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Home Maintenance Topics

2-10 Maintenance Guide / Troubleshooting Breakdowns / Electric Water Heater Breakdowns

Troubleshooting Breakdowns

Electric Water Heater Breakdowns

Possible Cause
Possible Solution
No power to the water heater
Be sure the unit is plugged in, and then check and reset the circuit breaker
Defective or failed thermostats
Test and replace thermostats
Defective or failed heating elements
Test and replace heating elements
Sediment buildup in the tank
Drain and flush the tank (annually)
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The tank is too small
Install a larger capacity tank
Defective or failed heating elements
Test and replace heating elements
Thermostats are defective or require adjustment
Test and replace or adjust thermostats
Insufficient insulation around thermostats
Pack insulation around thermostats
Hot water faucets are leaking
Repair leaking faucets
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The thermostat is set too high
Turn down the thermostat
The heating elements are defective
Test and replace heating elements
Thermostats are defective
Test and replace the thermostats
Possible Cause
Possible Solution
The seal on the heating element is defective
Check and replace the seal
The safety valve is defective
Check and replace the safety valve
The tank has a cracked liner or has rusted through
Replace the water heater
A plumbing line or connection has failed
Call a qualified plumber