Inconsistent hot water flow

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Inconsistent hot water flow

Author: samuels_mike (TX)

So I'm having an issue with my hot water flow. Sometimes it feels like I'm only getting hot water out of the shower head (extremely hot water) which lasts for about 10-15 minutes. When I turn the valve towards the cold water the temperature either remains the same or suddenly drops off and is only cold water. At other times I'm only getting luke warm water out of the shower head which lasts roughly 10 minutes before going totally cold. The problem is occurring in both of my showers and the kitchen/bathroom sinks. My hot water heater is 23 years old and I'm kind of thinking it is the culprit but I wanted to see if anyone had any other idea for what it might be before I spend that kind of money.

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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: hj (AZ) Gas or electric. What you are describing COULD be a water heater problem but probably isn't, but you need a plumber there to check the system to see exactly WHAT is the problem and how to repair it.
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: samuels_mike (TX) Gas water heater
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: samuels_mike (TX) What sort of issues would a plumber be looking for in a situation like this?
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: hj (AZ) The main one would be what is happening at the water heater when this is occurring.
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: Wheelchair (IL) When your shower valve runs cold.... do you still have hot water at the vanity faucet? Best Wishes
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: samuels_mike (TX) No hot water at the vanity after loss at shower faucet. Thanks
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: KCRoto (MO) If you have hard water, you may be able to restore some life to the heater by draining all the sediment from it and flushing it out well.
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Re: Inconsistent hot water flow
Author: Plumb_Chewy (VA) Sounds like to me fill tube on your water heater is deteriorated or cracked. Simple enough repair... But not so much usually on a 23 year old water heater
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