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An electrical water heater has several electrical component; Upper thermostat, lower thermostat,a connecting wire from the thermostat to the circuit breaker, upper and lower heating elements and a wire connecting the circuit breaker and water heater. All these makes up an electrical water heater and needs to be checked in case it stops functioning. In these article we are going to look at how to trouble shoot an electric water heater.
The function of the two heating elements (Upper and lower) in an electrical water heater as the name suggests is to basically heat the water. The lowwer heating element does all the donkey work, making the water lukewarm the upper heating elements only function’s to make the water hot. If the water is too hot or never hot you will need to check the upper heating element and on the other hand, if the water is always cold then you will have to check the lower heating element.
To check whether the thermostat or the heating element is properly functioning, you will need a multi-meter. The first step in doing this is turning off the power from the circuit breaker or the fuse. Now remove the access panel and check the thermostat. You may need to remove the insulation covering it. Look around for a red button if it is out then the thermostat is tripped. After ensuring the thermostat is not tripped check whether both the heater and the thermostat is functioning by checking for an open or closed circuit. This is where the Multi-meter comes in.
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Set it to ‘OHMS’ then connect the red and black lead to the two terminals. A reading of 0 indicates no electricity flow and therefore requires replacement and a reading of 0.1 indicates that the circut is open and the heater element is functioning properly. Before all this is done make sure you have checked the breaker box to ensure it isn’t tripped and that the heater receive enough power. If you are not sure about this please consult a pro or an electrician.
If you find the heating element faulty, remove the water heater by putting off the power then draining the water from the heater. The next step is to remove the insulation and cover panel protecting the heating element. If need be, remove the thermostat cover and then loosen and remove the wire connecting the two terminals. Remove the heating element by unscrewing the four screw holding it in position.
When should one replace a water heater? One should replace a water heater when its starts leaking water leaving a rusty mark on the bottom. This normally happens in the case of cheap electrical water heater or simply an old one.In conclusion the main areas that causes problems in a water heater causing it to stop functioning are the heater element, the thermostat or the breakers.
Missed taking that hot shower? Then go fix that water heater but if you still feel you can’t do it then you better contact the a local Spring Plumber.
