Hey Bob,
I have a Ruud 40gal. short size water heater and I am only getting about 7Minutes of hot water. Also I have to constantly turn the dial to "H" to maintain a steady heated water flow and so after about 7 minutes I loose it all. I no longer have any more hot water for about an hour. I have had my apartment maintaince people come out over 7 times and they inform me that everything is working proplerly. Yet I have not seen them remove the heating elements for inspection. Please help??!!??

You only get about 75% of the tank capacity. that equals 30 gallons before is loses temperature. that equates to you using 4 gallons a minute of hot water. that should be plenty for most showers, but could be a problem for a large whirlpool tub.

What is the temperature setting on the thermostats? (Most electric water heaters have two). Your problem sounds like the lower heating element is burned out, however it could be a bad thermostat, or simply the thermostat setting too low. I believe the recommended setting is around 130 - someone please correct me on that if needed.
To test the heater elements, you turn off power, disconnect one wire from the element, then check electrical continuity through the element with an ohm meter. If it's "open" replace it.
Thermostats and heater elements are generally around 8 - 15 $$ each at your local home improvment warehouse. Take the old one with you for a match, first making careful note of wire positions. Always turn off power first.

What is the temperature setting on the thermostats? (Most electric water heaters have two). Your problem sounds like the lower heating element is burned out, however it could be a bad thermostat, or simply the thermostat setting too low. I believe the recommended setting is around 130 - someone please correct me on that if needed.
To test the heater elements, you turn off power, disconnect one wire from the element, then check electrical continuity through the element with an ohm meter. If it's "open" replace it.
Thermostats and heater elements are generally around 8 - 15 $$ each at your local home improvment warehouse. Take the old one with you for a match, first making careful note of wire positions. Always turn off power first.