Water heater runs out fast

[Blandish]

Hello everyone, thanks for reading.

Rheem XE40M06ST45U1
Manufacture date January 2016

I did my homework and testing before coming here but now I'm stumped. I've a 40gal water heater and a standard sized tub, the tub gets half full before I start running out of hot. I take short showers so I didn't notice until I had a guest that asked why their shower had to be so short.

I pulled the covers off the heating elements and both top and bottom were warm to touch. I tested both with a multimeter and they both had continuity. I tested that both were receiving 240V when I turned power back on. I drained the heater and had some sediment but nothing that seemed concerning. The temperature is set to 120F.

What else could be wrong? Anything I'm able to fix or should I contact Rheem or a plumber?

- B

 

[sarg]

There are a multitude of "youtubes" demonstrating how to test your thermostats. I would guess that's your next step.
It does raise a question when you say "both" elements tested at 240v..... they are never on at the "same" time ....
( I just replaced my heater with a Rheem a couple weeks ago and found I had to move the thermostats up to 125 to attain the level of hot water we were accustomed to.)

 

[RS]

When we had that happen the bottom element was burned out. Did you disconnect the wires and check resistance on each element? Water heaters have fairly complex circuitry, but they seldom fail. There is always current to the element, but the circuit isn't completed until the thermostat closes.