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Author:
lanimat (OK)
Last month we purchased a new 50 gallon electric water heater. After installing it we noticed the water was not hot enough even on the highest thermostat setting (150). We replaced the 4500 watt heating elements with 5500 watt heating elements. No improvement at all. The water is still about 105 degrees. We literally have to boil water to wash dishes. What could be the issue? We have verified that it is wired correctly with 220 volts and a 40 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire.
I am at my wits end. What else can we do?
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Author:
srloren (CA)
How did you verify the 220 volts?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Is this coming through a slab foundation? Do you know if the elements are actually working? Are they switching? Did the hot and cold get hooked up correctly? Do you have a tempering valve? Hot water recirculation system? Have you called a plumber that can go on site and actually diagnose the problem?
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Author:
packy (MA)
you need to feel the hot pipe as it leaves the water heater. see if it stays nice and hot or if it cools as the hot water is running. if the water from the tank starts out nice and hot but cools very quickly, it could be a defective dip tube.
this shows a gas heater but the dip tube is the same situation on an electric. it leads the cold to the bottom.
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Author:
lanimat (OK)
we verified with a meter
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Author:
lanimat (OK)
Calling a plumber. We've run out of ideas.
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Author:
lanimat (OK)
Thanks for the illustration. My husband will be checking the things you suggested.
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Author:
srloren (CA)
Close the shut off valve on the cold incoming side. See if the hot side pipe changes temperature or stays the same. If the hot side was cooling down you could possibly have a hot leak under the slab. Hot water is notorious for leaking before cold does because heating water changes chemical content of the water. I hope this is not your problem but it was just a thought.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Hot water systems need water in to move water out. Shutting down the inlet will stop hot water from leaking out anywhere if were even an issue. This is an electrical problem, probably a bad lower thermostat.
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Author:
srloren (CA)
I was merely suggesting that the cold inlet be shut off for a short while to see if there is a possible leak under the slab. If there was, assuming all valves are shut off upstream from the PRV, when you turned it back on you would hear the water filling the hot line up due to a leak... just a suggestion. You are right though, it sounds like it could be an electrical problem.
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