Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters
When an electric water heater has problems supplying hot water, suspect the heating elements, their thermostats, or the high-temperature cutoff. The two heating elements (upper and lower), immersed in water, are controlled by thermostats. The thermostats, along with the high-temperature cutoff, are concealed behind panels on the side of the tank (insulation must be removed for access after removing the panel and replaced before closing 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.
Safety note: Electricity should be turned off at the circuit breaker before you do any work.
If there is no hot water:
Check for:
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The heater has no power. |
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The safety thermostat has quit working. |
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Defective heating thermostat. |
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Defective heating elements. |
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Accumulation of rust, scale, or sediment in the tank or pipes. |
Remedies:
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Check the fuse box/circuit breaker. |
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If the heater repeatedly blows fuses, call an electrician. |
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Test the heating thermostats and elements. |
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Test the thermostats and replace if necessary. |
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Test the elements and replace if necessary. |
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Drain and flush the tank and pipes. |
If the hot water supply is too low:
Check for:
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Thermostat is set too low. |
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The tank is too small. |
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Heat is getting lost in the pipes. |
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Defective heating element. |
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Leaking hot water faucets. |
Remedies:
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Turn the thermostat to a higher temperature. |
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Install a larger heater. |
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Move the heater nearer to the point of use if possible. |
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Insulate the hot water pipes. |
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Test the element then replace it. |
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Repair or replace the faucets. |
If the hot water supply is too high:
Check for:
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Thermostat set too high. |
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Inadequate insulation around the thermostats. |
Remedies:
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Turn down the thermostat. |
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Add insulation around the thermostats. |
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Test the thermostat and replace if necessary. |
If there is a water leak:
Check for:
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Defective gasket or seal on the element. |
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Defective safety valve. |
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The tank is rusted through. |
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Leaking plumbing connections. |
Remedies:
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Check and replace gasket or seal. |
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Check and replace the safety valve. |
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Buy a new water heater. |
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Call a qualified contractor. |
If the heater becomes unusually noisy:
Check for:
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Accumulation of rust, scale or sediment in the tank. |
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Scale has formed on the elements. |
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Chattering thermostats. |
Remedies:
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Drain the tank and flush it out. |
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Remove the elements, soak with vinegar and then scrape off the scale. |
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Replace thermostat. |
If your hot water is rusty or discolored:
Check for:
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Accumulation of rust or sediment in the tank. |
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Scale has formed on the elements. |
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Corroded water pipe. |
Remedies:
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Drain the tank. |
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Remove the elements, soak them in vinegar and then scrape off the scale. |
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Have a plumber replace the pipes. |
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