Hot water runs out fast

[TennBears]

I have a Kenmore series 8, gas, hot water heater, model #153.331451. Up until recently it has worked fine. Two people could bathe and both have enough hot water for their bath. Now, I can shower and within minutes the water temp needs to me adjusted and in no time the hot water is gone though the temp dial on the tank is turned all the way up. I drained the tank within the last year so I wouldn't think it's sediment? I have read about the the temp control valve possibly being bad but how do I know for sure? Any info would be very helpful.

Thanks from a man with a wife, a son and two daughters who LOVE hot water. Lol 

[RegUS_PatOff]

did you measure the temperature of the hot water at the Tank lower Drain Valve ?

Edited January 17, 2014 by RegUS_PatOff

[olyteddy]

Have you measured the flow of your showerhead? Fill a 5 gallon pail while timing it. Takes a minute? that empties a 50 gallon heater in 10 minutes.

[TennBears]

No I have not measured the temp. I will do that sometime this weekend and get back to you. I know though, that it's not from usage. Nothing has changed around her usage wise, only in quantity of hot water. 

[MAPS Appliance Repair]

bad heat element  or thermostat, there's not much to water heaters.

[certified tech group 51]

How old is this unit???? New temp control valve is about 150 Clam$.........A lot of unthreading of fittings attached, plus the main fuel line in......................Time for a new 60 gallon water heater????............................  Two daughters, I would go for an 80 gallon unit.... ...............

Edited March 21, 2014 by certified tech group 51

[TennBears]

Wow, I just looked and its from 1994!

[micabay]

Is it possible the tube/straw that brings cold water down to the bottom has fallen off?  When I was working flipping apartments, back in the day, we came accrossed this a few different times.  Solution was just to replace.  Most of those units were 30 years oldish.

[btaggartjr]

What did you end up finding? My guess would be bad tstats or elements

Edited April 18, 2014 by btaggartjr

[olyteddy]

What did you end up finding? My guess would be bad tstats or elements

Well since the OP said 'Gas' I kind of doubt it's either...