The Hot Water Heater Is Not Working

Too little hot water.

The hot water heater is not working.

Possible reasons for the malfunction include. The lower thermostat controls only the lower heating element so if it fails but the upper thermostat works the result is hot water not getting hot enough. If the fuse has burnt out or the circuit breaker has tripped that directly controls the electricity for your heater it will not work. Not having enough hot water is a relatively minor issue.

If the breaker has tripped switch it off then switch it back on again. When a standard tank style gas water heater stops producing hot water it means that the gas burner is no longer producing the flame necessary to heat the water. The hot water may be getting blocked somewhere in the pipes between the water heater and the fixtures. A water heater not getting hot enough is usually to be blamed on the thermometer built into the unit.

You get a rotten egg smell in your water. To rule out an undersized heater check to make sure the heater has 75 percent of its capacity as hot water. Your hot water heater not working properly if. A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power or it may have a tripped limit switch or one or more failed heating elements.

This causes the dreaded hot water not working situation. If you feel warmth your water heater is probably working. First check the water heater s circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn t tripped. You turn on the hot water tap and get cold water instead.

Of course the tp valve or pipe could still be warm if the water heater stopped working within the last 3 or 4 hours because the water inside would still be holding some heat. The most obvious reason an electric heater doesn t work is that it s not receiving any power. Check the circuit breakers in your fuse box. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse as necessary and restart your water heater.

When the water s not hot enough the problem can be an undersized water heater crossed hot and cold connections or a faulty heating element or thermostat. Faulty thermostat the upper thermostat on an electric water heater actually controls both the upper and lower heating elements. Over time water contaminants can build up and harden in the bottom of your water heater reducing its ability to produce ample hot water. Depending on the cause of the problem the solution can be extremely simple or complex and expensive.

Pilot light flame has blown out. There is corrosion in the fittings. You notice pools of water around the hot water tank. This tells the heater when to stop making water if it reaches a certain temperature.

In the case of not enough hot water or hot water that is not hot enough it may be that you need to replace the heating element on your water heater.