
What’s Wrong with My Electric Hot Water Heater?
- Water Seems to be Too Hot. If you turn the hot water on in your home and it seems to be too hot, it could be as simple as ...
- No Hot Water at All. If you are not getting any hot water whatsoever from your electric hot water heater, check the circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical ...
- Unusual Noises. ...
- Weird Smells and/or Discolored Water. ...
How to diagnose problems with a hot water heating system?
If you have no hot water and a hot water cylinder
- Check the supply of cold water. Is the gate valve on the cold supply pipe to the cylinder open? ...
- Faulty motorised valve. On an indirect system, a valve known as a motorised valve diverts water from the boiler to flow through either the hot water cylinder coil or through ...
- Blocked primary circuit. ...
What are signs of a bad water heater?
What are the signs of a hot water heater going bad?
- The Water is Gritty or Discolored.
- An Unusual Smell in the Hot Water.
- The Age of Your Water Heater.
- Insufficient Hot Water.
- Unusual Sounds Coming From Your Water Heater.
- Faulty or Leaking TPR Valve.
- The Tank Leaks.
Why is my hot water heater not working?
Make sure your furnace is working.
- Thermostat problems. The water heater’s thermostat is normally located inside the water heater and it helps regulate the water temperature to the desired level. ...
- Sediment or rust in the tank. If you use hard water at home, certain residues can assemble at the bottom of the water heater. ...
- Too much use.
How do you troubleshoot an electric hot water heater?
- Turn off the breaker to the water heater's circuit in the service panel.
- Remove the access panel for the upper heating element on the water heater.
- Remove the insulation and the plastic safety guard, being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals.

What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures.
How do you diagnose a water heater problem?
A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power, may have a tripped limit switch, or may have one or more failed heating elements. First, check the water heater's circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn't tripped. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off, then switch it back on.
How do I reset my hot water heater?
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.
Why would hot water heater suddenly stop working?
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.
How many years does a water heater last?
Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
What do you do when your hot water is not working?
6 Things to do When Your House Has no Hot WaterCheck the thermostat settings. Many manufactures set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit by default. ... Check the circuit breaker. ... Check the pilot light. ... Check for leaks. ... Flush the tank. ... If all else fails: Upgrade your hot water heater.
When should you use the reset button on a hot water heater?
If your water heater reset button keeps tripping, the problem may be with the button itself. Your water heater's reset button is designed to cut power to your unit if your water temperature exceeds 180°F.
Where is the reset button on a thermostat?
0:262:05Homeowner Tip- How to Reset Your Thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do is hit set. And press and hold.MoreAll you have to do is hit set. And press and hold.
Where is reset button on gas water heater?
The reset button is often red and located near the thermostat or behind a metal panel that is removable on the unit. When you find it, push the reset button and then release it. There may be a lower thermostat button also known as a second reset button.
How long does it take for water heater to heat up after reset?
60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater) 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater)
Why is my gas water heater not turning on?
A faulty or loose thermocouple, air in the gas line, or a defective gas valve may also be the source of the problem. Contact a professional plumber or water heater technician to inspect and rectify the issue.