-50 gal electric water heater-
Issue started a few months ago after getting back from 10 day vacation. Water wasn't getting up to usual temp. After about a week, it was back to normal. A week or 2 later, back to lukewarm.
Now it's almost every other day. Then, for about 3 days it was scorching hot. Now this morning, it's so lukewarm it's almost cool.
Any ideas?
I'm planning on flushing it this afternoon to see if maybe it's a sediment buildup issue.

Failing thermostat

Why it fits your symptoms:

• Thermostats can stick open or closed
• When stuck closed scalding hot water
• When stuck open lukewarm or cold
• Failure can be intermittent for weeks or months before dying completely
• Vacation timing often coincides with thermostat failure due to long recovery cycles
  

Key signs you already see: Random hot/lukewarm Sometimes normal, sometimes not
Temporary recovery without changing usage

Upper thermostat failures cause wild swings Lower thermostat failures cause "hot then quickly lukewarm"

Thanks. I'll replace that after flushing it out this evening. Looks like it's about a $20 part.

Is there a way to know if it's the upper or lower failing? Should I replace both?

After further inspection, the water heater is being replaced.

The System said:

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After further inspection, the water heater is being replaced.

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If you get another tank, be sure to loosen the anode rod nut on top of the tank before install. Once installed it's a complete biatch to break loose. From there, Change out the rod in a few years as routine maintenance.

62strat said:

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The System said:

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After further inspection, the water heater is being replaced.

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now's the time to go tankless.

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If he has a gas hookup nearby, sure.

Belton Ag said:

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62strat said:

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The System said:

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After further inspection, the water heater is being replaced.

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now's the time to go tankless.

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If he has a gas hookup nearby, sure.

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whatever current tank he has is powered by something. Replace with similar.

Decent electric tankless water heaters require 3 or 4 40amp double pole breakers. Power requirements are ridiculous and can't be simply plugged into the current 240 plug on a 30amp circuit.

I do agree with you, though. Tankless is the way to go, if you have gas.

This is bad advice.

Whoop Delecto said:

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Is it worth an extra $4000 for a tankless propane plumber install vs a tank DIY in garage install?

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So When does a tankless pay itself off? No question that if the water heater is in the attic then a tankless would be a no brainer.

Diddler_44 said:

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This is bad advice.

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It's bad advice to get a tankless?

Enlighten me.

Whoop Delecto said:

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Is it worth an extra $4000 for a tankless propane plumber install vs a tank DIY in garage install?

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If it was me? No, I wouldn't spend that much over what a tank in the garage would normally cost.

The System said:

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-50 gal electric water heater-
Issue started a few months ago after getting back from 10 day vacation. Water wasn't getting up to usual temp. After about a week, it was back to normal. A week or 2 later, back to lukewarm.
Now it's almost every other day. Then, for about 3 days it was scorching hot. Now this morning, it's so lukewarm it's almost cool.
Any ideas?
I'm planning on flushing it this afternoon to see if maybe it's a sediment buildup issue.

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Sounds like your elements and breakers are starting to go out on your water heater. How old is this water heater?

When the temp spikes and fluctuates, thats a sign of failing electrical componets.
If the water heater isn't leaking and appears to be in otherwise good working order. id recommend replacing the both elements and both breakers to repair this issue.

62strat said:

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Diddler_44 said:

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This is bad advice.

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It's bad advice to get a tankless?

Enlighten me.

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He's probably referring to your comment on the power situation.

American Plumbing said:

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The System said:

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-50 gal electric water heater-
Issue started a few months ago after getting back from 10 day vacation. Water wasn't getting up to usual temp. After about a week, it was back to normal. A week or 2 later, back to lukewarm.
Now it's almost every other day. Then, for about 3 days it was scorching hot. Now this morning, it's so lukewarm it's almost cool.
Any ideas?
I'm planning on flushing it this afternoon to see if maybe it's a sediment buildup issue.

---

Sounds like your elements and breakers are starting to go out on your water heater. How old is this water heater?

When the temp spikes and fluctuates, thats a sign of failing electrical componets.
If the water heater isn't leaking and appears to be in otherwise good working order. id recommend replacing the both elements and both breakers to repair this issue.

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Thank you. I ended up replacing it. When I went to drain it, there was a little water in the pan and streaks coming from the lower panel. When I pulled the panel off, it was all wet and completely rusted. I thought maybe the lower gasket was leaking, but the leak was coming from higher up internally. Unit was 7 years old.