If your 240-volt electric hot water heater stops producing hot water, consider these troubleshooting steps before hiring a professional plumber. In most cases, the system is being overtaxed by hot-water demand, but checking these components will help you pinpoint the exact cause. If problems persist, you may consider installing a larger unit.
Instructions
1. Turn off any open hot-water faucets in your home. A dripping hot-water faucet can quickly deplete the hot water from the tank.
2. Allow the water heater to recover between uses. High-demand times, such as morning hours for showers, can quickly deplete the hot water in the tank. Avoid using the dishwasher and washing your clothes in hot water during these periods.
3. Check for a tripped breaker in the main service panel. The electric water heater operates on a 40-amp double-pole-dedicated circuit breaker. If this breaker is in the "Off" position, the power to heat the water in the tank has been interrupted. Turn the breaker to the "On" position and allow the water in the tank ample time to heat. A 40- to 50-gallon water heater could take just over an hour to heat.
4. Set the thermostat on the water heater to the suggested temperature of 120 degrees. Remove the access panel from the side of the tank to expose the thermostat. If the thermostat is set any lower than the suggested 120-degree temperature, turn off the breaker that supplies the power to the water heater and use a screwdriver to turn the thermostat dial to 120 degrees. Replace the access panel and turn the breaker back on.
5. Replace the thermostat on the water heater if the water temperature continues to rise above the suggested setting. The thermostat regulates the electricity running to the elements and if the thermostat fails, the element continues to heat the water to unsafe temperatures.
6. Replace the heating elements if the breakers and thermostat are not causing the problem. Heating elements can fail over time from corrosion caused by hard water and mineral deposits.
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