water turns cold after 5 minutes then hot again later

by kevin
(los angeles, ca)

In one shower, the hot water lasts about 5 minutes and then turns cold. If I turn off the shower or just wait with the cold water running, about 5 minutes later it is hot again. But here are the strange things I noticed. When the shower is running cold, the sinks upstairs are still running hot. Also, if I run both showers at the same time, then the problem shower does not have the problem of getting cold. And another thing is that this does not happen in this shower all the time, its intermittent. I'm very confused and appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

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Sep 27, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Water turns cold after a few minutes then hit later
by: Anonymous

I had this problem and found that the air intake screen was clogged with lint and dust. Just clean it and it should fix the problem.
Jun 22, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Water turning cold in one shower
by: Dwhit70

I would bet the shower head is clogged up enough to mess with the flow. Lowering it enough sometimes that it won’t trigger the water heater. Either take the shower head off and soak it in vinegar water for 1/2 hour to clean it or tap out the water restrictor screen in the center of it and see if that solves the problem. When you turn out other faucets at the same time, that increases water flow out of the water heater and keeps the heater turned on.
Jun 18, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Found a solution to water turning cold in one shower!
by: Dwhit70

I commented before as anonymous, re: only 1 shower turning cold in middle. Since then, I’ve called Rheem, again. They taught me how to put the water heater in diagnostic mode to check "water flow rate" in each faucet. Turned out the 1 shower’s flow rate was just enough less than the other showers to not trigger the water heater. Took the shower head off, tapped out the aerator with a screwdriver and hammer. Put it back on, voila... hot water, again! Worked fine for 6 months until I flushed the system with vinegar to clean. Now, ALL my showers are turning cold, even with good water pressure. Ugh. Plan to call Rheem, again. Wondering if it’s failed flow sensor??
Nov 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cold showers
by: Anonymous

Our water heater is 7 years old. After we had it for 4 years, it would start to turn cold in the middle of the shower. We followed Youtube video on how to clean the burner. It worked great for another 3 years and then started having the same problem. Cleaned the burners again, but it didn't solve the problem this time. Called Rheem to troubleshoot and they said to replace the flame rods. Did this, still no luck. Turns cold in the middle of "some" showers, sink gets hot, and it doesn't occur with every shower, however, my kids are afraid to use it, bc they don't want it to turn cold in the middle! Very frustrating! Appreciate any thoughts on what the problem may be and how to resolve it.
Jun 20, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same problem as others-- hot then cold water
by: Russ

We just started having the same issue...hot for 5 min or so and then cold. But the sinks will be hot when the shower is cold??? Worked great for first 3 years until now. Would like to hear any good solutions.
Jun 07, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		update
by: kevin

I noticed that when I turned on both the master shower and the second shower, the second shower no longer turned cold. So I believe when the second shower was running alone it was not drawing enough water through the water heater for it to kick in and heat up. So I replaced the low-flow shower head with a normal shower head and the problem has not occurred again.
Jun 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Loss of hot water
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem. I'm wondering what it could be.

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