Hot water heater question...the place I'm renting has an 85 gal hot water heater. For the past few days, the water hasn't been as hot as before, and before the end of a normal shower, it's only warm. Do they "partially fail" like this? If so, can it be fixed or will it probably need to be replaced? Is there anything I should try before notifying the management company? Thanks in advance.
Most likely your lower element is dead. Can check with an ohm meter. Kill power (and verify off with voltage test). Check for shorts from elements to ground. Take leads off and test across . Should be 10-15 ohms.