Thanks. It sounds like it might be the tube. I have hot water but only temporary, it tapers off much quicker than it used to. Since I don't know anything about drip tubes, if the element change doesn't work I'll have to replace it eventually I guess.
How old is the tank? I'd be leery of putting much work into a tank that's older than 12 years? Maybe? My hot water tank is going on 16 years and I've been led to believe I'm, (it's?) living on borrowed time. I often wonder when in the shower and it's sub-freezing out side if THAT is when it will spring a leak!