Comments on: How to Troubleshoot Your Water Heater

on 9/15/2008 This article saved me several dollars today. You rock, EHOW!

on 8/20/2008 why did my water all the soden get so hot you cant stand it.? ive checked the settings thier both at 120 DEGs.

on 11/26/2007 a broken dip tube will cause no hot water or you will run out in seconds. Dip tube is located under the cold water inlet nipple

on 9/20/2007 why would my cold water tap in bathroom sink have hot water come out when tiolet is flushed never heard of that before.Please help.

on 1/18/2007 There are two important tools to have if you plan on working on your own. It's very simple to do. I am a woman, and I always fix my own. You can buy a hot water heater checker at Home Depot. They are less than $10. It will tell you if the blame for your trouble is the element, thermostat, or something else. A lot of hot water heaters take a special "socket" that you use to take out the old element.

Also, make sure you check to see if there is any calcium buildup where the element goes in at. You can use an old spoon with a stick taped to it (stick is used for the handle) to reach in and scoop out the old calcium. I hope this helps.

on 6/30/2006 I removed the top cover and found the top element. I put my ear to the tank and there was no sound. I pressed the reset button on the top element housing, and presto! The sizzling sound started. After 20 minutes, I could feel heat surrounding the upper element and the water was heating.

The temperature had gotten too hot and tripped the switch. Listen for the sizzle near the elements.

on 11/22/2005 Simply get your hammer, a large flat headed screwdriver and some safety glasses. After putting the glasses on, turn the blade of the screwdriver sideways across the top left edge of the element and strike it in a downward motion until the element loosens (it took me two blows), then unscrew the rest of the way by hand or any other type of plier. Replace the gasket and element and tighten.

on 2/12/2007 On an electric water heater, there are usually two elements. If one goes bad, this causes luke-warm water. Replacing the elements is as simple as matching the wattage (e.g.; 4500 watts x 2 on a standard 40 gallon residential heater), and follow this procedure:
1. Shut off power (Very important!) @ the breaker.
2. Turn the water valve off above the heater.
3. Go in the house and turn a faucet on (Hot side) until the water runs out, then turn it back OFF.
4. Remove the element cover plates on the heater. This exposes the wiring, thermostats and elements.
5. Remove the two wires on each element you wish to replace (in some cases, only one element need be replaced).
6. (Important, follow closely!) To unscrew the element, you'll need a socket made exclusively for the element you can purchase with the element. Have the new element close and loosen the old one in the heater slightly so you can unscrew it with your fingers. Hold the new element in one hand, and unscrew the old one in the other. Immediately replace the old element with the new one as quickly as possible to avoid losing water.
7. Tighten the new element hand tight then 1/2 to 3/4 turn more, put it all back together, and you're done!
A couple of important notes: Step #6 is so you don't have to drain your heater. Keeping the faucets in the house off creates a vacuum like putting your finger over the top of a straw in water. You'll lose a small amount of water so keep a towel close, but nothing to worry about! Also, DO NOT turn the power back on until you turn the water valve back on and run the tub (Hot side) until all air is out (Usually 2 to 5 minutes). This is especially important if you do drain your heater. The elements will burn out immediately if they are turned on and not submersed! Turn the power on last! One last thing: Water heater warranties rarely cover elements and/or thermostats, so save yourself a bundle of $$ and DO IT YOURSELF!

on 11/22/2005 All codes require a temperature/pressure relief valve be installed with tank. Check valve regularly by lifting the lever on the valve and watching the water come out. This will prevent the tank from blowing up, just like a bomb! If
defective, replace!

on 11/22/2005 (1) Immediately turn hot taps completely on at every sink, tub and shower; this drains hot water from the tank and lessens pressure. (2) Flip off the electrical breaker for the heater in order to prevent further heating. (3) Suspect thermostat failure.

on 11/22/2005 If you have a leak in one of your hot water lines your water heater may not be able to keep up. Shut the water supply off to the unit for a few minutes then turn it back on, if you hear water rush through the valve its replenishing lost water.