Electic water heaters

JK_4

Is the problem just in the shower or the whole house? If it's just hte shower I would consider a defective balancing valve.

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jim_85

Electric water heaters

Had one of my customers give me a call this morning saying that he owns an appertment house and the tentent is getting hot water for about 5 to 7 min. then it gets cold. This is a 50 gallon electric tank. I checked out the controls and the elements and everything seems to be working like it should. After I left it was bothering me as to what the problem could be I think that maybe the dip tube on the cold side of the heater my not be there or is not working properly. Is this a sign that a dip tube would bring on.

Brad White_67

That is a classic dip tube symptom.

Starts out hot of course. The inrush dilutes it, sure, but the initial convection carries the cold water down through the more bouyant starting hot water. After a few minutes the convection just gets mushy and the hot water takes a turn toward the hot outlet. Just as you thought. It would be the first thing I would check from what you are saying.

Brad

jim_85

thanks Brad

Thats what I was thinking but haven't replaced one in 15 years. And I was rather new to the biz. The guy that discovered the problem back then told me what to do to fix the problem, but when asked why I was told to shut up and be a good boy and do what I was told.
Thanks Brad

Brad White_67

Jim- Wonder if

1) You might have one of those re-called dip tubes from years back. Not suggetsting there is any remedy left, just curious. And

2) The guy who told you to shut up, be a good boy and do what you are told..- Same guy that Dan H. used to work for? That employer really gets around. I hear about him everywhere!

Good Luck

Brad

Mitch_4

diptubes

Not all electrics use them. If you have a uit with side entry then there is not diptube. The problem coule be a mixing valve (i.e.unilever tap). Turn off the suppl y to the tank, and turn on a hot water tap. If you are getting flow, then cold water is entering the hot water system.

Older unilever taps have "O" rings and washers, they may need replacing, could be the washing macine too.

To test, leave the tap on (make sure it is NOT a unilever, and turn off the hot supply at every tap one at a time. When the flow stops, that is the defective tap.

Just an alternative solution to your problem.

Mitch