I'm so old I Remember when:

[R2elk]

Our water is hardly even hot. I personally think the heater is broken, but who knows!

If it is older, it may need new heating elements.

 

[NanaK]

Water heaters came preset at higher temperatures than they do now.

The biggest difference is that the faucets now come with flow restrictors and temperature controllers in the mixing valve to prevent water getting hot enough to scald.

I did not know this.

My water heater is electric and 25 years old. I have replaced the elements (2) and thermostat over the years. It is still in good shape and heats very well. As long as the tank stays solid I will keep it as long as I can. I can adjust the temp manually on the unit.

I hate my new stove. I would replace it with an older one if I could. I wish I had my 25 yr old one back!

I also don't like my washer or the arrangement of the freezer in my refrigerator.

New is definately not better!

 

[Canadian Wind]

Water heaters came preset at higher temperatures than they do now.

The biggest difference is that the faucets now come with flow restrictors and temperature controllers in the mixing valve to prevent water getting hot enough to scald.

It's for the children (I hate that sentence).

Also, the lower temps water is kept at now does not kill bacteria.

 

[Evadig]

If it is older, it may need new heating elements.

It’s only a few months old, so..

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Did water heaters work better back then?

Our water is hardly even hot. I personally think the heater is broken, but who knows!

I believe you can adjust it to set it to a higher temperature. But you don't want it scalding hot for safety reasons.

 

[RoyalChick]

Water heaters came preset at higher temperatures than they do now.

The biggest difference is that the faucets now come with flow restrictors and temperature controllers in the mixing valve to prevent water getting hot enough to scald.

I thought that was only showers.
I can adjust my kitchen hot water using a screwdriver on a thermostat on the tank in the basement.

 

[R2elk]

It’s only a few months old, so..

You can try raising the temperature setting.

 

[R2elk]

I believe you can adjust it to set it to a higher temperature. But you don't want it scalding hot for safety reasons.

Even if the temperature is set high enough to scald, it may be the faucets that are preventing the water coming out from being hot.

 

[R2elk]

I thought that was only showers.
I can adjust my kitchen hot water using a screwdriver on a thermostat on the tank in the basement.

New kitchen faucets bought within the past 10 years at least have temperature limiters built into the faucets.

Tub and shower faucets have temperature balancing built in also.

 

[sdm111]

Water heating elements have thermostats on them. Take the upper and lower access panels off pull a Lil square of insulation out and there's the heating elements. Flat head screwdriver, turn up a bit. The degrees should be legible. I think im at about 140. I believe 120 is default setting