There are many common issues associated with electric hot water heaters. If you know for a fact that your hot water heater was installed appropriately and the device has been functioning properly prior to the development of a mechanical problem, the steps contained within this guide will prove to be highly beneficial to you. However, if you have just installed the system and it is not working properly, it can be assumed that it was not properly set up. Common problems associated with electric hot water heaters that have previously worked include lack of hot water production, water that is too hot, and possibly even unusual noises emitted from the system. Here, I will provide some basic troubleshooting steps for addressing and correcting the most common issues with water heaters.

Lack of Hot Water Production

Many electric hot water heaters experience the complication of not producing enough hot water or not producing any hot water at all. Let’s first evaluate the steps involved in resolving the issue of no hot water production. It is important to understand that electric hot water heaters have what is often referred to as a “high limit switch”. This is almost always located behind the cover plate for the thermostat on the unit. The first step to addressing no hot water production whatsoever is to check this switch to determine if it has “tripped”. This is much like a circuit breaker to the unit. If you discover that it has, all that you have to do is reset it according to the instructions provided by your electric hot water heater’s instruction manual. If this is not the issue, you must continue troubleshooting.

The next step is to evaluate the breaker box within the home. Electric hot water heaters will have an internal breaker that runs inside the home to control the electrical output. In some instances, this breaker will “pop” due to an electrical surge. When this occurs, there will be no way for the hot water heater to warm the water contained within the tank. The next step to resolving lack of hot water production in electric hot water heaters is to determine if the heating element within the system is working properly. You may need an electrician to do this, but the voltage should be tested at the top area of the heating element. If you find that there is voltage but the hot water is still not being produced, it may be time to replace the heating element.

Water is Too Hot

When it comes to electric hot water heaters, one of the most common and simplest issues of all is addressing water that is too hot. Most of the time, this issue can be resolved by simply adjusting the temperature on the hot water heater. In some instances, it could be that the heating element of the unit is malfunctioning. In this instance, you would need to ensure that the element is attached properly to the electrical supply. If it is, you should replace the heating element.

Unusual Noises

Many individuals that have implemented the use of electric hot water heaters have discovered that it is common to hear unusual noises coming from the unit. There are two issues that can result in loud noises. First, various types of sediment has accumulated on the floor of the tank. Second, the sediments within the tank have ended up on the heating elements and are producing sounds as the water is heated. In the first instance, a simple flush of the water tank may resolve the problem. If not, it may be time to replace the heating element in the tank.

As you can see, despite the fact that electric hot water heaters are very popular among homeowners, there are still a wide range of complications that may occur. By following the troubleshooting steps contained within this guide, you can ensure that the performance of the electric hot water heaters around your home are running at an optimized level at all times.