Re: A Plumbing Problem

[rshotwel@ivy.tec.in.us (Allen Shotwell)]

So far, all I have found out is that cold water supply lines come in at the
bottom of the tank and hot water lines are connected at the top.

> Without the benefit of knowing the internal geometry/plumbing of the heaters
> I would suspect that mixing of the cold supply water with the previously
> heated water as a possible answer.  The heater should draw off the hot water
> while refilling with the cold, but perhaps the oversized input line (1.5"
> seems quite large) may  produce excessive mixing in the heater thus more
> quickly lowering the temperature of the outflow.
>
> Just a wild guess....
>
> rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Allen Shotwell <rshotwel@ivy.tec.in.us>
>
>
> > A friend of mine called with an argument he is having with his plumber. At
> > his business (a health club), he has two water heaters (or should I say hot
> > water heaters?) of equal capacity. Both have an outgoing, hot water pipe
> > that is 3/4". One has an incoming (cold water supply)  pipe that is 1.5"
> and
> > one has an incoming (cold water supply)  pipe that is 3/4". He says that
> the
> > water heater with the larger supply line runs out of hot water faster and
> > claims  that it is because of this larger supply line. His plumber says no.
> >
> > I have monkeyed around with the problem some this morning. What do you
> think
> > gang?
> >
> >
> > BTW both heaters were installed at the same time. One is not a good deal
> > older and (by extension) a good deal more crusted  up.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > R. Allen Shotwell
> > Chair, Science and Math
> > Ivy Tech State College
> > Terre Haute, IN USA
R. Allen Shotwell
Chair, Science and Math
Ivy Tech State College
Terre Haute, IN USA