Troubleshooting an Electric Water Heater

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water for whatever reason, troubleshooting an electric water heater is essential. In this article, we’ll discuss common problems, how to fix them, and what to do if your heater needs to be replaced. Before we begin troubleshooting, it’s helpful to know the causes of the problems, as well as what to look for. Then, we’ll move on to identifying the best solution for your problem.

Problems with electric water heaters

While many common problems with electric water heaters can be irritating, they can also pose health risks. One problem is overheating, which can burn someone in the house or ruin a water heater. To prevent this problem, you must keep the temperature of your water heater between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for your water heater is 120 degrees, which saves energy and avoids scalding.

The first problem with an electric water heater is a failed heating element. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy to replace part. The other problem may be caused by poor settings, high home water pressure, or improper tank maintenance. If you notice any of these problems, you may need to contact Rodger’s Plumbing. However, repairing an electric water heater can be a DIY project. Once you know how to test an element, you can replace it if needed.

Repairing or replacing an electric water heater

The cost of repairing or replacing an electric water heater can vary greatly. Professional plumbers charge anywhere from $45, to $150 per hour, and most jobs last about an hour. The price also depends on the make and model of your electric water heater, as certain parts are more expensive than others. You should also consider the quality of the repair, as a highly skilled technician may be more expensive but they can reduce the chances of future problems.

If the water heater is not heating water, check the heating elements. If the heating elements are loose, drain the tank to below their level. Usually, you won’t need to drain the tank for this task. If you need to replace the controls, however, you won’t need to drain the water. Make sure you remove the safety guard before making any repairs. After removing the plastic safety guard, test the wiring for power. If it still does not work, replace the fuse or circuit breaker.

Identifying problems with an electric water heater

There are several ways to identify problems with an electric water heater. The heating elements may be failing or the electrical connection might be impacted. In gas water heaters, there could be a problem with the burner or pilot light. If there are no signs of either of these, it may be the thermostat. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it might be the heater’s circuit breaker. Here are some simple troubleshooting tips.

If you see leaks or see discoloration in the water, you may have a faulty element or T&P valve. If you see water coming out of the bottom of the heater, the gasket may be leaking or the element is not working properly. If you see these symptoms, you should have your electric water heater repaired. Sometimes a small amount of water is expelled through the overflow pipe.

Why is there no hot water coming out of the water heater?

If your water heater is not giving you hot water, it might be a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. In the unlikely event that that is not the problem, the heating element may need to be replaced if it has burned out. If you live in Dallas, check out this reliable Dallas plumber with over 45 years of experience.