Before you begin any work on your electric water heater, be sure to turn ALL the power OFF. Do not assume that the power is off because you turned the breaker off for the water heater. There are times when labels are incorrect. Turning all the power off will save your life. Use a power reading meter that can read up to 240 volts. It is sometimes difficult to determine the actual cause of a problem, as many problems will mimic one another. Listed below are some of the most common problems that can occur with an electric water heater and the steps to troubleshoot them. See our other hot water heaters articles

The first thing to do is to check to make sure there is not another cause other than the electric water heater.  Make sure there are not any leaks in any of the faucets.  Check to make sure the toilets are not running.  Make sure no one just did a load of laundry or dishes that would cause the water to run cold quickly.

Troubleshooting Tip #1 – Electric Water Heater is too Small.  

You may need a bigger electric water heater for your home.

Troubleshooting Tip #2 - Dip Tube is Broken.  

This is a plastic tube found inside the water heater.  The tube runs from the top of the water heater to about 8 inches from the bottom of the tank.  It forces the cold water to the bottom of the tank and pushes the hot water out of the hot outlet of the water heater.  If the tube breaks, any hot water below the broken part will need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting Tip #3 - Lower Element is Burned out.  

To test this, make sure the power is off and remove the cover from the lower element.  Remove both wires from the element.  Use a meter to test for continuity.  If there is not any reading, then this needs to be replaced.  

Steps to replace this element:

1. Make sure power is off and turn off the water.  Open all hot water faucets in the home.  
2. Connect a hose to the electric water heater and drain it.  If water does not flow, blow in to the other end of the hose.  There could be sediment coming from the drain.  If you still cannot get the tank to drain, then there may be too much sediment, and you will need a new electric water heater.  
3. Make sure to purchase the right size and wattage element for your electric water heater.  You may need a special tool for the screw out type, but otherwise the 4 bolt types will use a standard socket wrench.  Unscrew the element. The rubber washer will come out.  Clean the area where it was.    Clear any debris.  
4. Screw on new element.  Do not pinch the rubber washer.  
5. Close drain fitting and turn water back on.  
6. Leave hot water faucet on until the air has run out and there is a steady flow of water.
7. Turn off all faucets and make sure there are not any leaks around the element.
8. Reconnect wires. 
9. Put plastic cover over thermostat.

Troubleshooting Tip #4 – Circuit has Blown

Check the main switch on the water heater and the circuit breaker.   If circuit breaker has tripped, simply reset it by flipping it all the way to OFF and then back to ON.  If this happens continuously, contact a professional.

Troubleshooting Tip #5 -  High Temperature Cutoff is Bad

Open the panel.  Push the reset button.  If there is not a clicking sound or you do not have power after you press it, then the high temperature cutoff is bad.  

Troubleshooting Tip #6 – Leaking Water

If there is leaking water, then you may need to replace it.  

Try these troubleshooting tips before you purchase a new water heater.  This could save you money.  Just remember if you are unsure of anything, contact a professional.

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