Electric Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting

Water heaters are some of the popular home appliances that all of us have at home. They are reliable devices used to heat water for domestic uses, like cleaning, bathing and cooking. Configured with an insulated storage tank, the typical model requires electricity as its energy source. With constant usage and time, even the best electric hot water heater may not function properly as it should. Here, we shall take a look at common malfunctions and guidelines for electric hot water heater troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters

In case, you have not handled electric devices before, better call a professional repairer. Please note that electric hot water heater troubleshooting on your own is logical, only if you have basic mechanical abilities. Also, read the user manual to be thorough with the water heater parts and components. The preparatory steps that must be followed before fixing electric water heaters of any model are switching off the power supply, cutting off the water supply and adjusting the electric heater to pilot setting. The following are some problems and tips on how to troubleshoot an electric water heater.

Problem #1: No Hot Water
Repair Guide: It can be a frustrating situation if you wake up early in the morning and find out that you do not have hot water for bathing. This may be because of malfunctioning of the upper heating element or electric thermostat. For correction, reset the thermostat if it has tripped and also, check for power supply to the thermostat. If there is no power to the heating element, replace the thermostat. Or if everything works well, the malfunctioning part is the heating element that you can replace it.

Problem #2: Water Not Warm Enough
Repair Guide: Another most common hot water heater problem is not enough hot water or water not warm as you desired. First, check dip tube for breakage, and cross connection of inlet pipe and outlet pipe. Accordingly adjust them, if required. If you have a short spell of hot water followed by cold water, then the malfunction is with lower heating element. Or if there is continuous supply of slightly warm water, the problematic part is the upper heating element.

As far as electric water heater troubleshooting is concerned, you need to inspect the thermostats (upper and lower) and both heating elements. Check the upper thermostat for constant power supply and if the result is negative, replace it. If there is power at the upper heating element, then you will need to replace the lower thermostat for ensuring power supply to the lower heating element.

Problem #3: Rusty Colored Hot Water
Repair Guide: This electric water heater problem has nothing to do with the hardware of the device. There are two probable causes, the first is because the tank is old and rust formation in the interior of the tank, which you can correct by replacing the lining. The second reason lies in the inlet water, for which you need to check the water table or water supply, and see for any changes in the water characteristics.

Problem #4: Hot Water Smelling Bad
Repair Guide: Stinky hot water or water that smells of rotten egg are not unusual to homeowners. This may be because of bacteria and microbes that make their way to the magnesium anode rod and react with it. For this hot water heater problem, the electric hot water heater troubleshooting involves cleaning the storage tank with chlorine and flushing with water. If possible, replace the existing rod with an aluminum one to avoid such problems in future.

Problem #5: Water Heater Making Noise
Repair Guide: If you hear banging or disturbing noise as soon as you switch on the electric water heater, the root cause is deposition of scale in the heating elements. Scale formation is due to hard water that you feed in the tank. Regarding this problem, the electric hot water heater repair troubleshooting tip is to clean the heating elements with proper solution.

Problem #6: Water Leaking from the Heater
Repair Guide: If you notice water heater leaking from the base of the tank, just recall when you bought your device. If you bought it some 20-25 years ago and the warranty period is already completed, you can do nothing but buy a new one. Or you can call a repairer for temporary fixing. But, sooner or later, you need to change the unit with a brand new water heater.

So, this was a brief explanation about electric hot water heater troubleshooting. As you see, much of the water heater problems has something to do with cleaning the tank and monitoring the water supply, which you can do on your own. However, if the unit is not working properly after practicing the above tips, then call a professional serviceman.