Is my water heater no Good?

[Roberto]

I bought a house a few years ago and lucky me I've never had a problem. The only thing I've noticed is that my water heater seems to steadily be getting worse. Less hot water and not as hot. Is this normal and is there anything I can do about it?

[Reedwalker]

Sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank. Sediment causes many problems in the heater, especially inefficiency. You can try to empty the tank and flush the sediment out.

1. Turn off energy supply to heater
2. Turn off water supply to heater
3. Open drain valve at bottom
4. Disconnect at least one union on top of heater to relieve vacuum
5. Once heater is empty close drain valve and pour in 2 gallons of 5% White Vinegar through the opening in the top.
6. Wait 2 hours
7. Open drain valve and reconnect union
8. Open water supply and flush out vinegar and crud on bottom
9. Close drain valve
10. Open hot side of your laundry faucet and allow air to bleed out. If you have an aerator on the faucet remove it. Let water flow until it is clear.
11. Remove aerators on all faucets and bleed air from the system.

This would also be a good time to change the anode rod but that can be difficult. Some models have it built in to the hot water outlet nipple. Some require an impact wrench to remove them.

[DUNBAR PLUMBING]

Originally Posted by Roberto

I bought a house a few years ago and lucky me I've never had a problem. The only thing I've noticed is that my water heater seems to steadily be getting worse. Less hot water and not as hot. Is this normal and is there anything I can do about it?

How old is the plumbing in your home.