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Author:
Eric306 (Non-US)
Hi there! I have no hot water.. The other day I noticed there was no hot water so I checked the breaker and it was tripped, so I flipped it back on and the electric water heater turned back on for a day but now this time after I flipped the breaker, there's still no hot water... This water heater is not even a year old so I'm hoping it's not the element already. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
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Author:
Doug E. (CA)
easy enough to check elements as a start
do you have a multi-meter ?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
The first thing I would do is verify that all the connections at the elements and thermostats are tight. A loose wire can cause irregular circuit tripping. If it doesn't have loose wires, you will have to get out a multimeter to start testing, or you could simply shut off the power and water and drain the tank and pull the elements. Are you using a water softener? H
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Author:
Eric306 (Non-US)
No water softener and no I don't have a multi meter.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Get a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a water heater element wrench. Shut off the power to the tank. Drain the water in the tank- if it was properly installed, it should have a shutoff on the cold water inlet. While the tank is draining and the power is off, you can remove the 2 panels on the side of the tank. Underneath are the thermostats and the elements. Disconnect the electrical wires from the elements and push them off to the side. Once the tank has drained for 5 minutes, you can start with the top element- unscrew it from the tank with the element wrench. It should be intact, but may have some calcium buildup on it. When the water stops draining and the tank is empty, you can remove the lower element and check it as well. It is probably one of the two elements that has gone bad, and you will see obvious damage, like burn marks where the electricity arced and melted it. regardless of which element is bad, I always replace it with a extra/ultra low watt density element designed for a lower element. Extra low watt density elements look like this:
due to the mineral content in the water in my area. After replacing the elements, reconnect all the wires and verify that all the connections are secure, BUT DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER! turning on the power before the water heater is full will almost guarantee that the upper element will burn up and you will have to do this all over again. Turn on the water and open a bathtub to straight hot water and wait until you have a steady stream of cold water coming out before shutting it off, then go turn on the power to the tank.
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Also check the power leads that enter the tank. There's usually one screw that holds the cover plate on. Make sure a wire nut didn't fall off, etc.
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Author:
ravi102769 (VA)
If it's under a year old why not just contact the installer and have them come fix it?
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