Finding no hot water and having to have a cold shower flowing out can be inconvenient in a variety of ways. You might start to worry about the energy efficiency of your water heater or whether you have a natural leak in addition to the shock of the ice cold water.
Before you go to the worst-case scenario, know that there are a variety of explanations for your home's lack of hot water. Determine whether your home has a gas or electric water heater to begin troubleshooting. Here are some of the most prevalent causes of water difficulties, as well as ways hot water repair.
7 COMMON PROBLEMS OF ELECTRIC WATER HEATER & HOW TO REPAIR IT
Electric water heaters look similar to gas-fueled counterparts. They both have a steel storage tank jacket with insulation between the storage tank and the tank jacket to keep the hot water warm.
The heat source is the major distinction between electric and gas water heaters. Water is heated by electric upper and lower heating elements that extend into the water tank in an electric water heater. A gas burner heats the water from beneath the tank in a gas water heater.
Problems with hot water heater like electric water heaters that produce little or no heat are usually caused by a faulty heating element, which is a cheap and simple part to repair. Other issues may arise as a result of incorrect settings, excessive household water pressure, or a lack of tank maintenance.
- Check The Warranty
Limited warranties are available on both residential and commercial hot water heaters. A rating plate with the model and serial number is located on each tank. These numbers indicate the year the tank was manufactured and will determine if the tank is covered by a prorated warranty, which may include a new tank or parts for free or at a reduced cost. If the tank is leaking or the element is broken, take a picture or write down the details and contact the manufacturer. Field labor is not covered by manufacturer warranties. This is something you should do before starting to troubleshoot the issue.
- No Hot Water
It's possible that a water heater that doesn't produce hot water isn't getting power, has a tripped limit switch, or has one or more defective heating elements.
First, ensure sure the circuit breaker for the water heater hasn't tripped in the service panel. If the breaker has tripped, turn it off and then on again.
If the heater's breaker did not trip (and it is still on), try resetting the heater's high-temperature limit:
- In the service panel, turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater.
- On the water heater, remove the access panel for the upper heating element.
- Remove the insulation and the plastic safety shield, being cautious not to come into contact with any wires or electrical contacts.
- Above the upper thermostat, press the red button, which is the high-temperature cutoff reset button.
- Safety guard, insulation, and access panel should all be replaced.
- Set the circuit breaker for the heater to on.
- If that doesn't work, check each heating element and replace it as needed.
- Insufficient Hot Water
If your water heater is producing hot water but not enough of it, it's possible that it's too small to satisfy the needs of your home. Make sure the demand does not exceed the water heater's capacity.
How to fix it?
Hot water should account for 75% of the capacity of the water heater. A 40-gallon water heater, for example, is adequate for a 30-gallon requirement. If the demand for hot water exceeds the heater's capacity, take shorter showers, use low-flow showerheads, and do dishwashing and laundry at different times of the day rather than all at once.
One or both of your heating elements may have failed if your unit is not undersized and generates less hot water than it used to. During a shower, a steady supply of lukewarm water indicates a faulty upper heating element. When hot water runs out quickly during a shower, it's a sign of a faulty lower heating system.
- Water Is Too Hot
It's equally as frustrating to have too much hot water as it is to have too little hot water. One or both of your water heater's thermostats may be set too high if you're having this problem.
How to fix water heater has water too hot?
To check the thermostat settings:
- The water heater in the service panel should be turned off.
- Each heating element on the water heater should have an access panel, insulation, and a plastic safety guard removed. Touching any wires or electrical terminals is not a good idea.
- Using a non-contact voltage tester, check the cables to ensure the power is off.
- Both thermostats' heat settings should be the same. Between 115 and 125 degrees is the ideal temperature.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the temperature to your preference.
- The other thermostat should be set to the same temperature as the first.
- Each element should have a new safety protection, insulation, and access panel.
- Set the circuit breaker for the heater to on.
- Water Leak
Leaking valves and plumbing connections are the most common causes of water leaks, although they can also be caused by tank issues. Water leaks can cause serious damage to a home, so it's critical to get the leak fixed as quickly as possible.
How to fix it?
Water heater tank leaks can be caused by faulty heating elements or tank corrosion. Inspect the elements for looseness and tighten them with an element wrench if necessary.
It is impossible to restore a rusted tank; it must be replaced. Turn off the water heater's electricity and water supply, then totally drain the tank to halt the leak.
- Bad Odor or Rust-Colored Water
If your water has a brown, yellow, or red hue when it comes out of the faucet, corrosion may be present inside your water heater tank or in your home's pipes. There could be bacteria in the hot water heater tank if your water smells like rotten eggs. It's possible that you'll need to replace the anode rod in the tank, which usually necessitates the assistance of a professional plumber.
- Noises from the Tank
Is your water heater making strange noises? Do you hear a deep rumbling or popping sound? Is it a high-pitched whine, perhaps? It's possible that the sounds you're hearing is the sound of boiling water. Excessive sediment building in the bottom of the tank might cause the bottom to overheat, resulting in the water boiling.
To remove the sediment, the first option is to drain the tank. If it doesn't work, the tank might need to be replaced.
DO I NEED A PLUMBER OR ELECTRICIAN FOR HOT WATER REPAIRS?
A plumber will be necessary to repair a leak or indicators of leakage such as mould or wet spots. Leaks can lower the volume of water running through a hot water system, affecting the temperature and pressure of the water. Another typical source of low water pressure in a hot water system is a faulty pressure valve, which requires the assistance of a plumber to repair. It's a symptom that your hot water system's water tank is rusty and needs to be replaced if it's leaking brownish water.
Electricians will deal with all of the electrical components of the system. If your circuit breaker won't stay on, you'll need to hire an electrician or plumber near me to fix it. Also, if your water is only somewhat warm, your electric hot water system's thermostat or off peak switch may be to blame, and an electrician will need to fix it. The booster in solar hot water systems can occasionally be the source of temperature problems.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A HOT WATER HEATER ELEMENT 2022?
The most common reason individuals call regarding a water heater problem is a leak, which cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Water heater replacement costs typically range from $1300 to $5500, with an average of $1700. For the rest of the circumstances, one of the most important components of your electric water heater repair endeavor will be the exact item that needs to be repaired. Repairing a water heater costs an average of $506.
related post: how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-water-softener