After over ten years, my Rheem 40 gallon electric water heater had some slight leaking. Water didn't stink and I had plenty of hot water. No complaints, but couldn't chance a failure.
I had the Rheem replaced with a Ruud 40 gallon electric water heater. After two months, I had rotten egg smell and turned the temp up to 145 degrees. Smell went away, but soon I didn't have enough hot water. Tests showed only one element working, so they replaced the tank rather than the element. New Ruud didn't have enough hot water to fill a tub. They replaced the thermostat. Still not enough hot water. Couldn't even fill a quarter of a 37 gallon tub. After testing, they decided the thermostats were being burned out by 5500 watt elements, so they put in 4500 watt elements and new thermostats. Still not enough hot water. I decided to go with a different company and brand. Installed an AOSmith 50 gallon electric. Temp set at 120 degrees. Not enough hot water for a lukewarm half bath or quick shower. I'll turn the temp up to 140 degrees, but don't understand what is going on here.
30 amp, double pole, 10 gauge wiring. Breaker has never tripped.
Thanks for any help.
Diane
I had the Rheem replaced with a Ruud 40 gallon electric water heater. After two months, I had rotten egg smell and turned the temp up to 145 degrees. Smell went away, but soon I didn't have enough hot water. Tests showed only one element working, so they replaced the tank rather than the element. New Ruud didn't have enough hot water to fill a tub. They replaced the thermostat. Still not enough hot water. Couldn't even fill a quarter of a 37 gallon tub. After testing, they decided the thermostats were being burned out by 5500 watt elements, so they put in 4500 watt elements and new thermostats. Still not enough hot water. I decided to go with a different company and brand. Installed an AOSmith 50 gallon electric. Temp set at 120 degrees. Not enough hot water for a lukewarm half bath or quick shower. I'll turn the temp up to 140 degrees, but don't understand what is going on here.
30 amp, double pole, 10 gauge wiring. Breaker has never tripped.
Thanks for any help.
Diane