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Water Heaters – Electric
Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters
- When an electric heater has problems, suspect the heating elements,
their thermostats and the high-temperature cutoff.
- The two heating elements (upper and lower), immersed in water, are
controlled by thermostats which, along with the high-temperature cutoff,
are concealed behind a panel on the side (insulation must be cut away
for access after removing the panel).
- If the high-temperature cutoff has tripped due to water that's too
hot, the solution may be as easy as pushing the reset button.
- However, high voltage and inaccessibility warrant a service call to
adjust the thermostats, reset the high-temperature cutoff, or to replace
any of these components of the heating elements themselves.
| Problem |
Possible solutions |
| There is no hot water. |
Check for:
- The heater has no power.
- The safety thermostat has quit working.
- Defective heating thermostat.
- Defective heating elements.
- Accumulation of rust, scale or sediment in the tank or pipes.
Remedies:
- Check the fuse box/ circuit breaker.
- If the heater repeatedly blows fuses, call an electrician.
- Push the reset button.
- Test the heating thermostats and elements.
- Test the thermostats and replace if necessary.
- Test the elements and replace if necessary.
- Drain and flush the tank and pipes.
|
| There isn't enough hot water. |
Check for:
- Thermostat is set wrong.
- The tank is too small.
- Heat is getting lost through the pipes.
- Defective heating element.
- Leaking hot water faucets.
Remedies:
- Turn the thermostat to a higher temperature.
- Install a larger heater.
- Move the heater nearer to the point of use if possible.
- Insulate the hot water pipes.
- Test the element then replace it.
- Repair or replace the faucets.
- Request assistance from a qualified contractor.
|
| The water heater is very noisy. |
Check for:
- Accumulation of rust, scale or sediment in the tank.
- Scale has formed on the elements.
Remedy:
- Drain the tank and flush it out.
- Remove the elements, soak with vinegar and then scrape off the scale.
|
| The water is too hot. |
Check for:
- Thermostat is on the wrong setting.
- Inadequate insulation around the thermostats.
- Defective thermostat.
Remedies:
- Turn up the thermostat.
- Add insulation around the thermostats.
- Test the thermostat and replace if necessary.
|
| Water is leaking from the heater. |
Check for:
- Defective gasket or seal on the element.
- Defective safety valve.
- The tank is rusted through.
- Leaking plumbing connections.
Remedies:
- Check and replace gasket or seal.
- Check and replace the safety valve.
- Replace the water heater.
- Request assistance from a qualified contractor.
|
| Your hot water is rusty or discolored. |
Check for:
- Accumulation of rust or sediment in the tank.
- Scale has formed on the elements.
- Corroded water pipe.
Remedies:
- Drain the tank.
- Remove the elements, soak them in vinegar and then scrape off the scale.
- Have a plumber replace the pipes.
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