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Hot Water Heater Repair - Trobleshoot And Fix And Replace Thermostats And Elements_

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Page 1: Hot Water Heater Repair - Trobleshoot And Fix And Replace Thermostats And Elements_

Hot Water Heater Repair - Trobleshoot And Fix And ReplaceThermostats And Elements

Eventually every warm water tank will fail and it's time to change it or trobleshoot and fix and do the

repair. Unless of course there's physical damage leading to leaks the issue come in either the

thermostat or heating elements they are simple home appliances there just is not greatly that may fail.

Almost all residential warm water heating units have two thermostats and 2 heating elements. In

normal, low water usage conditions, the low element may be the one carrying it out. It is just under

high water needs the entire tank will awesome lower the low element will turn off and also the upper

element gets control the burden. This warms top of the portion first and creates a faster recover time.

Troubleshooting these parts isn't difficult, but does require working around live, high current wires and

connections. If you're not comfortable carrying this out, it's most likely better to simply replace the

whole unit or call a plumber. Or just change parts without troubleshooting them elements and

thermostats are affordable enough that four pieces might be transformed but still save over half the

price of a brand new hot water heater.

The initial step in troubleshooting a warm water heater is to get into areas to become examined. As

you will have to get the fingers in to the area occupied by hot electricity switch off the energy in the

breaker panel. It will likely be a 2 pole breaker that's, two breakers is going to be connected with a bar

and can switch off together.

When the breakers are switched off, take away the two access panel covers proven within the photo

right. You'll find insulation inside, but it's cut to how big the outlet pull this out and hang aside for later

re-installation. Now uncovered may be the thermostat and heating unit, included in an easy plastic

cover. The very best thermostat includes a built-in circuit breaker button accessible with the plastic

cover push it and make certain it had not been tripped. If you think a "snap" or believe that it had

tripped you may switch on the energy again and provide it time for you to warmth water - this might

have been the entire problem, even though the question of why it tripped whatsoever is not

addressed yet. Should you still trobleshoot and fix it might be best at this time to check on the energy

is definitely turn off using a non-contact current detector if your are available. The only real wires that

you're assured of to be hot would be the pair at the very top wave the detector for the reason that

area to ascertain if it illuminates or beeps.

Whether you've checked current or otherwise, assume readily stored away still powered. Carefully

take away the plastic cover they'll usually either simply snap out or will have to be exercised from

within hold lower support. Don't stick your fingers any more in to the opening than is completely

necessary! Using the cover taken care of look for current at the very top two screws by setting a volt

meter to some current setting with a minimum of 240 volts and putting one test result in each one of

the top two screws. If current is detected the energy is not switched off yet power it down and re-

check. Only if the energy is switched off in the event you continue.

Testing the Heating ElementsBegin to see the photo for location from the heating elements. They are vaguely round, having a large

Page 2: Hot Water Heater Repair - Trobleshoot And Fix And Replace Thermostats And Elements_

hex nut in it. There's one behind each access door, and every you will have two wires likely to it.

Remove among the wires in the heating unit and test for resistance (ohms) by setting the meter

towards the cheapest resistance setting available. Having a test add each wire terminal of among the

elements, browse the resistance it ought to be around 12 ohms for any common 4500 watt heating

unit. When the meter shows OL (overload) or infinite, the element is damaged and requires changed.

When the reading through is extremely low, possibly just an ohm or two, the element will most likely

are not permanent considerably longer and you will probably change it anytime.

Next test with one add the metal tank itself and also the other on among the terminal screws. The

reading through ought to be infinite, or OL. Repeat for that other terminal screw. If either of those

blood pressure measurements are not infinite the element needs alternative.

If either element needs alternative make certain you buy among the correct wattage and current.

Testing the ThermostatsTroubleshooting thermostats inside a warm water heater mandates that the energy be switched back

on. This can supply 240 volts towards the heater should you touch any bare wires or devices you will

get a severe shock that may be deadly. Extreme care is needed!

Test current at both heating elements by placing a test result in each wire terminal, one element at

any given time. Tthere shouldn't be current when the water within the tank is hot if it's not allow a

while to warm up and re-check. If either elements are "hot" despite warm water within the tank either

thermostats need alternative, but it might be unusual to fail within the "on" position and also the result

could be water getting away from the comfort valve towards the top of the tank. Much more likely

water just is not hot yet provide a while. Once both elements are "off", proceed with the next phase.

With warm water within the tank check current in the lower thermostat by placing a test add each one

of the two screws on that thermostat. It will read 240 volts if it doesn't the upper thermostat isn't good

and requires changed.

Switch on the warm water inside a sink or tub and appearance the low heating unit every few

minutes. As warm water is drained in the tank it's changed with cold water, and also the tank will

ultimately become cold enough to show around the lower heating unit by using current to that

particular element. When the lower element never occurs the low thermostat isn't good and requires

changed.

Keep going warm water within the sink. Because the water within the tank is constantly on the

awesome, it'll achieve a place once the lower thermostat turns off and also the upper thermostat turns

top of the heater on. Continue to determine the upper heating unit for current - it might take a long

time and also the water might have to quite cold, however it should seriously eventually. When the

upper element never occurs despite the fact that water running within the sink is very cold top of the

thermostat isn't good and requires alternative.

Whether it's elements or thermostat that requires changing, turn the energy off and appearance that

it's indeed off.

Changing the Heating UnitThe tank must be drained attach an regular hose towards the drain valve at the end from the tank,

Page 3: Hot Water Heater Repair - Trobleshoot And Fix And Replace Thermostats And Elements_

lead the hose outdoors and open the drain valve. The tank most likely has sediment it, hold back until

obvious water is from the hose and switch off water supply valve towards the tank. Water won't drain

by doing this either open pressure relief valve around the tank or switch on the warm water inside a

sink. Each one will let air go into the tank and permit the tank to empty. This could take an hour or so

or even more - have patience and allow the tank drain completely.

Elements are usually too tightly screwed directly into release with pliers, along with a large socket

wrench is going to be needed undoubtedly the most typical dimensions are a 1 inch socket. This isn't

a product common in many homeowner tool kits and something might have to be bought due to this

task, but it's far less expensive than employing a plumber or changing the whole warm water heater.

If you have a " drive socket set you might need only the new socket as well as an adapter to suit the

more compact drive but when not you may want to buy a "breaker bar" to choose the socket.

Take away the wires towards the heating unit and, while using 1 inch socket, unscrew it an take it out

of the tank.

Make certain there's a rubber gasket around the new heating unit and screw it in to the tank. It might

be nearly impossible to find began because the finish within the tank is heavy and it'll often tip lower.

Make certain you do not "mix thread" it as being you begin the threads in to the hole. Screw inside a

couple of threads manually before while using socket wrench. Tighten safely and refill the warm water

tank with water. Make sure and then leave the warm water switched on within the sink until water, not

air, originates from the tap. When the energy is switched on with no tank being completely filled it'll

quickly burn up the brand new heating unit these components are not made to be employed in air,

only when completely immersed in water. Look for leaks round the new heating unit.

Passing on a while, verify the tank is operating correctly and creating warm water. Turn the energy off

and replace the thermostat covers, insulation and access panel covers. Turn the energy on for any

final time.

Changing the ThermostatThe warm water tank do not need to be drained with this operation but you can easily forget in which

the wires go, particularly around the upper thermostat. Have a photo or draw an image of where each

in a different way colored wire goes or mark the wires themselves.

Remove all of the wires, then the thermostat itself. Mount the brand new thermostat exactly the same

way that old one was guaranteed, and re-attach all of the wires. Adjust the temperature based on

directions around the new thermostat - a great setting is 120 around the upper thermostat and 110 for

that lower thermostat. Check and hang both even when just one was transformed. Turn the energy on

and, giving sufficient time, verify the tank is operating correctly and creating warm water.

Turn the energy off and replace the plastic thermostat covers, the insulation and also the access

covers. Turn the energy back on for that final time.

Troubleshooting warm water tank heating and elements, together with changing any which are bad, is

not an especially struggle. A voltmeter, a phillips screwdriver and perhaps purchase of a big socket

wrench can help to save a local plumbers call. Understanding how to do simple home repair tasks

can help to save an enormous amount of hassle with companies and a large amount of money.