One of the most precious appliances in our homes is the electric water heaters. That is why it’s important to quickly find the best way to repair it and avoid having to replace the whole thing. So, today I am presenting my readers with 10 ways to fix electric hot water heaters issues.
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I decided to list my 10 ways to fix electric water heaters issues by first stating the problem and then offering our solution. That way, homeowners will find a fix for their particular issue easier.
1. There isn’t any hot water
In case there isn’t any hot water in the heater, the first thing owners need to do is check the boiler’s circuit breaker. If it has tripped, they should simply turn it on to solve the problem.
There’s also a chance that the switch on the thermostat has tripped. Damaged thermostats can also cause issues with hot water. So, owners will have to buy a new one.
However, if that doesn’t work, the most probable cause is the failed heating element. Most hot water heater review have two elements that are responsible for heating element water. Thus, in case there isn’t any hot water, one or both heating element are bad, and owners will need to replace them.
2. There isn’t enough hot water
The issue with insufficient hot water in the heater can be solved by simply turning up the thermostat. Water cools faster during the winter. So, adjusting the water temperature when the weather gets colder is a must.
Homeowners that have a new, bigger tub, or have a new household member, can also experience this problem. That’s because the boiler is too small for the increased needs of their home. So, buying a heater with a larger capacity will definitely solve the problem.
However, there’s also a chance that there’s a more serious issue with the heater. For example, one of the elements isn’t working properly, or the wiring is loose. In those cases, owners will have to leave replace the heating element or leave the issue to professionals.
3. Reheating water takes too long
Electric water heaters need more time to reheat water than gas ones. So, those that switched to an electric model should know that it’s normal. However, in case it’s taking longer than usual, the issue may simply be with the capacity of the hot water tank. That often happens when
On the other hand, the problem can be in a broken upper thermostator heating element. In addition, long reheating can be a sign of a sediment buildup. In both cases, owners will have to replace the affected parts.
Homes with gas water heaters will find the cause in either a burner or vent glue that are too dirty or clogged. Homeowners will solve the issue by simply cleaning them.
4. Water is too hot
Water from the heater that is too hot can be dangerous. So, in case homeowners notice that the temperature of the water is too high to handle, they should fix it immediately.
The first and easiest thing they should try is to turn the thermostat down and leave the electric gas water heater for a couple of hours. Water should be normal again. However, if the problem is still there, the issue might be more serious.
In case it isn’t possible to lower the water temperature the way it’s needed, the upper thermostat is the likely culprit. Thus, homeowners will need to replace it.
If owners hear the water boiling in the heater, and especially in case hot water shoots out every time they turn their hot water faucet on, the issue is probably with the gas valve. That relief valve is responsible for handling temperature and pressure relief, which would make it the likely cause of the issue. So, the only thing left to do is to replace the entire gas valve.
5. Hot water smells bad
A bad rotten egg smell from the water is a sign of a sediment buildup. In most cases, it can be solved by flushing the heater, which is a process of draining the boiler with the help of a garden hose. Another way to solve this issue is to switch the water temperature to about 140 degrees. That will eliminate any bacteria from the gas water heater tank.
In case the bad smell is coming from both hot and cold water, the problem is in the general water supply system. Homeowners can fix it by installing a water softener or a whole house water filter.
6. Hot water has a rusty color
Rusty color of hot water shows that there is corrosion of the anode rod or the whole water heater tank. If the tank is the issue, homeowners need to buy a new one as soon as possible in order to avoid more serious problems.
However, in most cases, only the anode is at fault, and it will need a replacement. The process of replacing it is easy, especially if owners opt for a flexible rod.
7. Weird noises are coming from the boiler
Most water heaters are noisy. Thus, homeowners that are hearing clicking or similar sounds have nothing to worry about.
But, louder noises that sound like banging, popping, or knocking can be a problem. The noise might be a sign that there is a buildup of sediment or scale in the tank. Owners can probably solve that by simply flushing out the gas water heater tank.
Furthermore, a humming sound is a sign that a heater’s heating element needs to be tightened. If there are other strange noises, owners should contact a professional because there might be an issue with a leak, pressure, or even overheating.
8. Water is leaking from the top
Owers that notice that the water is leaking from the top of their tank should first check out hot and cold pipes. In case they are loose, owners should just tighten them. The problem might also be with tight-pressure or inlet valves, which will have to be replaced.
9. Water is leaking from the bottom
Condensation is the most probable reason why water is leaking from the bottom. Turning up the thermostat will solve it in no time.
The problem also might be with the T&P or drain valve, which will require replacement. However, there is a possibility that the tank itself is leaking. Unfortunately, the only thing homeowners can do is replace the whole tank.
10. The pressure of hot water is too low
Homes with older, 1/2-inch piping often experience this issue. So, the problem isn’t with the heater, but with pipes. Thus, the only way to increase the amount of water flow is to install 3/4-inch piping.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully one of my 10 ways to fix gas water heater issues is just what my readers needed to solve their problem. If you liked this article, you’ll be happy to know that there are even more useful tips for solving hot water heater issues on my website!
Related Topic: How Long Does It Take to Install a Water Heater?