Electric Hot Water Heater Problems

Electric Hot Water Heater Problems  

Electric hot water heaters problems are usually caused by warn electrical components or sediment or mineral buildup inside the water heater tank. Electric hot water heaters can be repaired by just about anyone. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, please contact a licensed, bonded and insured professional service technician.  

Solving Electric Hot Water Heater Problems 

Water is Not Hot Enough or No Hot Water  

The most common problem is a tripped water heater overload or high limit switch. The high limit switch is a small red button located on the top electric water heater thermostat. If you press in firmly on the switch and it snaps or pops in, you have reset the switch. If the button does not pop, check the electric breakers and power coming into the water heater. Make sure it there is an adequate supply of power. It will take some time for the water to reheat. Electric water heaters only recover at about 20 to 24 gallons an hour. If this does not work, follow the steps below.  

First, try turning up the temperature setting on the electric hot water heater thermostat(s). 

Second, inspect the electric hot water heater elements for sediment buildup and or cracks and breaks. If breaks are found, replace the elements immediately.  

Third, check the water heater dip tube. The dip tube is located on the cold inlet side of the water heater. The dip tube directs the incoming cold water down to the bottom of the water heater tank where it mixes with the hot water already present. If the dip tube is broken or cracked, the cold water can divert directly from the cold inlet to the hot outlet and drastically lower you hot water temperature. Replacing the dip tube is required. 

Fourth, check for leaks in your hot water system. A slow steady leak will drain your electric hot water heaters hot water and not allow the water to reheat. Shut off all water faucets in the house. Watch the pressure gage of your well pump and see if it drops at a steady rate. Now, shut off the cold water inlet to your electric hot water heater. If the pressure gage does not drop at this point, you probably have a leak on a hot water pipe under your house. If you have a city or rural water supply, you can use the same technic to check for water heater leaks by watching the small dial on the water meter.  

Rebuilding an electric hot water is always the best solution when its components start failing. Always replace both heating elements and thermostats at the same time. These will eliminate the need for call backs, and guessing which part is broken.