You have moved into your new home, and enjoying your new setup and space. The home looks perfect just like you had imagined. It’s your second day in your new home and what if you suddenly face issues with your water heater. It can be quite frustrating especially when the house is filled with people. It’s time to do some evaluation with your electric heater to figure out where the issue is.
Electric Water Heater Not Working
When you plan and consult a home inspector in Sarasota, such problems can be avoided. However, most people find it unnecessary and as a result end up facing the brunt. Electric water heater issues have a whole lot of symptoms which includes water temperature issues, leaks, odour, noise and discolouration. Some of the basic processes on how to troubleshoot problems have been discussed below.
Turn Off the Power
Before you begin, shut down the power as safety comes first. Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that is connected to the electric heater unit.
Water Temperature Issues
- When there are temperature issues, it leads to distinct types of problems with the heater. Some of the symptoms include inadequate water, no hot water or extremely hot water.
- If there is no hot water, it could be due to many reasons such as a faulty thermostat, lack of power, or a faulty electric heating component. Try to rule out water issues by replacing a blown fuse or resetting a tripped circuit breaker. Thereafter, check if there is a power supply in the electric water heating thermostat. The element should be tested and if it’s faulty then it’s time to replace it. Lastly, if there is adequate power supply yet thermostat is not working, replacement is the best solution.
- If the water is not adequately hot, the issue can be with the water heater which may be undersized or faulty thermostat or heating element.
- When the water is too hot, it means that the temperature of the thermostat is too high. Ensure that it’s set between 110 and 140 degrees F for lower and upper thermostats.
Water Leaks
The leaks mostly take place due to excessive pressure, faulty temperature and pressure valve, overheating, overhead leakage, leaking water tank or a faulty gasket. Firstly, check the T&P valve by placing a container under the overhead pipe. When you open the valve to flush it off debris, there should be no leakage, but if it leaks then it’s time for repair or replacement. Next step is to decrease the heat or pressure. To do so, reduce the setting of the thermostat. Once done, look if there is any loose pipe connection and tighten it with a wrench. The heating elements must be tightened if required. If the element still has leaks, the gasket can be replaced. Lastly, ensure that the storage tank is not leaking. If it is, then change the o-rings.
Odour or Discoloration
Discoloration is mostly due to corrosion in the tank or bad anode rod. Replace the anode rod with a magnesium one if it’s malfunctioning. A decayed anode rod releases hydrogen that causes a foul smell. To resolve this, the water heater must be flushed. Next, pipe and tanks need treatment with hydrogen peroxide and water for about 2 hours. If the smell persists, the replacement of anode is the solution. Use a zinc-alloy anode and despite that if the smell remains intact, the heater can be replaced.
Noise
Flush the water heater as a rumbling noise of water can be due to overheating as there is sediment growth. Most often when there are scales built-up on electrical heaters, a whining noise can be heard. Install heating elements which have low-watt density using a larger surface space.
