[dublozrow]

In November or December, we noticed the flow from our tub spout was really weak. The shower nozzle worked OK due to it's low flow rating anyway. I replaced the cartridge and the rubber bits behind it (Delta). That helped for a few days but it's still really weak. I put it at about 1.1 to 1.3 GPM. The shower still flows OK but I can tell it's slightly down as well. This is the only faucet in the house that seems to have low flow, but everything decently-designed low flow faucets/heads on as well.

Around the same time, we noticed our hot water was running out very quickly. Bathing both our kids the same evening wasn't really possible all winter. This has started to improve in the last few weeks as the weather has started warming, but it really wasn't very cold this winter in Oklahoma.

Since both were happening at the same time, I thought it might be sediment build up, so I tried to drain the tank, but only an extremely slow drip came from the valve on the tank so that wasn't happening.

The tank itself is about 30 years old (sticker on it shows installed in October 1990), so we know it probably doesn't have long to go anyway.

So, is there is something else to check before jumping in and replacing the water heater?

 

[jmon]

In reference to wh; 30 plus years is a good life. you really got your moneys worth there. It's possible dip tube may have failed. I wouldn't put any money into an over 30 year old water heater just replace it. Just my opinion.


In reference to your low flow issue. I agree, cartridge or sediment problem.

 

[AllanJ]

How is the kitchen sink faucet with hot water flow?

Time to, one at a time almost at your leisure, take off faucet aerators and shower heads to clean out sediment.

Running out of hot water unusually soon is a completely separate topic.

 

[bruceb3]

30 years for a water heater is like a person living to 110! Yup, you got your moneys' worth.

 

[dj3]

I have installed many WHs in my life, and they all go in 15 years or less.
30 years is a rarity.