Hi,

Hope somebody out there knows about this stuff.

I have a Rheem 81vh400 water heater.

The water gets hot but it takes a long time to heat up.

There are two temperature settings on the water heater.

One at the top.

One at the bottom.

I increased the temp setting on both, but I don't want to waste energy or create a potential hazard.

Does anyone know which of the settings regulates the constant temp inside the tank?

Both settings look identical.

thank you  

avid

gas or electric?

Thanks for the link.

I went to their website but didn't see the user manuals.

mine is electric.

I increased the temp and it is better, but if there is an expert out there, please advise.

thanks.

avid

Why do you need hot water in Florida

Try draining some water from the spigot at the bottom of the tank.  You may have sediment built up at the bottom of the tank.  It's not a bad idea to drain it periodically.

John

Drain the tank and replace or clean the elements.

As for the temperature, hot water rises and exits the tank at the top.

the top setting is your high limit, the lower is your constant temp adjustment.  the lower is the one you want to adjust to raise your water temp, the upper is just a "failsafe" incase the lower goes out, it will cut off the element incase of an overheat condition.  there should also be a pressure release or "pop off" valve on the unit.  if you havent messed with the top dont, if you have, put it back to where it was.  adjust the bottom in small incriments.

hope this helped.

Recon

Avid, If the water heater is more than 5 or 6 yrs. old, bite the bullet call a plumber and get a new one installed. The hard water in this part of the country leaves mineral deposits inside the heater and shortens the usefull life. You will be ahead and not have to worry when it will stop heating and start leaking.

I might as well throw another question out there.  My hot water heater(gas) makes popping and gurgling sounds whenever someone in the house runs cold water (not hot).  What gives?  It's been awhile since I drained it.  Could that have anything to do with it?

-Fisher

Excellent suggestions.

Thanks especially to recon and NwPa.

I did mess with the top but will turn back down.

never occured to drain some water.  I thought the spigot was there for decoration  :

No matter what the problem there is usually someone right here on BassResource.com who can help you out.

thanks again.