How to Troubleshoot & Fix an Electric Water Heater

Addressing Common Water Heater Issues

Having trouble with your water heater can cause significant inconvenience. Usually, a water heater lasts between 8 to 12 years, and issues might crop up as it nears the end of its lifespan.

Our decade of serving Miranda, Sydney, as plumbers has shown us how vital dependable water heater repairs are for home comfort.

Common hot water unit issues often relate to the thermostat, heating elements, anode rod, power supply, noises, leaks, and pilot light malfunctions. Knowing your heater’s components is crucial for quick troubleshooting.

The Miranda Plumbing team brings extensive experience in servicing and resolving all types of hot water system issues.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most frequent hot water heater problems we see, explain the likely causes, and provide actionable solutions you can try yourself.

We’ll also advise when to involve expert gas plumbers. Addressing problems promptly can cut costs and prevent considerable damage, so reach out for quick help.

Checking Basic Functionality and Settings

When troubleshooting hot water your system’s issues, it’s important to start with some basic checks of the system’s functionality and settings.

Start by ensuring that the power supply to the water heater is on. Check your electrical panel or breakers to verify they haven’t tripped. Re-energize the heater and shut off the water supply if necessary.

You need check your water heater’s thermostat to ensure it’s correctly adjusted. Set your water temperature at 49°C to have ample hot water without risking it being water too hot. This prevents scalding while still ensuring there’s no running out hot water at a suitable temperature for most needs.

If your water isn’t hot, the thermostat might be set too low.

Verify that the hightemperature limit switch, also known as the ECO button, on your electric heater remains untriggered.

If the red thermostat component, the reset button, has popped up, press it to reset your heater.

For gas heaters, confirm the pilot light is on. If it’s out, follow the maker’s instructions to relight it. Check that the gas line’s valves are fully open.

Conducting these basic checks serves as foundational water heater troubleshooting, helping you quickly resolve common hot water issues. However, if hot water system problems persist, feel free to give us a call and explore the detailed troubleshooting steps covered later in this article.

Testing Heating Elements

When your electric heater’s temperature fluctuates, testing the heating elements is crucial. All water heaters have two primary elements for heating water, located at the top and bottom.

To check if the heating elements are working properly:

1. Shut off power to your upper element heating system of the water heater at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the access panels to reach the upper and lower heating elements.
3. Disconnect the wire lead connections from the element using pliers.
4. Set a multimeter to test for continuity.
5. Touch the multimeter’s probe terminal contacts to the two screw terminals on the heating element.
6. A good heating element should show about 13 ohms resistance, within the typical range of 10-16 ohms. A faulty element will show “OL” indicating no continuity.
7. Repeat this test on both the upper and lower element.
8. If either element is faulty, you’ll need a professional plumber for replacement to mitigate the risk of water damage.

One faulty element within your common hot water heater is often the culprit for lukewarm or fluctuating hot water. Both elements heating the water evenly is crucial. We’re happy to come out and verify if your elements need replacement.

Inspecting Power Supply and Electrical Issues

Electric hot water system problems often stem from power issues. Reset any tripped circuit breakers or replace blown fuses to address this.

Start by checking your home’s circuits, including the breakers or fuse box, for tripped controls or blown fuses linked to the water heater. Look for any loose, damaged, or burnt supply wiring, suggesting a short circuit and a need for repair.

Check the voltage at the water heater by testing across the two hot terminals on the upper heating element using a multimeter when the element is off.

It should read 220-240 volts. If voltage is too low, then there no hot water might manifest due to inadequate power supply to the heater. This would require an electrician’s expertise to troubleshoot and fix.

An upper thermostat malfunction or a failed element may strain and trigger the lower heating element’s circuit breaker.

Verify if the lower heating system element’s breaker has tripped or fuse blown and address accordingly. If the lower heating element circuit continues tripping, the element or thermostat likely needs replacement.

For issues that might require an instant gas or electric solution for your hot water system, Miranda Plumbing is just a call away. Our expertise in gas hot water system repair ensures we can resolve electrical issues to restore your hot water flow.

Detecting and Repairing Leaks

A leaking hot water system often shows as water escaping the unit. To locate leaks, examine these common points:

• Inspect where the water lines connect to the top of the hot water tank for any drips, rust or corrosion. Tighten fittings if needed.
• Inspect the tank’s base for water on the floor, indicating a potential leak that may necessitate a complete water heater replacement.
• Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge pipe for drips. Some minor leakage here may simply require replacing the valve.
• Check water heater pipes and fittings for corrosion and small leaks, tightening connections as needed.

You may resolve small leaks by tightening fittings, but major leaks, especially at the tank’s base, usually mean you need a new water heater.

Should there be a leak you can’t fix, our Miranda Plumbing team is on hand to repair problem effectively. We’re experts at diagnosing the source of leaks and repairing or replacing water heaters when needed.

Cleaning Out Sediment Buildup

Sediment and mineral accumulation can occur over time in your water heater’s storage tank. Annually flushing your water heater helps maintain its performance and prevents situations where you might run out hot water.

Follow these steps to flush out sediment from your water heater:

1. Turn off power, isolate the water supply by shutting off the valve, and safely disconnect power to avoid any water mishaps.
2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and place the other end of the hose outside or in a bucket.
3. Open the drain valve and allow the water to run out until it runs clear, effectively flushing the system. This drains and flushes sediment from the tank.
4. Close the drain valve and turn the cold water supply back on, allowing the tank to refill.
5. Restore power to the water heater once tank is full.

Removing accumulated sediment helps maximise your water heater’s lifespan and heating efficiency. However, if flushing your tank doesnt resolve hot water issues, contact our team at Miranda Plumbing for further troubleshooting and repairs.

Tackling Unusual Water Heater Noises

Unusual noises coming from your water heater can indicate issues that need attention. Here are some common water heater noises and potential causes:

• Rumbling or gurgling sounds - Sediment buildup in the tank. Try flushing the water heater to clear out debris.
• Knocking or banging sounds - A loose component like a heating element or loose piping. Have a plumber inspect and tighten fittings.
• Hissing - Indicative of a minor leak either in the pressure relief valve or a pipe joint. Tightening or replacing the valve may resolve this.
• Boiling or bubbling - If your water heater is making these sounds, it’s likely overheating. Shut down the power immediately and seek professional repair to prevent dangerous situations.

Contact Miranda Plumbing if unusual noises arise from your unit. We can swiftly identify and remedy the issue, ensuring a quiet and secure hot water system, available 24/7.

Troubleshooting Pilot Light and Ignition Problems

With gas heaters, the pilot light often causes issues; it’s the flame that starts the burner to warm the water, and without it, the heater won’t operate.

Ensure that the gas supply valve is fully open and all manual shutoff valves are active.

Inspect the pilot light assembly. Look for soot buildup or damage that could block the pilot flame. Clean or replace any components as needed.

Attempt to relight the pilot by either pressing the igniter button or holding a lit match near the pilot assembly opening. This ignites the gas to light the pilot. If it doesnt stay lit, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.

The thermocouple is a sensor that tells the gas valve when the pilot is lit. Ignition module or gas control valve damage can also prevent the pilot from lighting.

If faulty, the thermocouple stops the gas flow, requiring prompt replacement by a professional plumber.

If relighting the pilot light proves challenging, the skilled team at Miranda Plumbing can rectify the issue and quickly restore your hot water service.

With gas heaters, the pilot light often causes issues; it’s the flame that starts the burner to warm the water, and without it, the heater won’tt buildup or damage that could block the pilot flame.

Attempt to relight the pilot by either pressing the igniter bght the pilot.

Knowingts, gas leaks, or substantial leaks necessitate a licensed plumber’s immediate intervention.

Thermostat problems, strange noises, no hot water s support with challenging water heater issues, ensuring effective solutions.

Our fully certified plumbers have extensive training and experience in ensuring your hot water supply through maintaining, repairing, and replacing all makes and models. We’ll quickly diagnose issues and recommend the most cost-effective solutions to optimise safety and performance.

For complex water heater problems, rely on our skilled plumbing professionals for repairs.

We’ll ensure any works comply with regulations, are backed by warranty, and give you peace of mind knowing the job is done right. Investing in professional plumbing services helps avoid future issues and serious damages down the line.

Contact us for any queries regarding your heater’s condition in Miranda, Sydney. As your local hot water specialists, we ensure optimal function, and for more advice, sign up for our newsletter.

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Regular maintenance is crucial for getting the longest life and optimal performance from your water heater. Here are some tips for proper maintenance:

• Inspect the anode rod annually and replace it if it’s substantially corroded. The rod protects the tank from corrosion.
• Drain a few litres from the tank every 6 months to clear sediment buildup. Annual flushing provides more thorough cleaning.
• Check the temperature and water pressure relief valve by manually opening it once a year. Make sure it discharges with proper hot water pressure and closes again.
• Monitor all fittings and pipes for leaks and corrosion. Have worn parts proactively replaced.
• For gas heaters, inspect the pilot light and burner annually. Clean and replace components as needed.
• Have professionals conduct annual tune-ups to ensure optimal function and safety.

Regular maintenance promotes efficient hot water service, prolongs your heater’s life, and avoids early failures. Schedule yearly checks with Miranda Plumbing for proactive upkeep, ensuring safety and efficiency.