Electric Hot Water Heater Problems
Most of us take hot water for granted enjoying hot showers and washing dishes. We all expect hot water whenever we need it until we discover we have electric hot water heater problems. If you are no longer getting adequate quantities of hot water or no hot water, it may be time to use these tips for troubleshooting hot water problems.
Milky looking water may be a concern, but it is not usually of a serious nature. This condition can be caused from low water pressure, which does not permit oxygen or gases to dissipate properly. Water will clear up when it is left in the tank to build up pressure.
Hammering water pipes can be a bit unnerving, but in most cases it is not a big problem. Older homes with sagging pipes create noise through the pipes and may require additional support. Sticky valves or malfunctioning valves that shut off too fast can also cause hammering.
Little hot water or no hot water can be caused by several problems. Check your circuit breaker and see if it has been tripped if there is no hot water at all. If the upper thermostat fails you may not have hot water. Check the heating element for damage (burnt) and replace if needed. Some hot water heaters have an energy cut off switch, which may have tripped and requires resetting.
A broken dip tube causes cool water to flow into heated water and results in warm water instead of hot water. Replacing the dip tube should provide the solution for this problem.
- Sediment buildup happens in many hot water heaters. The results are not producing large quantities of hot water in a timely fashion or not producing any hot water. At least once a year it is advisable to flush your system with the drain/flush valve and a hose to clean out sediment.