Problems with hot water heater?

If your water heater is electric, you could have a burned out or defective heater element. This shouldn't happen on a year-old heater but frankly, I wouldn't give you two cents for the quality of goods, these days.

From what you describe, the culprit is most likely the bottom element. However, it is also possible that one of the heater thermostats is also bad. If you are not familiar with water heater servicing and safe electrical practices, call in a plumber to service your water heater.

Otherwise, check the connections to your heater elements and the electrical resistance of each element. They should be somewhere around 50 to 120 ohms. If the elements and connections check good, check the thermostats.

the simplest idea would be to check the temp control knob. if its turned down to low the heater isnt warming enough water. turn it up and it will heat a whole tank full and should give ya more time in the shower.

do u have an anti scald faucet in the shower??if so that could also be a problem,,if u have hot h20 in other places in the home its not the tank,,it could also be "mixing" this is where hot and cold will mix in a faucet that has only 1 handle

I punched mine in the lip and it hasn't acted up since...