We live in florida and have a 2006 GE 40g water heater. We just moved into the house and noticed we only have enough hot water for 15-20 min max shower. We replaced the thermostat, the heating elements, and drained the tank. No luck. Before we replace, I’m hoping someone has a suggestion or two. Thanks in advance
Never could figure out what folks do in a shower for 20 minutes, other than my grandson, who occasionally has been found sleeping, standing up in his. If you have the older style shower head as Walter said, you’ll pump close to 60 gal of water through it in 20 min.’s, which would require an instant water heater to keep up. If that’s your desire, then that’s the way you’re going to have to go. No tank type system can keep up with that much water useage.
I did the same thing when I first moved in to my house. What you need to check first is the SHOWER heads you have the old 3 gal a min ?you need a well designed 1.4 gal per min. I changed mine out and the water lasts 30- 40 I would say.I got a european style large head that we all love .It has an elbow and swival head that you can adjust.Good Luck
The one thing you didn’t say you checked is the dip tube. It’s inside the water heater. When the dip tube breaks or comes loose you are unable to draw all the hot water from the tank. That could very well be your problem. It’s a DIY job if you can get the dip tube from a plumbing supply house.
what temp is the thermostats set at ?
turn the power off to it remove the 2 covers look at the block that has a dial on it, set both thermostats at 140 deg no more ,
turn power back on most water heaters come set at 120 deg
I appreciate all of the feedback so far. Very helpful. We have checked and updated the shower heads. I even purchased a ‘green’ shower head hoping that would allow us more heated time. We did replace both thermostats and both elements. Today, we will venture on to the DIY dip tube project. Fingers crossed that fixes the problem. Thanks again. Michelle.
Hi, this is Vikki with GE. I would recommend calling the GE Water Heater line at 1-800-431-1549 (Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8PM EST, Sunday 9AM to 4:30PM EST). Have your model and serial number available at the time of the cll. They may be able to offer some suggestions. Best of luck.