Did you step into the shower only to discover that there’s no hot water? Well, then, get out and read the rest of this troubleshooting guide.
We’ve collected information on the most common hot water heater repairs for you. So, once you diagnose the reason behind your hot water issue, you can scroll down and find the solution in this comprehensive write-up.
What’s more, we know the morning shower cannot wait. Therefore, we made it so that the solutions are quick ones.
Now, let us look at those problems one by one and find you a solution for each:
No hot water
Should there be a lack of hot water, then it could have happened due to several reasons. Firstly, your hot water heater may not be getting power. Secondly, it may also have a tripped limit switch. Thirdly, any of the heating elements might have failed.
What you can do is begin with checking the circuit breaker. You’ll find it in the service panel. Now, switch it off and then switch it on again. If that was your problem, consider it successfully solved!
However, that isn’t the only hot water heater repair issue you may have. Sans any tripping breakers, you can move on to reset the limit on the heater’s high temperature. For that:
- Turn off the breaker first
- Then take the access panel away covering the upper heating element
- Without touching the terminals or wires, remove the plastic safety guard and insulation
- Next, you’ll need to press the button above the upper thermostat. It will reset the limit.
You should also consider newer innovations like a tankless water heater – you can read more about these unique systems on the Water Heater Reviews website here: https://waterheaterreviewssite.com/titan-scr2-n-120-electric-tankless-water-heater/
Water not hot enough
Inadequately hot water that doesn’t meet your needs can also be because of the temperature setting. Or, you may want to check the heating elements.
Other issues that could be behind showers starting hot and turning cold later include dip tube damage and tank sedimentation. You know how to fix the first three things yourself. But you may want to scroll down for the last one.
Discolored water
Pipe corrosion is the main reason why the water flowing from your faucet is spouting off discolored water. If your water heater tank is filling up with sediment, such a build-up can harm the pipes. Mostly, calcium is the mineral that will accumulate inside of a water heater.
However, letting the issue be can have dangerous consequences. For one, sedimentation will disrupt heat distribution or cause the failure of electric heating elements.
Things may progress downhill enough to result in water tank failure. Also, remember that such contamination may as well have potential health effects. Therefore, resolve it sooner than later.
So, here’s what you can do:
- Connect the water heater’s drainage valve to a hose on one end and the other to a drain.
- Turn on a hot water faucet and switch off power to the water heater.
- Then cut the water supply to the water heater.
- Now, let the water from the drainage valve flow out without touching it.
- Fill the tank with cold water after that’s done to flush out the sediment.
You should do this once yearly to prevent the build-up of sediments.
Water with rotten egg smell
Sometimes, though, a water heater issue isn’t about the actual heating. A rotten egg-like smell in the water can be the result of bacteria build-up. The odor that you smell is as actually the sulfurous waste products that the bacterial population is producing.
Usually, when hot water heaters aren’t in use for a while, bacteria may begin growing in their water tanks. Aside from that, this can also occur if the thermostat is set too low. It allows the microbes to thrive. While the bacteria themselves may not be harmful, you wouldn’t want to walk all day in a cloud of sulfur or like rotten eggs.
Another scenario that can cause this odor to develop is a corroded anode rod in the water heater. Replacing the said anode rod can fix this.
Take these steps to correct this issue:
- Cut off the power to the water heater.
- Drain the water tank partially, so that you can get at the anode rod.
- Once you discard it, prevent leaks by using Teflon tape on the threads.
- Now tighten the new anode rod into place.
- Finally, turn the water heater on after refilling the tank.
Sediment and odor issues are common occurrences when the water you get in your pipes is hard water. You may remedy it by installing a water softener/filter.
While this guide may be of great use to you, there is something else you should keep in mind. You don’t fix an electric water heater in the same way you do a gas one. You won’t want to mistake one for the other. Get expert opinion before you do so!
About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook