Avoid
electrocution/ Tape multimeter leads to wood Stand on dry boards Do not touch metal Wear dry clothes Do not touch wet water heater |
How
to troubleshoot electric water heater
|
How
electric water heater works Wire water heater thermostats Test thermostats Replace thermostats Test water heater elements Replace element and clean tank Remove rusted element Change temperature on thermostat How to install gas water heater Cost to run a water heater Low hot water pressure Test and replace TP valve All brands of water heater are good |
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
  Tank must be full of water  |
✔New/
repaired water heater not working Both thermostats and elemets replaced but water heater not working. Causes: Tank not heated yet. Electric water heater heats 21 gallons per hour. Example chart Leak is causing hot water to run out of tank. Turn off taps. Put ear against pipe and listen for running water. Reset button not pushed in. Action: Open top cover and push red reset button firmly. Put insulation back over parts. Open TP valve and see if tank has hot water at top of tank. How to adjust temperature Open drain valve and see if lower part of tank is heated, if tank has hot water, pipes may be reversed. Cold and hot water lines are reversed. Action: Look at markings on top of tank to identify cold and hot inlets. Run hot water for a moment and see which pipe feels warm: that will be hot pipe. Wire insulation is under screw plate. Wires are loose. Shorted wire between parts. Test wires Upper thermostat not wired correctly. See image Thermostat loose and not sitting flat against tank. Wiggle each thermostat. Look for rusted clip that might not hold thermostat tight against metal tank. Circuit breaker tripped or tripped on one leg. Action: check breaker, reset breaker, more wires to another same-size breaker Read testing steps Element burned out because tank was not full of water when power turned on. Action: Test element Wire connections at tank are loose. Actions: Check wire nuts. Twist wire together. Make sure ground wire attached to green screw. Test for 240Volts across wires from breaker. Household pipes are clogged with sediment. Action Low hot water pressure Single handle faucet cartridge bad, check valve bad. Action: Read about crossover Water heater was dropped. Action |
||
| ✔Tank
must be full of water -or- element burns out Fill water heater tank before turning circuit breaker ON, . Turn water ON. Open bathtub spout. Wait for full stream of water. Turn bathtub OFF. Lift TP lever for moment to bleed last of air from tank. Tank is full of water. Turn circuit breaker ON. How to test element |
|||
|
|
|||
 Gradually/ suddenly less hot water can be caused by sediment in bottom of tank |
✔Gradually
less hot water: Upper element is good if you have some hot water Quick answer: Adjust temperature up on thermostats. Check circuit breaker is good, open tank covers inspect for burned wire, replace both thermostats. Adjust thermostat temperature How to replace thermostats Test thermostats Causes: 1) Sediment inside tank. Action: How to clean sediment out of tank and replace element 2) Check for under-voltage. Action: Test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 220-240Volts How to test water heater circuit 3) Hot water slow to arrive: Read about crossover 4) Thermostat going bad. Action: Test thermostats. Replace both thermostats 5)Temperature needs to be set higher. Action: Adjust temperature 6) Loose wire on lower thermostat or lower element. Action: Look for burned wires and overheated parts. Replace part that wire is connected to. How to replace thermostat How to replace element 7) Broken dip tube letting cold water enter upper tank. Actions: Remove cold water nipple and pull out dip tube for inspection. Look for bits of plastic in areator. Read broken dip tube 8) Other possible causes: Shorting wire, shorting breaker, bad lower element. Test electricity TP valve running, leaking faucet, broken pipe. How to replace TP valve |
||
Bad SmellRotten eggs |
✔Bad
smell, rotten egg smell: Quick answer: Harmless bacteria reacts with anode rod to produce rotten egg smell. Replace anode rod Remove anode rod prevents odor but tank rusts out quickly Other causes: Dirt got into line when repairs were made and bacteria entered tank; Garden hose left in standing water so water got sucked into household water heater where bacteria has multiplied. New water heater was installed in placed of old water heater had depleted anode rod. Action: Have well service shock-treat water well. Drain and flush water heater with clorox or hydrogen peroxide, replace anode rod. Best: reconfigure pipes above water heater so hydrogen peroxide can be added frequently. Install power anode rod. Replace anode rod Flush water heater to remove smell Buy powered anode rod for permanent solution |
||
 30 seconds Hot water is slow or cold |
✔Hot
water is cool or never arrives: Quick answer: Open TP valve briefly and see if water is hot inside tank, check for crossover, inspect for leaks. Causes: 1) Water leaks run hot water out of tank: Action: turn off all water and listen for sound of running water. 3) Leaking TP valve: How to check & replace TP valve 4) Crossover: Read about crossover 5) Bad check valve causing cold to enter hot pipe. Action: replace check valve 6) Broken dip tube letting cold water enter upper tank. Actions: Remove cold water nipple and pull out dip tube for inspection. Look for bits of plastic in areator. Read broken dip tube 7) Faulty recirculation system;: Clean recirculation system check valve with white vinegar Recirculation system |
||
 |
✔Low water pressure & clogged pipes: Low water pressure | ||
 |
✔Hot
water is rusty: Quick answer: Tank is rusted and needs to be replaced Rusty water indicates rusted water heater. Replace anode rod and rusting will stop. Check and replace water heater anode rod If tank hull is rusted and ready to rupture, it is time to shop for a new heater before rupture causes massive damage. Inspect water heater for leak |
||
 Very hot water |
✔Very
hot water Quick answers: Stacking; Bad thermostat: Test thermostats How to replace thermostats Cracked element: Test elements Causes: 1) Bad thermostat causing runaway heating. Action: Replace thermostats How to replace thermostats 2) Many short draws of hot water can cause tank to overheat. Action: Read about Stacking 3) Missing insulation. Action: Check that factory insulation is installed over thermostats, and has not been removed 4) Look that thermostat is sitting flat against tank. Action: wiggle thermostat back and forth. 5) Bad upper or lower element can continue heating even if thermostat is OFF. Action: Test elements for short through center of element. How to test elements 6) Thermostat set too high. Thermostats are calibrated for approximate temperature, and can change over time. Action: Check temperature setting on thermostat TP valve leaking How to check & replace TP valve |
||
|
|
|||
 |
✔Suddenly
LESS hot water: a) If tank has some hot water, then following suspects are eliminated: Red reset button is good, upper element is good Quick answer: Replace both thermostats How to test thermostats How to replace thermostats Causes include: 1) Check for under-voltage. Action: Test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 220-240Volts How to test water heater circuit 2) Temperature needs to be set higher, especially on lower thermostat. Action: Adjust temperature 3) Bad upper or lower thermostat. Actions: Test thermostats. Replace both thermostats. 4) Leak has caused rusted parts. Check for rusted parts and leaking. 5) Bad lower element and sediment build-up. Action: How to test element. How to replace element and clean out sediment. 6) Loose wires. Action: Look for signs of burning and high heat. Cut back wire & Test wire for continuity as shown in next step. Replace part connected to burned wire. 7) Defective wire between upper and lower parts of tank. Action. Replace both wires from top of tank. How to wire thermostats 8) Broken dip tube letting cold water enter upper tank. Actions: Remove cold water nipple and pull out dip tube for inspection. Look for bits of plastic in areator. Read broken dip tube 9) TP valve is running hot water out of tank, leaking faucet, broken pipe. Action: Turn off all water. Listen for sound of running water. How to test and replace TP valve |
||
 |
|
||
 | ✔Not enough hot water for large bath or several baths: If you run out of hot water with 1 bath, then review 'suddenly less hot water above' If you run out of water with several baths, then water heater may be too small. Set temperature higher. Clean out sediment. Size chart. Clean out sediment. Turn up thermostats Oversized garden tub or whirlpool bath requires 80 gallon first hour delivery. Gas water heater sized 50 gallon or more can meet this demand. Electric water heater must be at least 60 gallon, and then thermostats may need to be turned UP to higher temperature See first hour chart | ||
 Look for burned or melted wire Replace part Cut back wire Test continuity of wire/ or replace wire |
✔Inspection
finds burned wire: Action: Look for burned or melted wire connections. Replace part that burned wire is connected to. Test continuity of wire that has been burned. Replace wire that has no continuity.
|
||
|
|
|||
 |
✔Suddenly
NO hot water: Quick answer: Check circuit breaker. Push red reset button firmly. Replace both thermostats How to replace thermostats Causes: 1) Water leak can short-out water heater parts. Always stand on dry boards when working with electric heater. Actions: Check for evidence of leaks and rust around elements that can short parts: Action: Test and replace shorted parts. Check for leak top of tank, bottom of tank. Actions: Replace rusted water heater: Read leaking water heater 2) Red reset button tripped. Action: Push ECO reset button firmly. If ECO 'high limit' doesn't reset, replace upper thermostat. How to replace thermostats 3) Bad upper thermostat: Action: Test thermostats. Replace both thermostats.Test thermostats How to replace thermostats 4) Loose/burned wiring: Action: Check all connections for signs of burning. Cut back or replace wire. Replace element or thermostat that burtned wire is connected to. How to replace thermostats How to replace element 5) Bad upper element. Actions: How to test elements. How to replace elements. 6) Under-voltage. Action: Test across top two screws on upper thermostat for 220-240Volts. How to test water heater circuit 7) Circuit breaker tripped: Actions: Flip breaker all the way one direction and then back again. Listen for crackling sound and smell of burning. How to test water heater circuit. How to replace circuit breaker 8) TP valve is running hot water out of tank, leaking faucet, broken pipe. Action: Turn off all water. Listen for sound of running water. How to test and replace TP valve |
||
 Upper thermostat: ECO reset button  240Volts arrive at upper thermostat |
✔Suddenly
NO hot water/ ECO
reset tripped: Information Red reset button or 'high limit control' or Energy Cut Off or ECO will cut off electric power to entire water heater. ECO
shuts off both hot wires in the 240V circuit. |
||
|
✔Causes:
ECO reset tripped: 1. ECO will trip when either upper or lower thermostat sticks in ‘on’ position causing continuous heating. Once water reaches 150-180° F, the ECO trips and turns off electricity to water heater.
4.
ECO can trip if factory-installed insulation and cover have been
removed. Result: Thermostat exposed to cooler temperatures and misreads
temp inside tank. Elements overheat tank. Action: re-install insulation |
|||
 Larger
image |
✔Information
about Thermostats and tank wiring How to test thermostats How to replace thermostats How thermostats work Off peak thermostats and timers How to wire thermostats Simultaneous, non-simultaneous, redundant, single-element, off-peak, two water heaters Household water heater = Non-simultaneous thermostat operation  |
||
 Larger image |
✔ECO
reset keeps tripping: Quick answer: Replace both thermostats, test elements Test thermostats How to test elements How to replace thermostats Causes: 1) Make sure thermostats are covered with protector, insulation, and cover. Thermostat exposed to room temperature will misread temperature and cause overheating. 2) make sure thermostat sits flat against tank wall 3) Bad upper or lower thermostat. Action: Replace both upper and lower thermostats. How to replace thermostats 4) Bad element causes run-away heating. Action: Test elements. How to test elements 5) Many short draws of hot water can cause tank to overheat. Action: Read about Stacking |
||
|
|||
 |
✔Electric
shock when touching faucet or pipe inside house Call electrician immediately. This must be solved professionally. There are too many possible causes to list. There is a dangerous short, and the short is not being properly grounded. Possible causes at water heater: Cracked element shorted to ground as described above. Action: How to test elements Shorted wire between elements or thermostats. Action Test wires. Ground wire is not connected to tank. Action: connect ground wire to ground screw at top of tank. Hot and Cold water pipes are not bonded. Action: add #6 copper jumper wire between hot and cold pipes. Ground wire has come loose from ground rod. Action: Turn power off and reconnect ground wire. |
||
Maintain water heater |
✔ Maintain
water heater Flush each 6 months Inspect for leaks each 6 months Check and replace anode rod each 1-3 years Troubleshoot resources for electric Troubleshoot resources for gas Safety precautions Read and save product manual 9 ways to save with water heater More Do-it-yourself resources |
||
 Understanding
safety
features:
Residential electric water heaters have 3
critical
safety features: <> 1. Circuit breaker that cuts power at service panel <> 2. TP valve see image that releases water if pressure builds inside tank <> 3. ECO red reset button, or high limit, that turns off electricity when overheating is detected. 4. Ground wire that conducts electrical short back to ground rod. Never touch water heater that is wet or was wet, unless power is confirmed OFF. |
|||
| Power is ON means risk of electrocution which can be sudden, or can take a moment or two, and will include anyone who grabs a hold of you. Have your spouse knock you loose from wires using a 2x4, and then treat possible stopped heart and 3rd degree burns. If you are not familiar with electricity, and/or spouse does not want to hit you with a board, then use EZ repair above, or call plumber, or electrician. If you want to understand how to test water heaters, then keep reading information below. | |||
 Action #1: test for 240Volt at upper element |
✔Water
heater has electricity but not heating water Power is ON Quick answer:: Check tank label for voltage of appliance. If circuit breaker is burned or broken, water heater receives 120V, so heater appears to have electricity but is not working. Use multimeter to test water heater for 240V at L1-L3 screws on upper thermostat -and- test breaker [wiggle breaker and listen for crackling sound of shorting breaker; move wires to another same amp 240 breaker]. Replace circuit breaker. Other causes: red reset button tripped, upper thermostat bad, upper element burned out, loose or shorted wire: read steps below. |
||
| ✔Suddenly
NO hot water/ test for 240Volts Power is ON Water heater appears to have power, but doesn't make hot water because circuit requires 240Volts.
Power is ON during test. Stand on dry boards. Do not touch or lean into
anything made of metal.Action #1: Test for 240Volts across top two screws on upper thermostat. Action #2: Test each screw to bare metal part of heater. Each screw should test for power. Action #3: If action #1 does not show 240Volts, then test wires at top of water heater: Black to Red must test for 240V. Black to ground tests 120V and Red to ground tests 120V. See basic water heater circuit If 240Volts is not present. Check circuit breaker and wire between breaker and water heater If water heater has 2 elements, then water heater is 240Volts. If curcuit breaker is tripped on one leg and delivering 120Volts, then water heater appears to have electricity but doesn't work. |
|||
 Breaker is tripping Water heater not receiving 240Volts |
✔Suddenly
NO hot water/ Water
heater not receiving 240Volts: Breaker trips because of heat. Action: Reset breaker 1) Loose wires on breaker can cause heat. Action: Turn off main breaker, Tighten both wires on circuit breaker. 2) Loose breaker can trip breaker. Action: Wiggle breaker and listen for crackling sound and smell of burning. Move wires to another identical-sized breaker and see if problem continues. Replace circuit breaker. 3) Short caused by wiring inside tank can trip breaker. Action: If breaker will not reset, move breaker wires to identical-sized breaker and see if problem continues. If different breaker trips also, then short is located at tank or along wire going to tank. Inspect wire to tank for damage caused by nail, staple or rat gnaws. 4) Short inside tank: Inspect for burned wires and melting. Test for continuity between each wire and bare metal part of water heater. Set multimeter to read ohms. Any positive test to bare metal hull of water heater indicates shorted wire that will trip breaker. 5) Wet water heater can trip breaker. Action: leave breaker OFF and inspect for leaks. 6) Undersized breaker and wire can trip. Action: make sure breaker is 30 amp and wire is 10 Gauge 7) Flooded water heater must be replaced: |
||
 Use 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire on 240Volt water heaters Circuit breaker is tripping: Causes include: Undersized breaker and wire. 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker for wattages over 3800. Loose wire on breaker. Bad circuit breaker. Leaking water heater. Leaking element. Burned wire on element or thermostat. Shorted element. |
✔Breaker
is tripping: Cause 1: Water heater element is shorted to ground. Action: Turn off power and test elements. Water heater is leaking: Do not touch wet or leaking water heater. Turn power OFF and inspect for leak Element is cracked and/or touching anode rod. Action: Turn off power and test elements Shorted wire or burned part. Action: Open covers, and inspect for burned parts and test wires Prevent electrocution: Do not touch wet water heater or leaking water heater. At water heater, electrically ground both pipes together and connect ground wire to ground screw on tank. See image Cause 2: If water heater is tripping breaker, the breaker and wire may be too small Action: Feel if circuit breaker is warm. Jiggle breaker and listen for crackling sound. Smell if there is bruning. Check breaker size: should be 30 amp for wattage over 3800W. Wattage printed on end of each element. 30 amp is suitable for 4500 watt and 5500 watt residential water heaters 30 amp circuit runs cooler = less amp loss = more efficient use of electricity Undersized breaker and wire will cause heat damage to circuit breaker and breaker box Wire size and amp chart Figure volts amps for water heater Cause 3: Breaker is bad. Move wires to another same-size breaker and see if problem continues. How to replace circuit breaker 9-ways to save with water heater |
||
  Short caused breaker to trip |
|
||
 |
✔Installed
new element, and now ECO is tripping: Quick answer: Replace thermostats and test elements Inspect for burned parts and and loose wires: Replace burned part. ECO trips when wire gauge is too small for element wattage, causing heat that trips ECO. This happens if replacement element has greater wattage than shows on label on side of tank. Compare rating label on side of tank with wattage rating printed on end of each element. ✔Installed new element, and now Circuit breaker is tripping: Any element over 3800 watts must have 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker Move wires to different breaker and see if problem contuinues Replace circuit breaker Troubleshoot Household electric |
||
|
|
|||
 Larger image |
|
||
| http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html | |||
|
|||
|
|
|||
 |
✔Leaking water heater Quick answer: Read: water heater is leaking Do not touch water heater that is wet. Turn power OFF before touching. <> Rusted tank needs replacement before rupture > Read: water heater is leaking |
||
 |
✔TP
valve leaking Read: water heater is leaking How to test and replace TP valve Do NOT cap off TP valve |
||
 |
✔Drain
valve dripping/ leaking/ clogged 1) Use garden hose cap drain valve to stop dripping 2) How to replace drain valve 3) Water-heater-will-not-drain |
||
 |
✔How
old is water heater? Find manufacturer and serial number on side of tank How to find age of water heater Water heater manufacturers Leaking water heater How to maintain water heater ✔Tank must be in upright position to work correctly. Laying tank on side will cause water heater not to work efficiently. Elements will still heat water, but tank design is for hot water to travel to top of tank where hot outlet is located. How it works |
||
 | Warranties
by brand There are 3 main manufacturers that make all other brands: Rheem, AO-Smith, Bradford White. Most warranties are the same and protect against defects in workmanship. Water heater manufacturers Kenmore water heater warranty is printed in each product manual Example Kenmore water heater warranty Rheem: Example 6 year Rheem water heater manual from 2003 Rheem warranty claim form Rheem parts warranty claim form American Residential: Example American residential warranty 2006 Rheem Marathon: Example Marathon warranty GE Heat pump GE Hybrid water heater manual Bradford White :Bradford White warranty policy and coverage GE: GE water heater warranties | ||
 |
✔Drop
water heater/ water heater fell over Electric water heater will be repairable. External metal shell can dent without causing problem as long as element-thermostat covers are not pushed against electrical parts, and water connections are good. (Drop gas water heater will probably break TRD/FVIR requiring water heater replacement Read) 1) Electric elements might break. Action: Test elements 2) Thermostats might becomes loose and not touch tank wall. Action: Check if each thermostat sits flat against tank. Push in red reset button. 3) Wires might be loose. Action: Open covers and inspect for loose wires. 4) Anode rod or dip tube might break. Action: Stand tank upright. Remove lower element and see if dip tube or anode rod are touching bottom of tank. Replace anode rod Replace dip tube. 5) Internal steel tank will not be harmed, except enamal 'glass' liner might crack or chip. Action: Inspect and change anode rod each 2-3 years to prevent rusting. 6) Drain valve might breake off: Action: How to replace drain valve |
||
 |
How to remove water heater from attic | ||
 |
How to lift heavy water heater into attic | ||
 |
✔Water
heater will not drain Use household water pressure and washing-machine hose to flush open water heater Read more |
||
 |
|
||
 |
✔Electric
bill suddenly skyrocketed Causes 1) New smart meter was installed on house. Old meter might have been inaccurate Action: Break meter glass with hammer and they will replace with another new smart meter purchased from China. The new Chinese-made smart meters will replace your friend's meter reader job, but are tested accurate. Low chance of getting two meters in a row that are bad, so breaking meter gives second opinion. Wear goggles. 2) Water heater could be cause. Is water very hot? Test elements. Replace thermostats. Also use EZ repair at top of page 3) Water heater circuit could be bad: Turn off all breakers except water heater. See if meter is still showing usage. Turn off breaker to water heater and see if meter slows or stops. In some cases, if water heater element is shorted to ground, the meter will continue running. Test elements 4) Water leak is running hot water out of tank, causing elements to run continuously. Action: Fix leaks. Turn off all taps. Put ear againsts pipe and listen for water running. Check TP overflow tube. 5) Water heater bleeding electricity to ground. Actions: Open covers and inspect tank parts for burned wire. Test wires between tank parts. Test and replace elements: How to test elements Test for leaks to ground. Turn power OFF and completely disconnect ground wire from tank. Turn power ON and look at meter, but do NOT touch tank with ground wire disconnected. 6) Malfunctioning heat-pump water heater. Call service tech. This page doesn't cover heat-pump troubleshoot. 7) Water heater circuit connected to another usage in addition to water heater. Action: Check 240V circuit breaker has only 2 individual wires. Follow cable to see if junction box is found. Turn off breaker and check if other usage points are out. Check if neighbor's house has outage when you turn off your breaker. 8) If home has recirculation system, the thermostat on recirc system might be bad. Water heater recirculation system How to install electric meter on water heater |
||
 Art-post.net |
Away on weekends -or- gone for 6 months > Should water heater be drained? No. The anode rod cannot protect tank from rusting unless water heater is full. Anode rods > Should water be turned OFF? Yes. Close water shut-off valve and open hot tap for a moment to relieve pressure. This action will protect home from possible flood if tank develops leak. Leaking water heater > Should power to water heater be turned OFF? Yes, turn it off if tank will not freeze. No, if tank can freeze, then turn thermostat down to lowest setting Another option is to install 7-day timer, and turn water heater ON for 1 hour every other day. 7-day timers > Any problems when returning? Possible odor problems inside tank after several weeks: drain water heater, and pour in 2 pints hydrogen peroxide. See information More info Possible hydrogen build-up in tank after several weeks. Open faucet located at highest point in home, let hot run for minutes. If hydrogen is present, air will come out faucet. Do not turn on light switch that could cause spark until area is vented. Read about hydrogen Read more |
||
 See larger image |
Troubleshooting part 1: Reset button and tank safetyRed reset button or 'high limit control' or Energy Cut Off or ECO will cut off electric power to entire water heater if water reaches 150-180° F <> or if electrical short causes top thermostat to overheat.ECO shuts off both hot wires in the 240V circuit. Look at diagram on left: 240V arrives at L1 and L3 screws of top thermostat <> when ECO is tripped, L1 and L3 screws are hot but electricity stops there. Troubleshooting part 2:
Test
ECO red reset button
|
||
Troubleshooting part 3: Test the ElementsElectricity is off during this test. Look for loose screws and burned wires see image. Burned wire is caused by loose screw or element shorted by sediment or lime build-up inside tank. How to clean sediment out of water heater Cut back burned area of wire. Continue testing elements. 1. Disconnect wires from both elements see image 2. Set multimeter to read Ohms > or > use continuity tester from hardware store see Good element must pass Test A & B 3. Test-A:
test
across the two element screws with multimeter and resistance should
read
about 12.8
Ohms for 240-Volt 4500-Watt element. For 30 gallon tanks with
3500-Watt elements, reading is about 16.4 Ohms. see
chart with formula
4.
Test-B:
test
each
screw to any bare metal part of water heater. If the multimeter reads
any Ohms at all, or if needle moves even tiny bit, then element is
shorted and needs
replacement
with new one purchased at hardware store see
how. If you
are using continuity
tester instead of multimeter: if bulb turns on or flickers or is dim
then element is bad. How
to replace element Use same wattage for replacement element. End of element marked with wattage. Also label on side of tank shows wattage. Tank wattage is element wattage since both elements are never 'on' at same time. See image |
|||
| Power is ON means risk of electrocution which can be sudden, or can take a moment or two, and will include anyone who grabs a hold of you. Have your spouse knock you loose from wires using a 2x4, and then treat possible stopped heart and 3rd degree burns. If you are not familiar with electricity, and/or spouse does not want to hit you with a board, then use EZ repair at top of page, or call plumber, or electrician. If you want to understand how to test thermostats, then keep reading information below. | |||
Troubleshooting part 4: Test upper and lower ThermostatsElectricity is 'on' during this test. Wires are attached to elements see Start with cold or cool water in tank. Overheated tank must cool first. Set multimeter to read 240 Volts AC.1) Test across L1 to L3 should read 240Volts unless water heater not receiving 240V. How to test water heater circuit 2)
Test L1 to L4 should always read 240Volts unless ECO is
tripped,
or thermostat is bad, or water heater not receiving 240Volts. 3) Change thermostat temperature settings See image: Set upper thermostat to maximum temperature setting. Set lower thermostat to minimum temperature setting. Cold water in tank means upper element will be on How a water heater works 4) Test L3 to T2 should read 240V. This means upper thermostat is sending power to upper element. Then test across both screws on upper element. If element does not show 240V, and you know element is good, then one of the wires between thermostat and element is shorted and needs to be replaced. How to test if element is good 5) While upper element is on, check for electricity going to lower thermostat and element. Test L3 to T4 should read 0-Volts. If L3 to T2 and L3 to T4 both read 240V at same time, then upper thermostat needs to be replaced. How to replace thermostats 6) Change thermostat temperature settings again: Set upper thermostat to minimum temperature setting. Set lower thermostat to maximum temperature setting. Now L3 to T2 should be 0V and L3 to T4 should read 240V. This means electricity is being sent to lower thermostat and element. 7) Electricity is being
sent to lower element. Cold water is in tank, and lower themostat is at
maximum setting, so lower element should be ON. Test across both lower
element
screws. Test
should read 240V. If there is no voltage, then wire from top is shorted
and needs to be replaced, or lower thermostat is bad. How to test wire for continuity 8) Test if lower element is receiving electricity from top: Test each screw to bare metal part of water heater should read 120Volts. If both thermostat screws test for power to ground, and testing across lower element screws still does not show 240V, then wire from top need replacement. If lower element never turns off, then replace lower thermostats. |
|||
 Troubleshoot gas water heater |
Numbering
on upper thermostats varies slightly How to replace thermostats |
See larger |
|
 Clean sediment out of water heater |
 How to install gas water heater |
 9 ways to save with water heater |
|
 |
 See basic 120V and 240V water heater circuits |
 |
 Do it yourself water heater |
||
 How to twist wire |
 How to wire off-peak water heater |
 Contactors |
 Hot water circulation system |
||
 9+ ways to save with water heater |
 Motorized shut off valve |
 Anode rods |
 Clean sediment from tank |
||
Low water pressure |
 Stacking |
|
|||
 EJ500 |
 Utilitec |
Woods |
 ST01C |
 ETW350 |
 Aube |
 Intermatic |
Sylvania |
 Tork |
GE |
 Leviton |
 Hagar |
 Power pack |
 Timex |
 Larger image |
Intermatic
box timers: How to set box timers Troubleshoot box timers Trippers and parts Intermatic GM series |
 Intermatic trippers and parts |
 Dayton |
 Sprinkler timers |
Power pack |
| Wire T1906 and T1905 timers |
Wire T-101 T103 T104 timers  |
Paragon timers and manuals |
Westek box timers |
Wire
EH40 and WH40 timers |
Tork timers and manuals |
Troubleshoot intermatic |
Sylvania timers |
 Leaking water heater |
Intermatic GM series |
Pool timers and manuals |
Wire GE 15207 timer  |
 3-phase timer |
 GE box timers |
Gardena timers |
|
Anode rods |
 Cost to run water heater |
Replace circuit breaker |
|
Clean sediment from tank |
 Low hot water pressure |
 |
Hot water circulation system |
 |
E-mail: info@waterheatertimer.org My response might end up in spam folder, check email folders Site map |
