Hot water runs out quickly; CTC tank-type water heater recovers very slowly

Safety first: Turn off power and close the cold water supply. Allow water to cool before draining.

Steps to check:

• Connect a hose to the drain valve and flush the tank until water runs clear to remove sediment.
• Test both heating elements and thermostats on electric CTC models; replace any failed components.
• Inspect the cold water dip tube (if accessible) for cracks or disintegration; replace if damaged.
• Compare your household hot water usage to the heater's capacity. If demand exceeds capacity, consider upgrading to a larger CTC model or adding a booster.