- Turn off the power of the water heater from the service panel.
- Remove the water heater access panel, insulation, & plastic safety guard.
- Check both the thermostat for temperature settings set or if it has got any fault using a voltage tester. ...
- Configure the appropriate temperature on the thermostat.
- Re-install the insulation, safety guard, & access panel.
- Power on the water heater again from the service panel.
Full Answer
How do you troubleshoot an electric hot water heater?
- Turn off the breaker to the water heater's circuit in the service panel.
- Remove the access panel for the upper heating element on the water heater.
- Remove the insulation and the plastic safety guard, being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals.
How much does it cost to repair a hot water heater?
On average, a hot water heater repair costs about $500. There are a number of factors that influence the total cost of the repair. Your location could make the cost more or less.
Who do I call to repair a hot water heater?
The following are things to consider when looking at if a plumber should be your person to call :
- Is there leaking water visible?
- Is the amount of water coming out of the tap less than usual?
- Is there no water coming out of the tap at all?
- Can you see rust on the bottom of your hot water system?
How often should I replace a hot water heater?
You should consider replacing your water heater if:
- The unit is more than 10 years old
- It has not been properly maintained
- It is showing the signs of wear listed above
What causes an electric hot water heater to stop working?
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.
What is the most common problem with electric water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures.
How do I fix my electric hot water heater?
0:108:34No Hot Water: Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoth house circuit breakers for the water heater. It's often hard to spot a trip breaker. WeMoreBoth house circuit breakers for the water heater. It's often hard to spot a trip breaker. We recommend that you shut off both breakers for the water heater.
How do I know if my electric water heater element is bad?
Touch a probe on the multitester to each screw on the element. If you get no reading, or a maximum reading, the element is bad. Elements do have some resistance, so a reading of 10-16 ohms is normal, with higher ohm readings for 3,500 watt elements and lower readings for 5,500 watt elements.
Do all electric water heaters have a reset button?
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
How do I know if my water heater element is burnt out?
1:104:34How To Tell If Your Water Heater Element is Bad - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's in most of the time of water heater element it's not going to give you a reading it's eitherMoreIf it's in most of the time of water heater element it's not going to give you a reading it's either going to be good or bad. So. I have zero ohms of resistance. And. I also have zero tone.
How do you diagnose a water heater problem?
0:124:54How to Troubleshoot an Electric Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you'll want to locate your circuit breaker box open up the panel. And look for the breaker thatMoreSo you'll want to locate your circuit breaker box open up the panel. And look for the breaker that says hot water heater hwt or tank and flip that to the off position.
Do electric water heaters have a fuse?
The heater is usually fused in the main electrical panel but some electric water heaters may be fed from a separate fuse or circuit breaker box. If the fuse is blown or breaker is tripped, replace the fuse or re-set the circuit breaker.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater element?
A water heater element can cost between $10 and $60 and can be found at most home improvement stores.
Can you change a water heater element without draining the tank?
It is possible to change your water heater's heating element without draining your tank.
How do you check an electric hot water heater?
12:5827:53How To Check Electric Water Heater Elements & Thermostats ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we have full power coming into this unit you can also check from each leg to ground if you feelMoreSo we have full power coming into this unit you can also check from each leg to ground if you feel like it this is going to just make sure that we have our 120 volts on each leg.
Why is my hot water not working but my cold water is?
If you have good water flow ("pressure") at hot water faucets, but it's cold, then the water supply piping is not blocked and the problem is in the water heater itself, or in a mixing valve.
How long does a hot water heater last?
between 6 and 13 yearsIt would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!
How do you know when to replace a hot water heater?
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Water HeaterYour Water Heater is too Old.Rusty Water or Heater Inlet Valve.Water Heater Noise.Water Heater Leaking.Water Heater Not Heating.
How do you clean sediment out of a water heater?
4 Ways to Remove Sediment from Your Water HeaterFlushing Your Unit. This technique is good for your unit twice a year to prevent water heater sediment build up. ... Vinegar Soak. ... Maintain Temperature. ... Water Softener Installation.
How to Repair An Electric Water Heater
1. ELECTRIC WATER HEATER REPAIR GUIDE - home 1. ELECTRIC WATER HEATER RESET SWITCH 2. ELECTRIC WATER HEATER THERMOSTATS 3. ELECTRIC WATER HEATER -...
Water Heater Tests When There Is No Hot Water at All
The cause of no hot water at all coming from an electric water heater might be 1. No electrical power to the heater 2. A water heater timer is inst...
Poor Hot Water Flow Or Pressure
I have small white particles that clog my faucet water savers I was told that plastic material was used in some water heaters and this deteriorates...
Electric Water Heater Thermostat Location, Adjustment, Settings, & Test Or Replacement Procedure
Electric water heaters usually have two thermostats, and to heating elements: an upper thermostat located behind a cover high on the heater tank, a...
Electric Water Heater Internal Reset Switch & Temperature Setting Dial on The Thermostat
Just below we show closeups of the electric water heater internal reset switch (below left), and the water heater thermostat dial that sets the tem...
Ask A Question Or Search InspectAPedia
Use the "Click to Show or Hide FAQs" link just above to see recently-posted questions, comments, replies, try the search box just below, or if you...
How to fix noisy water heater?
You can drain the Tank to get rid of the sediment, or you can try to clear the Tank using a decent calcification on it would be a definite solution to fix the noisy water heater tank. We don’t recommend either of these solutions, chances are you need a new hot water heater.
Why is my water heater not producing hot water?
If your water heater is not producing sufficient hot water according to your needs, this could be because it’s either too small of a water tank or the heater is on it’s way out.
Why is my water heater not heating?
If your Electric Water Heater is not heating the water at all, then the issue is likely with the heating element. Sometime we can replace one or both heating elements, provided the rest of the hot water heater is in sound condition. Frequently we find that if a hot water heater is 6 years or older it makes more sense to replace the entire unit.
How long is a water heater warranty?
All Residential and Commercial Hot Water Heaters come with a limited warranty life that may provide you with a warranty. Most manufacturers offer 6 years of warranty that covers the replacement of some elements, tanks, parts of Water Heaters. Check your service manual and warranty first.
What is the thermostat on a water heater?
The thermostat is one of the most essential parts of the Electric Water Heater, which helps to control the temperature. There are upper and lower thermostats installed in the water heater. The lower thermostat mostly helps to heat the water in the Tank, and if you have a big load of hot water, the upper thermostat takes the lead.
Why is my water heater making a loud noise?
The noisy sound is caused due to the hot water bubbles up through the sediment in the bottom of the Tank.
What valve do we close when cold water is in?
We close the inlet valve of cold water.
Why does my water heater leak?
Water heaters can leak as a result of a failing tank - but also due to poorly fitted or soldered cold water supply pipe / hot water output pipe or a poor seal between tank opening and heating element. If allowed to continue to leak, it will cause internal damage to the controls should water enter them.
Where is the power off on a water heater?
Ensure power to water heater is off at the fuse, circuit breaker or "service switch".
What to do if line voltage is not found?
If line voltage not found and the tank is cool, replace lower thermostat. 43. If line voltage is found, wait for water to heat or perform the Ohms (or Resistance) checks on the elements once more with the power off. If line voltage is present on a heating element, it must heat the water unless the element has failed.
How many terminals does a heating element have?
Heating Element: Has two terminals with a wire connected to each. One of these wires is usually connected to the thermostat associated it (in these photos the thermostat is directly above it). It is usually located below the controls and supports the controls with a clip of some type (in this photo, it has two terminals and a gray metal clip attached to support the controls above).
What is the upper control on a water heater?
The "upper controls" consist of the High-Temperature Limit Switch and Upper Thermostat. The "lower controls" refers to the Lower Thermostat (there is no High-Temperature Limit Switch for the lower section of most electric water heaters).
How long does it take for a blown fuse to warm up?
Reset circuit breaker to "On" or replace any blown fuse (s) and wait 30 - 60 minutes for the water to warm.
Can you replace a water heater if it runs out of hot water?
Ran out of hot water? You can easily repair (and replace if necessary) the controls and heating elements of most common residential 120, 208 and 240 volt electric water heaters with traditional line voltage controls; not the microprocessor types that are starting to appear in stores. Further, it does not discuss gas or propane fuel types nor plumbing related issues. This is a detailed, comprehensive article with additional help on the discussion page.
What happens when the upper element of a water heater burns out?
Usually if the upper element has burned out you'll find that the quantity of hot water has not been reduced as much as you'll observe that the water provided by the heater is tepid.
How does the upper heating element work on a water heater?
The upper heating element heats about 1/3 of the water heater's volume, while the lower element heats the bottom 2/3. Once the temperature set on the upper heater's thermostat has been reached, the thermostat control will then flip power down to the lower thermostat that controls the lower heating element.
What is a red reset switch?
Electrical wires bringing power to the heating element. A red "reset switch" for the electric water heating element control. Electrical wires taking electrical power out of the thermostat control and into the electrical heating element itself. The electric water heater temperature setting dial.
What does the lower thermostat switch do on a water heater?
The lower thermostat switch will turns on the lower heating element and that in turn heats water in the bottom of the water heater until that water reaches the temperature setting on the lower thermostat. Now the whole water heater is "hot". Of course life is more complicated.
How many thermostats does an electric water heater have?
Electric water heaters usually have two thermostats, and to heating elements: an upper thermostat located behind a cover high on the heater tank, and a lower thermostat located behind a panel low on the water heater tank (photo at left).
What is a flip flop water heater?
Most electric water heaters are what we call "flip flop" or "non-simultaneous" electric water heater systems, meaning that just one of the two heating elements is working at a time.
What is sequence operation in water heaters?
Most Electric Residential Water Heaters are Sequential Operation where the upper element comes on first until the thermostat is satisfied then the upper T-Stat switches power to the to the lower element & T-Stat. Upper T-Stat has priority.
What do I need to replace an electric water heater?
Replace the faulty parts. In order to troubleshoot an electric water heater that is not heating , you will need a multimeter, a flathead and a Philips screwdriver. For your safety I also recommend safety glasses and hand gloves.
Why is my water heater not heating?
It could also be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, as a result of a power surge. Image: electricaltechnology.org.
What happens if a water heater circuit breaker is tripped?
Check if the breaker has tripped. A power surge or an unsafe condition in the water heater will cause the water heater circuit breaker to trip and avert the danger. If the water heater circuit breaker has tripped, flip it back to the ON position. In some instances, this may be enough to fix the problem.
Why does my water heater reset button keep tripping?
A reset button that keeps tripping is caused by a shorted heating element, faulty thermostat , loose wiring or it could be faulty itself. Whenever water temperature in the water heater hits 180 0 F , the reset button trips, cutting off power to the water heater. When that happens, the heating element will stop heating the water.
What is a reset button on a water heater?
A water heater reset button, also known as an emergency cut off (ECO) or high temperature limit switch is a device that cuts of power to the water heater when the water temperature rises past the thermostat setting, and exceeds 180 0 F.
How many thermostats does an electric water heater have?
As I had mentioned earlier, an electric water heater will most likely have 2 thermostats and 2 heating elements. Both the upper and lower heating elements and thermostats are concealed using a metallic cover plate secured to the water heater using screws. Start by removing the upper access panel.
How many wires does a thermostat have?
The thermostat is the piece with a series of screws and wires connected to it, while the heating element is at the bottom with only 2 wires and 2 screws connected to it. The head of the heating element is six-sided and threaded to the water heater.
