Electric water heater

[Cheryl in SD]

My electric hot water heater isn't working right. The water eventually gets warm, but not hot. The indicator light that is supposed to come on when the water is cold, doesn't come on. I took the cover off and pushed the reset button. I tried the breaker too, ok, that wouldn't have helped if it is heating at all, but I didn't know what else to try. DH is trying to diagnosis long distance and thought it might be the thermostat (based on the fact it IS heating some, and the light isn't coming on). He is on his way to FL, so I get to try to figure this one out myself or wait until he gets back the end of next week. We don't do repairmen, dh fixes everything or I figure it out.

1) Do you agree with his assessment?

and 2) Is this something I can fix?

Thanks,
Cheryl

[Ole Man Legrand]

check the fuses first, next the heating element,probably the top one. Jay

[seedspreader]

Originally Posted by Ole Man Legrand

check the fuses first, next the heating element,probably the top one. Jay

Yup, what he said, my money is on the top heating element.

If you need to change it, it's real easy, just make sure to turn off the electric at the breaker, drain the tank (I've seen people do it without draining the tank, but I think it's stupid and makes a mess), pull the old one out (it' will spin out just like a screw or not on a thread, you may need to buy a "socket" for it). Put the new one in, make sure it's wired the same and voila.

I am assuming that you have real hard water. We do and it does a number on the water heater.

[moopups]

Probably a duel heating element device, with one heating element burnt out, you will need a meter reading to know for sure. Electrical Currant monitoring is the true indicator of what needs to be replaced. Usually the upper element, constant heating/contracting causes the resistance wire to break or burn out, about $14.00 the last time I bought one, but that was many years back.

Turn off the electrical currant at the fuse box/ circuit breaker; open the access panel of the unit, about 6 inches by whatever height is appropiate, usually four screws/bolts mounting, remove the heating unit, look for a broken/ seperated wire, take the device with you to a place that sells replacement units to get an exact replacement piece.

Be sure you have turned off the electrical currant to the device before proceeding with any repair. A test light or meter is necessary to know for sure.

[HermitJohn]

To drain first trip breaker going to water heater, then turn off water to heater, should be cut off valve where cold water comes into heater or if not then you turn off main water supply. If you dont have pan and drain built in under water heater (some places require this by code and it really is good idea), hook garden hose to spigot on side of water heater at bottom and run it to drain or outdoors. It doesnt take all that long to drain. And replacement elements arent very expensive. They will either be bolt on flange or screw in type. Check which kind before buying a replacement and have replacement on hand before draining the tank. Its not a difficult job, assuming water heater is easily assessable, some especially in older mobile homes are buried in some cubby hole with very tight access.

Oh, if you have screw in element make sure you get some teflon tape or pipe joint compound to put on threads of new one to seal it. Flange type should come with new gaskets and doesnt need anything else.

[Cheryl in SD]

Thanks! I will pick it up today. Fix it tomorrow & let you know how it goes.

[Esteban29304]

How to replace;;;;;

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_electric...374321,00.html