In this article, we’ll discuss how homeowners can prepare themselves for electric water heater troubleshooting. The article will cover all aspects of troubleshooting as well as repairs to thermostats, Pressure-release valves, dip tubes mineral accumulation, heating elements among other parts.
Much like a car, electric water heaters are prone to being affected by different problems at different types, and without any notice most time. The problems could range from no hot water to strange sounds, rust colored water to strange smells among other things. But don’t worry just yet. If you face issues that hamper the functioning of your water heater, just refer this quick reference electric water heater troubleshooting guide and solve the problem yourself!
1) Test the circuit breaker box and try to reset it.
Just resetting the circuit breaker could actually restore your supply of hot water, especially if you have an old electric water heater.
1. Test the reset button.
2) Test for supply of current to heating element.
Sometimes, when the stored water doesn’t get heated, the problem is with the thermostat or the heating element.
If the controls and the top heating elements are functioning properly, reattach the wires and test the bottom controls.
1. Bring on the power and repeat the same checks you carried out above.
2. If you find a non-functioning part, get it replaced.
Replacing a part is an easy swap process that requires removing and reconnecting the wires.
There can be times when you hear some funny noises coming from your electric water heater. Whenever you carry out electric water heater troubleshooting for this, remember that the noise could be because of the expansion of water due to regular heating and cooling in the tank, or it could be because of air in the water line.
b) The problem could be due to your underground water table. For this you may install a water purifier for the main water supply line, and eliminate the rust colored water.
More importantly, before installing a water purifier, get the underground water checked for establishing any recent changes etc.
If you remember school chemistry, you’ll know that sulfur is identified by its smell of rotten eggs. So next time you get strong rotten eggs odor, you should know that this is sulfur and that something is wrong with the water and not the heater. A water softener or a water purifier could help with this issue as part of electric water heater troubleshooting.
For a problem of very hot water, check the power supply at the top element. If you find power at the top element, your top thermostat needs to be changed. If the same is the case for the bottom element, replace the bottom thermostat.
Also check if the thermostats are pushed firmly against the water heater tank.