Maintaining hot water temp

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Maintaining hot water temp

Author: Wilco456 (WA)

I have a 40 gallon Bradford White electric hot water tank that was installed in my vacation home back in 1998. I turn the power to the tank off when I leave and then back on when I return. The tank is in use for 2 or 3 days out of the week.

What I have noticed from the beginning is that when you get in the shower and set the water temperature, after a few minutes the water temperature decreases and you then must regulate more hot water to maintain your initial temperature.

The two heating elements are rated at 4500 each, and by my calculations should have a resistance of around 12.8, I have checked and they both come out around 13.2.

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong?

Thanks for your thoughts

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Re: Maintaining hot water temp
Author: hj (AZ) I NEVER test elements by resistance. I test ampere draw. but a 40 gallon heater does NOT have much capacity before it starts cooling down, which is what may be happening with yours.
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Thanks for your thoughts
Author: Wilco456 (WA) Thanks AJ, I have also considered that. However I have had several 40 gallon tanks in the past (not this brand though) and haven,t seen that issue with them. But again, thanks for your thoughts. Edited 1 times.
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Re: Maintaining hot water temp
Author: North Carolina Plumber (NC) I'd say that you would notice an improvement if you increase the temperature setting of the lower thermostat.
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Re: Maintaining hot water temp
Author: m & m (MD) As stated, the best test for the elements is amperage. The bottom element could be out which would leave only the top functioning.
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