Problems With the Electric Water Heater? A Troubleshooting Guide

Although water heaters are usually pretty reliable, you can sometimes find yourself in a bind when the hot water stops flowing. Both gas and electric water heaters store heated water in an insulated storage tank, the only difference is in how the water is heated. Gas water heaters use a gas fueled heater, while electric water heaters use an electric heating element.

Even with proper maintenance, problems can still occur with your water heater. When your electric water heater isn’t performing like it should, review this guide to troubleshoot the most common problems you may experience.

No Hot Water

Check your circuit or breaker box and make sure that your electric water heater is getting power. Replace blown fuses or reset tripped circuits if necessary. If this doesn’t fix the problem, shut off the power to your electric water heater at the breaker or fuse box. Test the heating element and thermostat and replace as necessary. If you are uncomfortable working on your electric water heater, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help.

Insufficient Hot Water

A faulty heating element may be to blame if you seem to be running out of hot water much sooner than normal. Another possibility is that your electric water heater is too small for your household. If you need a larger capacity unit, choose an Energy Star certified water heater to save money on your electric bill.

Leaky Pipes and Fittings

All leaks should be repaired immediately to prevent major damage, however proceed with caution. You must first make sure the power is off and the hot water tank is completely drained before attempting any repairs. If you are not experienced with draining the hot water tank or are just uncomfortable doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional to make the necessary repairs for you.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

Photo Credit: Horia Varlan via Compfight cc