What Are the Common Problems With Electric Water Heaters and How to Fix Them?

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Electric water heaters are important for getting hot water in your home, but sometimes they can stop working as they should. You might notice things like lukewarm water, strange noises, or even water that looks rusty. These issues can be annoying, and knowing what to do about them helps avoid stress.

In different parts of Utah—like Logan, Provo, or Cedar City—residents may notice that these problems show up more often in winter or in homes with older plumbing. Access to electric water heaters plumbing services across Utah means people can address the issue based on local conditions, such as hard water or outdated wiring. While some fixes are simple, others may need a closer look to avoid bigger issues later.

No Hot Water: Check the thermostat settings and reset or replace if faulty.

If your electric water heater stops giving hot water, start by looking at the thermostat settings. Sometimes the thermostat may get bumped or changed by accident. Setting it too low will keep water from getting warm enough. Adjust it to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 120°F.

A faulty thermostat is a common cause of no hot water. Reset the thermostat using the reset button. You can usually find this button on the front or behind a small panel. Turn off the circuit breaker to the heater before pressing the reset button.

If resetting does not solve the problem, the thermostat may need to be replaced. Faulty parts can stop the heating element from working. After making changes, wait about an hour to see if the water heats up. If there is still no hot water, consider calling a professional for help.

Leaking Tank: Inspect for visible corrosion or loose connections; replace damaged parts or the entire unit if necessary.

If you see water pooling under your electric water heater, the first thing to check is for visible corrosion or loose connections around the tank. Corrosion often looks like rusty patches or flaky areas on the tank. Loose connections are sometimes easy to spot if pipes or fittings wiggle or have water around them.

Turn off the power and water supply before you start looking closer. Tighten any fittings or connections if you notice leaks. If you find a lot of rust or see cracks, the tank might be damaged beyond repair.

When damaged spots are smaller, you could try replacing the fittings or gaskets causing the leak. Sometimes, flushing the tank helps if sediment buildup is causing trouble. But if the tank is rusted through or has a crack, replacement of the whole unit is usually the best answer.

Regularly checking for leaks and keeping the area dry can help you catch problems early. This helps prevent bigger issues later.

Strange Noises: Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, causing popping or rumbling.

If you hear popping or rumbling sounds coming from your electric water heater, this usually means there is sediment buildup inside the tank. Minerals from hard water settle at the bottom over time. When the water heats up, it moves through the sediment, causing these noises.

Sediment buildup can make your water heater work harder. It might also reduce the amount of hot water you get and raise your energy bills. To solve this problem, you need to flush the tank.

Start by turning off the power to your water heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Let the water flow out until it runs clear. This will help remove the built-up sediment.

Flushing the tank once or twice a year can prevent these noises and keep your water heater running well.

Rusty Water: Replace the anode rod and flush the tank to prevent corrosion contamination

If you notice rusty or brown water coming from your taps, the inside of your water heater might be corroding. This can make the water look dirty and cause further tank issues.

One main cause is a worn-out anode rod. The anode rod attracts and absorbs particles that would otherwise rust your tank. When it is used up, the tank metal begins to corrode. Replacing the anode rod can help stop this problem.

To do this, turn off the power to the heater and run cold water to avoid burns. Remove the old rod, and screw in a new one. It’s a good idea to check the rod each year.

Flushing the tank can also help by removing built-up rust and sediment. Drain several gallons from the tank until the water runs clear. This keeps the water cleaner and can make your heater last longer.

Water Too Hot or Not Hot Enough: Calibrate or replace the thermostat to maintain the correct temperature

If your electric water heater is making water too hot or not hot enough, the thermostat may be set incorrectly or could be faulty. The thermostat controls the water temperature inside your tank.

First, check the thermostat setting. Most experts recommend setting it around 120 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and comfort. If it is set too high or too low, adjust it with a screwdriver.

Give your water heater a few hours to see if the temperature changes. If the water is still not correct, the thermostat itself may be worn out or broken.

To fix this, you will need to test the thermostat with a multimeter to make sure it’s working. If it has failed, replace it with a new one. This usually involves turning off the power, removing the access panels, and carefully disconnecting the wires.

A working thermostat keeps your water at the right temperature and saves energy.

Conclusion

You may face issues like no hot water, strange noises, leaks, or low water pressure with your electric water heater.

Simple checks and maintenance tasks can often solve these problems. For example, resetting the thermostat, flushing the tank, or tightening connections can help.

If problems keep happening or you are unsure what to do, you should contact a professional.

Staying aware of these common issues helps you keep your water heater working safely and efficiently.