10 Common Electric Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

When your electric water heater starts acting up, it doesn’t always mean you need to call a professional plumber. Many common water heater problems can be diagnosed and fixed by homeowners with basic tools and a little know-how. Understanding how to troubleshoot your electric water heater can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of cold showers while waiting for a repair service.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the most common electric water heater issues, their causes, and step-by-step solutions to get your hot water flowing again.

Safety First: Before You Begin

Working with electric water heaters involves electricity and hot water, both of which can be dangerous if not handled properly. Before attempting any repairs:

• Turn off the power to the water heater by switching off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
• Always test all wires with a non-contact voltage tester to verify the power is completely off before touching any electrical components.
• Allow the water to cool sufficiently before draining or working directly with the tank.
• Wear protective gloves and eyewear when appropriate.

Essential Water Heater Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into specific problems, these key troubleshooting steps can help identify many common water heater issues:

Check the Power Supply

A water heater that isn’t producing hot water may simply not be receiving power. Verify that the dedicated circuit breaker hasn’t tripped in your electrical panel. If it has, reset it by switching it fully to the OFF position first, then back to ON. If the breaker trips again immediately, there may be an electrical short or another serious issue requiring professional attention.

Inspect the Heating Elements

Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements—one at the top and one at the bottom of the tank. If either element fails, it can result in insufficient hot water or no hot water at all. Testing the elements with a multimeter can determine if they need replacement.

Examine the Thermostat

Each heating element is controlled by its own thermostat. If a thermostat malfunctions, it won’t properly regulate the heating element. Checking the thermostat settings and testing for continuity can identify problems.

Look for Leaks

Inspect all plumbing connections, the pressure relief valve, and the tank itself for any signs of leaking. Even small leaks can lead to significant water damage over time and reduce the efficiency of your water heater.

Problem #1: No Hot Water

Perhaps the most common and frustrating water heater problem is turning on the tap to find no hot water at all. This can happen for several reasons:

Possible Causes:

• No power to the water heater
• Tripped high-temperature limit switch
• Failed heating elements
• Faulty thermostats
• Improperly set thermostat

How to Fix:

Step 1: Check the water heater’s circuit breaker in your electrical service panel to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If it has tripped, reset it by flipping it fully to the OFF position first, then back to ON position.

Step 2: If the breaker wasn’t tripped, you may need to reset the high-temperature limit on the heater:

• Turn off power to the water heater at the service panel
• Remove the access panel, insulation, and plastic safety guard from the upper heating element
• Press the red high-temperature reset button, which is usually located near the upper thermostat
• Replace the safety covers and turn the power back on

Step 3: If resetting the high-temperature limit doesn’t solve the problem, test the heating elements using a multimeter to check for continuity. If either element has failed, it will need replacement.

Problem #2: Insufficient Hot Water

If you’re getting some hot water but it runs out quickly or never gets fully hot, several issues could be at play:

Possible Causes:

• Sediment buildup in the tank
• One failed heating element (often the lower one)
• Thermostat set too low
• Water heater too small for household demands
• Crossed hot and cold connections

How to Fix:

Step 1: Check the thermostat settings. For most households, 120°F is the recommended temperature setting—hot enough for household needs while preventing scalding and reducing energy consumption.

Step 2: If the temperature setting is correct, test both heating elements with a multimeter. Often, when you have some hot water but not enough, the lower element has failed while the upper element continues to work.

Step 3: Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup, which can insulate the heating elements from the water and reduce efficiency:

• Turn off power to the water heater
• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank
• Turn off the cold water supply to the heater
• Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to prevent vacuum formation
• Open the drain valve and allow the tank to empty completely
• Turn on the cold water supply briefly to stir up remaining sediment, then drain again
• Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restore power

Problem #3: Water Temperature Too Hot

Water that’s consistently too hot can be dangerous and wastes energy. Here’s how to address this issue:

Possible Causes:

• Thermostat set too high
• Stuck thermostat
• Faulty temperature-pressure relief valve

How to Fix:

Step 1: Check and adjust the thermostat settings on both the upper and lower thermostats. They should be set to the same temperature, typically 120°F for most households.

Step 2: If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t solve the problem, one or both thermostats may be faulty and stuck in the “on” position. Testing with a multimeter can confirm this, and replacement is relatively straightforward.

Problem #4: Water Leaks

Water leaking from your water heater can cause property damage and indicate several possible issues:

Possible Causes:

• Loose heating element
• Leaking temperature-pressure (T&P) relief valve
• Loose plumbing connections
• Tank corrosion and perforation
• Excessive tank pressure

How to Fix:

Step 1: Check all plumbing connections to ensure they’re tight. Often, inlet and outlet connections or the T&P valve discharge pipe may just need tightening.

Step 2: Inspect the heating elements. If water is leaking around an element, turn off the power and water supply, drain the tank to below the element, and tighten the element with an element wrench.

Step 3: Test the temperature-pressure relief valve by lifting its lever and allowing it to snap back. This should release a burst of water into the drainpipe. If it leaks after testing or doesn’t release water when tested, it should be replaced.

Step 4: If the tank itself is leaking due to corrosion, this unfortunately means the water heater needs replacement. Tank corrosion cannot be repaired effectively.

Problem #5: Rusty or Discolored Water

If your hot water appears rusty, reddish, or brown, it typically indicates corrosion somewhere in your water heating system:

Possible Causes:

• Corroded anode rod
• Rust inside the water heater tank
• Corrosion in pipes

How to Fix:

Step 1: Determine if the discoloration affects only hot water or both hot and cold. If only hot water is affected, the issue is likely in your water heater.

Step 2: Check and replace the anode rod if needed. This sacrificial rod attracts corrosive elements to prevent them from attacking the tank lining:

• Turn off power and water supply to the heater
• Relieve pressure by opening a hot water faucet
• Locate the anode rod (usually accessible through the top of the tank)
• Remove the old anode rod using a 1 1/16″ socket
• Install a new anode rod, using Teflon tape on the threads

Step 3: Flush the water heater thoroughly to remove any sediment or rust particles.

Problem #6: Noise from the Water Heater

Popping, rumbling, or high-pitched whining sounds coming from your water heater aren’t just annoying—they can indicate problems that need addressing:

Possible Causes:

• Sediment buildup on heating elements
• Scale on heating elements
• Water pressure too high
• Condensation inside a very hot tank

How to Fix:

Step 1: Flush the tank thoroughly to remove sediment buildup, following the steps outlined in the “Insufficient Hot Water” section.

Step 2: If flushing doesn’t resolve the noise, inspect and possibly replace the heating elements. Scale buildup on elements can cause them to overheat and make noise.

Step 3: Check your home’s water pressure. If it exceeds 80 psi, install a pressure-reducing valve on your main water supply line.

Problem #7: Smelly Hot Water

If your hot water has a foul odor, particularly a rotten egg smell, bacteria could be the culprit:

Possible Causes:

• Bacteria in the water heater tank
• Reaction between anode rod and water with high sulfur content

How to Fix:

Step 1: Flush and sanitize the water heater:

• Turn off power to the heater
• Shut off the cold water supply
• Drain the tank completely
• Mix a solution of 1 quart household bleach per 25 gallons of tank capacity
• Pour this solution into the water heater (usually through the cold water inlet after disconnecting the pipe)
• Reconnect everything and refill the tank
• Allow the solution to sit for at least one hour
• Drain and thoroughly flush the tank with fresh water

Step 2: If the odor persists, consider replacing the standard anode rod with an aluminum/zinc alloy anode rod, which can help reduce odor problems in water with high sulfur content.

When to Call a Professional

While many water heater problems can be resolved with DIY methods, some situations warrant professional attention:

• If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly after resetting
• If you notice water leaking from the tank itself (not connections)
• If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components
• If you’ve followed the troubleshooting steps without resolving the issue
• For installation of replacement parts if you’re unsure about the procedure
• If your water heater is still under warranty (DIY repairs might void it)

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and prevent many common problems:

• Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup
• Test the temperature-pressure relief valve every 6 months
• Inspect the anode rod every 2-3 years and replace if significantly corroded
• Check for signs of leaks or corrosion during routine inspections
• Insulate older water heaters and exposed hot water pipes to improve efficiency
• Maintain proper clearance around the water heater for safety and efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long should an electric water heater last?

A: With proper maintenance, most electric water heaters last between 10-15 years. Regular flushing, anode rod replacement, and addressing minor issues promptly can help extend your water heater’s lifespan.

Q: Why does my hot water run out so quickly?

A: This could be due to sediment buildup, a failed lower heating element, improper thermostat settings, or simply a water heater that’s too small for your household’s needs. Follow the troubleshooting steps for “Insufficient Hot Water” to diagnose and fix the problem.

Q: Is it normal for a water heater to make noise?

A: Some minor noise is normal, but rumbling, popping, or high-pitched sounds usually indicate sediment buildup or scale on the heating elements. Regular flushing can prevent these noises.

Q: Can I replace heating elements without draining the tank?

A: While there are specialized tools that claim to allow element replacement without draining, it’s generally recommended to drain the tank at least to below the element level for safety and to ensure a proper seal on installation.

Q: How often should I flush my water heater?

A: For most households, annual flushing is sufficient. However, if you have hard water, you might benefit from flushing twice a year. Regular flushing prevents sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and damage heating elements.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee