Water heater help?

[CigarStone]

I have noticed a problem with my water heater. When I am gone for more than a few days, I return to find that my water is warm, not hot.

There is not a "sleep" mode, and it only happens when I am gone for more than a few days.

I spoke to Rheem and they were helpful but could not think of anything to help. I am not willing to replace the control unit for $400 as I simply run a bit of hot water when I get home and within 20 minutes it is fine.

Any thoughts?

 

[jacot23]

Stop leaving for more than a few days…


How old is it? Could you have sediment built up in the bottom causing false readings on the thermostat?

 

[SKYDIVNEKD]

Yea, Jeff. When’s the last time ya cleaned/flushed out the sediment? That can cause issues for sure. May be worth a try.

Floyd T

 

[CigarStone]

Its 6 years old.

I did flush it a few years ago but cant hurt to do it again.

 

[cohibasurfer]

Does it sound like a rock(s) are inside banging around when it's heating water up? If so... what Floyd said.

 

[SKYDIVNEKD]

We(meaning Michelle) flushes ours every 30 to 60 days. Just helps keep no it from rusting out at the bottom. May wanna take a look see.

Floyd T

 

[{tpc}]

Never in my life heard of flushing the water heater….learn something new every day I guess

 

[bfreebern]

Never in my life heard of flushing the water heater….learn something new every day I guess

Might want to!

 

[AVB]

I have noticed a problem with my water heater. When I am gone for more than a few days, I return to find that my water is warm, not hot.

There is not a "sleep" mode, and it only happens when I am gone for more than a few days.

I spoke to Rheem and they were helpful but could not think of anything to help. I am not willing to replace the control unit for $400 as I simply run a bit of hot water when I get home and within 20 minutes it is fine.

Any thoughts?

Most heaters have a range they work in and with no use will drop to the lowet setting to save energy. Beyond that I'd upgrade to an On demand heater. I've had one for 25+ years and the payback has been about 7 years, After that you are saving money over the old tank style gas or electric heaters.

 

[{tpc}]

Might want to!

I’ll have to see if I can get to the drain on it. We haven’t had any issues with it but it’s kinda wedged into the utility room behind the furnace.

It does have some kinda crud on top near one of the lines, not sure what that is.

 

[Eshaw99]

Never in my life heard of flushing the water heater….learn something new every day I guess

If you live in an area with hard water, you definitely want to do it semi-regularly. I lived in Indianapolis (very hard water) for 15 years and flushed mine every 3-4 months. If you don't, sediment will build up and can blow out your lower heating element (if it's an electric heater, can't speak for gas).

I moved to Virginia Beach last year and haven't done it yet in the new house. One reason is because we don't really have hard water here, and the other reason is because my water heater in this house is in the attic and it's a pain in the ass to get to it.