Can you imagine waking up to no hot water during colder months? Having issues with your electric water heater can ruin your morning, resulting in an unpleasant start to the day. If we keep aside all the fuss it creates during the start of the day, a non-functional electric water heater means an internal system problem. Issues with electric water heaters arise due to failed heating elements, incorrect settings, high water pressure, or a lack of tank maintenance. In such cases, considering hot water repairs in Sydney is an ideal decision.
If you don’t feel confident to repairing electric water heater yourself, then follow this guide to understand the root problem with your water heater before the expert plumber arrives.
Issues With Electric Water Heater and Ways to Troubleshoot
1. No Hot Water
If your electric water heater produces no hot water, then it may have:
- A tripped limit switch
- Inadequate power supply
- One or more failed heating elements
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If the circuit breaker has tripped, switch it off and then back on.
- If the circuit breaker did not trip, reset the heater’s high-temperature limit by switching off the breaker. Then carefully remove the access panel, insulation, and plastic safety guard of the electric water heater. Now, press the red button (heater’s high-temperature reset button) located above the upper thermostat.
- Once you reset the high-temperature limit, place the access panel, insulation, and safety guard back in place. Now, switch on the heater’s circuit breaker.
2. Inadequate Hot Water
If your electric water heater produces inadequate hot water, your water heater system might be too small for your household. Your hot water demand should match the capacity of the water heater.
- First, understand that the electric water heater should have a minimum of 70% of its capacity as hot water. If the hot water demand exceeds the heater’s capacity, try to reduce your shower time, install a shower head with low water flow, and divide laundry and dishwashing time.
If your electric water heater is suddenly producing less hot water, there might be some issues with the heating element.
- If you experience a constant supply of lukewarm water during a shower, there is an issue with the upper heating element.
- If the hot water runs out quickly during a shower, there is an issue with the lower heating element.
3. Water Is Too Hot
If your water heater produces extremely hot water, then you need to check the thermostat setting.
- First, switch off the power supply to the water heater. Then carefully remove the access panel, insulation, and plastic safety guard of the electric water heater. Make sure you do not touch any wires. Now, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
- Once done, check the heat setting of thermostats. Both thermostats should have the same temperature. We recommend keeping it between 115 and 125 degrees. Now, adjust the temperature as per the desired setting.
- Place the access panel, insulation, and safety guard back in place. Now, switch on the heater’s circuit breaker.
4. Water Leaks
Water leaks in an electric water heater usually occur due to leaking valves, plumbing connections, and tank problems.
- A leak coming from the water heater’s tank can be due to loose heating elements or corrosion. You can tighten the heating element using an element wrench.
- If the tank is corroded, then you must replace it immediately. First, switch off the power and water supply to the water heater. Now, drain the tank completely to prevent leakage.
You can always consider calling an expert for further assistance. If you are looking for a reliable electric water heater repairing & replacement in Sydney, get in touch with us today. Our experienced hot water plumbers in Sydney can install, replace, repair, and maintain all types of electric or gas water heaters.
