12/6/2022 3:47:00 PM by Australian Parquet Industries
If your water heater is not working, you don't need to call professionals or spend money on a new heater.
Depending on the issue, DIY Electric Hot Water Repairs may be an option. To diagnose your water heater problem, all you will need is just to have some knowledge.
Electric water heaters are similar to their gas-fueled counterparts, as both use an insulated steel storage tank jacket, which is made from insulation.
The jacket acts as insulation between the storage tanks, and the tank jacket, and reduces heat loss. Electric water heaters are distinguished from gas ones by their heat source.
An electric water heater heats the water using electric heating elements that extend into the tank. Gas water heaters use a gas burner to heat the water below the tank.
Here are some problems and solutions that you might encounter when trying to repair your electric water heater yourself.
Before You Start: Make Sure To Read The Warranty
Before you begin to fix your hot water heater problems, make sure that the warranty is valid. Limited warranties are available for both residential and commercial hot water heaters.
Every tank has a rating plate that includes the serial number and model. These numbers will indicate the year of the tank's manufacture and can be used to determine if the tank is covered by a prorated warranty. This could include a free replacement tank or part or a discounted price.
If you notice signs that your water heater is failing, take a photo or note the information and call the manufacturer. However, most manufacturer warranties do not cover labour.
No Hot Water
Water heaters that do not produce hot water may not be receiving power. They might also have a tripped limit or one or more failing heating elements.
How To Fix
First, make sure you check the service panel to ensure that the circuit breaker for the water heater has not been tripped and if the breaker trips, turn it off.
If the heater's fuse does not trip, or if the fuse is on, reset the high-temperature limit.
Firstly it is important to turn off the breaker for the water heater circuit from the service panel.
Then the access panel to the upper heating element of the water heater should be removed.
After that, take off the insulation and the safety guard, and be careful, make sure you don't touch wires or terminals.
Then press the red button located above the thermostat, it is the high-temperature cutoff reset switch.
You must replace the safety guard, insulation, and access panel then.
After that, turn on the circuit breaker for your heater.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, then check each heating element and replace it if required.
Hot water is not sufficient
You may find that your water heater is not producing enough hot water to supply household hot water requirements. It is important to ensure that your household's hot-water demand does not exceed the heater's capabilities.
How to Fix
Hot water should not exceed 75 percent of the heater's maximum capacity. A 40-gallon water heater is capable of providing hot water for 30 Gallons. Low-flow shower heads are best if you have high water demand. Spread dishwashing across the day rather than washing dishes all at once.
If your heating element suddenly produces more hot or less water than normal, it could be a sign that the heating element has failed. A poor heating element could cause a constant warm water supply while you are showering. Hot water can run out quickly in a shower due to a defective lower heating element.
Water Temperature Is Too Hot
Overheating water can cause frustrations that are almost as severe as having too hot water. Your water heater thermostats may be too high.
How to Fix
It is super important to check the thermostat settings.
By removing the water heater from the service panel, turn off the water heater
Remove the insulation, safety guards, and access panel covering each heating element. You should not touch wires or electrical terminals.
A non-contact voltage tester is used to test for power.
The thermostats must be set at the same temperature. The thermostat's recommended temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flathead screwdrivers can be used to adjust the temperature to your liking.
The thermostat should always be set to the same temperature.
Each element should be replaced with the appropriate safety protection, insulation, and access panel.
Lastly. turn on the circuit breaker for your heater.
Water Leaks
Leakages in water can be caused by leaky pipes and connections. However, they may also be due to tank problems. Leakage of water can cause serious damage to your home. It is essential to fix these leakage problems as soon as possible.
How to Fix
Water heater tank leaks can be caused by corrosion or loose heating elements. Check for any loose elements and tighten them if necessary with an element wrench.
It is impossible to repair a corroded tank, and it must be replaced. To stop the leaking, turn off the power supply and water supply to your water heater.
Bad Odour or Rust-coloured Water
Your water may have a yellowish, brownish, or reddish hue to it when it comes out of your faucet. This could indicate that corrosion has occurred in your hot water heater tank or pipes.
If your water smells like rotten eggs or brown, it could indicate that there are bacteria in your hot water heater tank.
How to Fix
It is possible to need to replace the anode rods in the tank. This usually requires professional plumbing services.
Tank Making Noises
Is there a clicking or popping sound coming from your water heater, Is it a low-pitched or popping sound? Perhaps it's a high-pitched whine. It could be boiling water.
The tank's bottom can become too hot due to excessive sediment buildup. This causes the water to boil.
How to Fix
To get rid of sediment, drain the tank. If this doesn't work, it might be necessary to replace the tank.
Final Words
Hot Water Repairs are very important as it provides us to start or end our day perfectly with a warm shower.
You can do it by yourself, but some degree of risk and uncertainty of repairs is involved.
To eliminate this uncertainty, you can hire professionals for Hot Water Repairs.
We hope this article will help you in repairing your water heater yourself.