How to Troubleshoot Hot Water Heater Problems
A water heater that you can install in your home can come in a gas and electric model. When your water heater does not work properly or begins to malfunction, you will need to find and correct the problem. A common problem with an electric or gas water heater is when the water is not being heated. You can troubleshoot your home's water heater by making sure that is operating normally. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Observe the water heater and see if it has entered the recharge cycle--that is, when it is heating new water in the tank. The unit will need to recharge if you have used up all the hot water in the tank--by taking an extra-long shower, say.
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Locate the water inlet valve and make sure that it is open. The water heater will receive no water if the valve is closed.
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Open the door to the circuit panel and see if the circuit or breaker has tripped. Reset or turn the breaker back on and see if the water heater starts heating the water. If the water heater is gas, check to see if the gas shut-off valve is open and has not been closed. Open the shut-off valve if it is closed.
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4
Check the water heater's power switch, if it has one. If the power switch has been turned off, the water heater will not heat the water. Flip the switch to the “On” position to turn on the water heater.
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Remove the screws that secure the access panel for the thermostat with the screwdriver. Remove the access panel and check the temperature setting on the thermostat. The thermostat should be between 120 and 130 degrees. Adjust the thermostat to a higher setting if the temperature is below 120 degrees.
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Check all of the faucets in your home to make sure they are all off and are not leaking. A faucet that is on or leaking will reduce the amount of hot water in the water heater.
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Call for service if you cannot fix the problem after trying all available troubleshooting options.
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Tips & Warnings
You can exceed the water capacity of the water heater by washing multiple loads of clothes with hot water.
Wait for the water heater to recharge before using any hot water.
Adjust the thermostat to a lower setting if the water from the water heater is too hot.
Strange sounds may be heard when the water in the heater cools and is re-heated.
Using hot water before the water heater can recharge will cause the water heater to constantly run to make enough hot water.
If the water temperature does not increase when adjusting the thermostat, the heating element may have gone bad.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
