DIY: Electric Water Heater Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Electric water heaters run by the controlling action of two thermostats. One is to heat the water when the temperature drops below a certain level, the other is to shut the power off once it has reached the selected temperature for the tank. There is also what is known as a sacrificial anode rod, fitted to the inside of the water tank to attract minerals and other impurities that would reduce the life of the tank and heating element. Problems that occur can be helped by electric water heater troubleshooting, but this may depend on the problem. Always remember that there may be a time to turn off the power or the water when trying to sort out a problem.

If there is something wrong an assessment will need to be made as to what is causing it. Cold water is one of the more common problems with electric water heaters, and using the results of electric water heater troubleshooting can help to decide what is causing the breakdown. If may be the control or eco-energy switch for the high temperature has been tripped, this will require resetting so the normal function can be restored. The upper or lower thermostats may need checking to see if any of these have failed. In this case check them with a voltmeter and replace if necessary. Cold water can also be caused by the heating element in the tank failing, if this happens then a new heating element will have to be installed to replace the one that is not working.

Other problems that may require electric water heater troubleshooting is the quality of the water. If the water has an unpleasant smell then this may be due to certain types of bacteria and to find this problem it is a good idea to check your supply of water. If this is where the problem is occurring then installing a water filter may help. Draining the tank and flushing it is also another option which will remove any built up sediment and other impurities that may have entered the water heating and storage unit. If a pressure relief valve is leaking this may be due to a faulty valve which will need replacing, the temperature setting is too high and will need to be turned down, or there is too much pressure in the pipes which will require a pressure reducing valve fitted to the water supply line. If you cannot sort the problem out then you may have to get a plumber or electrician to do an assessment.