Your water heater is among the most vital home equipment in your house, offering you with scorching water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However what occurs when your water heater stops working? Some of the frequent causes of water heater failure is a defective heating factor. In case you’re experiencing issues together with your water heater, it is vital to test the heating factor to see if it must be changed.
Checking a water heater factor is a comparatively easy course of that may be completed in a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, it is vital to take security precautions earlier than you start. First, flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker panel. Then, flip off the fuel provide to the water heater. As soon as the water heater is turned off, you’ll be able to start checking the heating factor.
To test the heating factor, you may want a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance. To make use of a multimeter to test a water heater factor, first set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating factor. If the heating factor is sweet, the multimeter will learn between 10 and 20 ohms. If the heating factor is dangerous, the multimeter will learn infinity.
Figuring out the Water Heater Aspect
Finding the Water Heater
Step one in checking a water heater factor is to find your water heater. Most residential water heaters are present in a utility room, basement, or storage. As soon as you’ve got discovered your water heater, determine the kind of gasoline it makes use of: fuel or electrical. Pure fuel and propane water heaters usually have a combustion chamber and a burner, whereas electrical water heaters have heating parts situated within the decrease portion of the tank.
Accessing the Water Heater Aspect
For fuel water heaters, you may have to take away the entrance panel to entry the burner and combustion chamber. Electrical water heaters, then again, usually have a decrease entry panel that may be eliminated to show the heating parts.
| Gasoline Kind | Entry Technique |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Take away entrance panel |
| Electrical | Take away decrease entry panel |
Figuring out the Heating Aspect
After you have entry to the heating parts, you’ll be able to determine them by their cylindrical form and {the electrical} terminals related to them. In electrical water heaters, there are normally two parts: an higher factor and a decrease factor. In fuel water heaters, the burner is situated above the combustion chamber and is related to a fuel provide line.
Security Precautions
1. Flip Off Energy and Fuel
Disconnect the water heater from its energy supply by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse. In case your water heater is gas-powered, flip off the fuel provide on the shutoff valve.
2. Drain the Water Heater
Open the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and permit all of the water to empty out. This may stop scalding and make it simpler to work on the water heater. You should use a bucket or hose to empty the water into an appropriate location.
Ideas for draining the water heater:
| Tip | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Use warning when opening the drain valve | Sizzling water could come out immediately, so open the valve slowly and punctiliously. |
| Place a bucket or hose below the drain valve | This may assist to direct the water away from the work space. |
| Flush the water heater totally | As soon as the vast majority of the water has drained out, flush the water heater by turning on the chilly water provide and permitting it to run by the drain valve for a couple of minutes. |
Disconnecting the Energy
Earlier than you begin working in your water heater, it is vital to disconnect the facility. This may assist stop you from getting shocked or injured.
For electrical water heaters:
- Flip off the facility on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Unplug the water heater from the outlet.
For fuel water heaters:
- Flip off the fuel provide on the fuel valve.
- Disconnect the fuel line from the water heater.
As soon as the facility is disconnected, you can begin engaged on the water heater factor.
Listed here are some extra suggestions for disconnecting the facility:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ensure that the water heater is turned off earlier than you begin engaged on it. | This may assist stop you from getting shocked or injured. |
| Use a voltage tester to verify the facility is off earlier than you contact any wires. | This may assist stop you from getting shocked. |
| In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to name a certified electrician. | This may assist be certain that the job is finished safely and accurately. |
Draining the Water Heater
Earlier than you start, collect your instruments: a bucket, a hose, a wrench, and a screwdriver. Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater and the chilly water provide line. Join a hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and place the opposite finish of the hose in a bucket. Open the drain valve and permit the water to empty. As soon as the water has stopped draining, take away the hose and shut the drain valve.
Turning Off the Energy
Find {the electrical} panel and switch off the facility to the water heater. This may usually be a circuit breaker or a fuse. As soon as the facility is off, you’ll be able to take away the entry panel to the water heater.
Eradicating the Heating Aspect
Utilizing a wrench, take away the nuts that maintain the heating factor in place. As soon as the nuts are eliminated, you’ll be able to pull the heating factor out of the water heater. Examine the heating factor for any injury. If the heating factor is broken, it is going to should be changed.
Changing the Heating Aspect
Insert the brand new heating factor into the water heater and tighten the nuts that maintain it in place. Flip the facility again on to the water heater and activate the fuel provide. Open a scorching water faucet to permit the water to circulation by the water heater. Test for any leaks and ensure the water is heating up.
Eradicating the Water Heater Cowl
1. Flip off the water heater’s electrical energy or fuel provide. In case your water heater is electrical, flip the breaker off or unscrew the fuse. In case your water heater is gas-powered, flip the fuel valve to the “off” place.
2. Flip off the chilly water provide to the water heater. This may stop water from leaking out while you take away the quilt.
3. Open a scorching water faucet someplace in your home. This may relieve stress within the water heater, making it simpler to take away the quilt.
4. Find the entry panel on the entrance of the water heater. On most fashions, this can be a rectangular panel held in place by screws.
5. Take away the entry panel. This will likely require a screwdriver or a wrench. As soon as the panel is eliminated, you’ll have entry to the water heater’s heating factor.
| Water Heater Kind | Entry Panel Location |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Backside of the tank |
| Fuel | Entrance or facet of the tank |
| Tankless | Not relevant |
Finding the Aspect
The water heater factor is usually situated on the backside of the tank, submerged within the water. To find the factor, comply with these steps:
1. Shut off the facility and water provide to the water heater.
2. Drain the water from the tank.
3. Take away the entry panel on the backside of the tank.
4. Find the factor. Will probably be a metallic tube with two wires hooked up to it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the factor.
6. Unscrew the factor from the tank. Watch out to not injury the gasket that seals the factor in place.
In case you are having hassle finding the factor, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s guide or contact a certified electrician.
Further Ideas for Finding the Aspect
Listed here are some extra suggestions for finding the factor:
- In case you have a fuel water heater, the factor could also be situated contained in the combustion chamber. To entry the combustion chamber, you have to to take away the entrance panel of the water heater.
- In case you have an electrical water heater, the factor could also be situated in a separate compartment. To entry this compartment, you have to to take away the entry panel on the backside of the tank.
- In case you are nonetheless unable to find the factor, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s guide or contact a certified electrician.
Testing the Aspect with a Multimeter
Find the 2 terminals on the water heater factor. One terminal will probably be situated on the high of the factor, and the opposite will probably be situated on the backside.
Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. This setting is usually denoted by the image Ω.
Contact one of many multimeter probes to the highest terminal of the water heater factor and the opposite probe to the underside terminal.
If the multimeter reads infinity (∞), then the water heater factor is blown and must be changed.
If the multimeter reads a resistance worth between 10 and 50 ohms, then the water heater factor is sweet.
Desk of Resistance Values for Water Heater Parts:
| Resistance Worth (ohms) | Aspect Situation |
|---|---|
| 0 | Shorted |
| 10-50 | Good |
| ∞ | Blown |
If the multimeter reads a resistance worth that’s not throughout the vary of 10-50 ohms, then the water heater factor is prone to be defective and must be changed.
Changing the Aspect
1. **Flip off the facility and water provide to the water heater.** That is normally completed by flipping the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the water heater and turning off the water provide valve on the high of the water heater.
2. **Drain the water from the water heater.** To do that, connect a backyard hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and open the valve. Permit the water to empty right into a bucket or sink.
3. **Take away the entry panel.** The entry panel is normally situated on the backside of the water heater. It’s held in place by just a few screws. Take away the screws and punctiliously raise off the entry panel.
4. **Disconnect the wires from the factor.** The factor is related to the water heater by two wires. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place after which pull the wires off of the factor.
5. **Unscrew the factor.** The factor is screwed into the water heater tank. Use a wrench to loosen the factor after which fastidiously take away it from the tank.
6. **Clear the tank.** Earlier than putting in the brand new factor, it is very important clear the tank. Use a wire brush to take away any scale or sediment from the tank.
7. **Set up the brand new factor.** Screw the brand new factor into the tank. Guarantee that the factor is seated correctly after which tighten the factor with a wrench.
8. **Join the wires to the factor.** Join the wires to the factor terminals after which tighten the screws that maintain the wires in place. Use a multimeter to test that the factor is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the factor and the water heater tank. A continuity studying of 0 ohms signifies that there’s a good connection between the factor and the tank.
| Instrument | Description |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | A multimeter is a tool that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. It’s used to test that the factor is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the factor and the water heater tank. |
| Wrench | A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the factor. |
| Screwdriver | A screwdriver is used to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place. |
| Wire brush | A wire brush is used to wash the tank. |
Reassembling the Water Heater
As soon as the brand new factor is put in, it is time to reassemble the water heater. Listed here are the steps to comply with:
1. Thread the New Aspect into the Tank
Fastidiously thread the brand new factor into the tank till it reaches the underside. Keep away from overtightening it.
2. Set up the Gasket and Flange
Place the brand new gasket onto the flange and align it with the tank opening. Then, screw the flange into the tank by hand, making certain it is cosy however not overtightened.
3. Add Insulation
Wrap insulation across the flange and tank to forestall warmth loss. Use foil-faced insulation for added effectiveness.
4. Re-wire the Electrical Connections
Join the wires from the brand new factor to the terminals within the terminal field. Use wire nuts to safe the connections.
5. Seal the Terminal Field
Apply silicone sealant across the edges of the terminal field to create a watertight seal.
6. Fill the Tank
Activate the chilly water provide and permit the tank to fill utterly.
7. Open the Sizzling Water Faucet
Open a scorching water faucet to purge air from the tank and pipes.
8. Energy On
As soon as the water is flowing by the new water faucet, activate the facility to the water heater.
9. Take a look at the Water Heater
After just a few hours, test the new water temperature. It ought to attain between 120°F and 140°F. If it does not, there could also be a difficulty with the brand new factor or one other a part of the system.
If all goes nicely, the water heater ought to now be functioning correctly with the brand new heating factor.
Verifying Circuit Breaker or Fuse
Examine the house’s electrical panel or fuse field to make sure the circuit breaker or fuse related to the water heater is just not tripped or blown. Whether it is, reset the breaker or exchange the fuse.
Checking Fuel Provide
If the water heater makes use of pure fuel or propane, make sure the fuel provide is turned on and accessible. Confirm that the fuel valve on the water heater is open.
Inspecting the Thermostat
Find the thermostat on the water heater and visually examine it for any seen injury or corrosion. If the thermostat seems defective, exchange it with a brand new one.
Checking the Stress Reduction Valve
The stress aid valve is a security gadget that forestalls the water heater from exploding because of extreme stress. Carry the lever on the valve to make sure it strikes freely and releases water when depressed.
Testing the Pilot Gentle (Fuel Water Heaters)
If the water heater is gas-powered, find the pilot mild and guarantee it’s lit. If not, mild it based on the producer’s directions.
Restoring Energy and Testing the Water Heater
As soon as the mandatory repairs have been made, carry out the next steps to revive energy and take a look at the water heater:
Restoring Energy
Flip the breaker again on or exchange the fuse to revive energy to the water heater.
Ready for Heating
Permit the water heater ample time to warmth up. This will likely take a number of hours, relying on the water heater’s dimension and temperature setting.
Testing Sizzling Water
Run scorching water from a faucet close to the water heater. If the water is just not scorching, test the thermostat and stress aid valve once more.
Confirming Correct Operation
If the water is scorching and the water heater is working with out leaks or uncommon noises, it’s probably functioning accurately.
Monitoring Vitality Utilization
To make sure the water heater is working effectively, monitor its power utilization by monitoring electrical energy or fuel consumption. If the consumption appears extreme, think about changing the water heater with a extra energy-efficient mannequin.
How To Test A Water Heater Aspect
A water heater factor is a vital part chargeable for heating water in electrical water heaters. In case you suspect your water heater factor could also be malfunctioning, it is important to examine and take a look at it promptly to make sure the environment friendly and protected operation of your water heater.
Here is a step-by-step information on the right way to test a water heater factor:
- Security Precautions: Earlier than continuing, guarantee to close off the facility to the water heater on the electrical panel and shut the water provide valve to the unit.
- Drain the Water: Drain the water from the water heater by opening the drain valve on the backside of the tank. Wait till the water has drained utterly.
- Take away the Aspect: Find the entry panel on the facet or backside of the water heater and take away it. Inside, you may discover the water heater factor, usually held in place by a nut or bolts. Fastidiously take away the factor.
- Visible Inspection: Look at the factor for any seen injury, corresponding to cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If there are any indicators of harm, the factor probably must be changed.
- Ohmmeter Take a look at: Use an ohmmeter to check the factor’s continuity. Join one probe to every terminal on the factor. If the ohmmeter reads near 0, the factor is probably going good. A studying of infinity or very excessive resistance signifies an open circuit and a defective factor.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Test A Water Heater Aspect
Do I want to exchange the anode rod when altering the factor?
Sure, it is usually beneficial to exchange the anode rod similtaneously changing the water heater factor. The anode rod helps to guard the water heater tank from corrosion.
Can I take advantage of any sort of multimeter to check a water heater factor?
Any multimeter with an ohms vary can be utilized to check a water heater factor. Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that some multimeters could not be capable of measure excessive resistance values precisely.
How usually ought to I test my water heater factor?
It is usually beneficial to test your water heater factor each 2-3 years, particularly if in case you have arduous water or discover any points with the water heater’s efficiency.
