have you noticed any small white plastic pieces in the faucets or shower head if so it's the water heater fill tubes ( they would need replaced). More than likely it's one of the two heating elements or the thermostat can need replaced.

Posted by: fire_inur_eyes on 2010-03-02, 19:14:45

You might have the theromostat set low--BUT--setting the thermoststat to a higher temperature will risk BURNS--and scalding burns you in SECONDS. ELECTRIC or GAS???? 15 minutes is OK for 68 gallons--it doesn't recycle and reheat water instantly--as most people think. I got a gas fired 68 and it lasts for 10 minutes with the shower running---and set to a low temperature at the water heater. What are you doing for so long in the shower?? You should get a water thrifty shower head---anything that will conserve water will help your issue. Whats more important for you--how old is your present heater??--Over 5 years you MIGHT want to have it checked for signs of BOTTOM rust---scale and mud build up INSIDE the heater and you get slow rust development---then you get that big flood when you are NOT at home. Any plumber can drain it with a hose--and he can see if sediment is coming out the bottom---confirming the need for a new heater--BEFORE you have a lot of needless water damages. NOTHING lasts forever!!! IF its electric--there are 2 elements that heat the water--one of them might not be working--usually the "top " one---and thats because they wear out--OR--they burn out from not being used properly. The plumber can check to see if BOTH are working properly. Spend a few bucks and get this checked the right way!!!Good luck

Posted by: firstjohnson2000 on 2010-03-02, 20:21:36

Suggest that you get a water saver shower head to reduce the flow if you want longer showers.

Posted by: Taylor on 2010-03-04, 11:43:57

Here's a great site for getting answers to HVAC & plumbing questions from TRUE experts: blog.ars.com/ homeconnect/ . My water heater went out on Tuesday morning, and after a couple of exchanges with one of their experts, I was able to diagnose the problem and fix it myself! Water heaters are very complicated appliances, so I was pretty impressed.