Water heaters are a necessary equipment in any dwelling, offering sizzling water for showers, baths, and different family duties. Nevertheless, like all home equipment, water heaters can develop issues over time, and one of the crucial widespread points is a defective heating factor. A defective heating factor can forestall your water heater from heating water correctly, leaving you with chilly showers and a variety of frustration. In case you suspect that your water heater’s heating factor could also be defective, there are just a few easy steps you’ll be able to take to examine it your self.
Earlier than you start, it is necessary to do not forget that engaged on a water heater might be harmful if you do not know what you are doing. In case you’re not comfy engaged on electrical home equipment, it is best to name a certified electrician. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re assured in your skills, you’ll be able to comply with these steps to examine your water heater’s heating factor.
To examine the heating factor, you may want a multimeter. A multimeter is a instrument that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. You will discover multimeters at most {hardware} shops. After getting your multimeter, comply with these steps:
Determine the Sort of Water Heater
Figuring out the kind of water heater you may have is essential for correct factor inspection. Listed here are the principle varieties:
1. Fuel Water Heaters
- Fuel-Fired Tank: Sometimes holds 20-80 gallons of water, heated by a fuel burner beneath the tank.
- Tankless Fuel Water Heaters: Heats water immediately as wanted, with out a storage tank.
2. Electrical Water Heaters
- Electrical-Resistance Tank: Makes use of a heating factor throughout the tank to warmth the water.
- Warmth Pump Water Heaters: Switch warmth from the encompassing air or floor to warmth water, providing power effectivity.
- Tankless Electrical Water Heaters: Just like fuel tankless heaters, however makes use of electrical energy to warmth water on demand.
3. Photo voltaic Water Heaters
- Lively Photo voltaic Water Heaters: Flow into water by way of a photo voltaic collector to warmth it.
- Passive Photo voltaic Water Heaters: Depend on pure convection to warmth water with out the necessity for pumps.
4. Oblique Water Heaters
- Oblique Fired Water Heaters: Warmth water by way of a warmth exchanger linked to a separate tank or boiler.
5. Geothermal Water Heaters
- Open-Loop Geothermal Water Heaters: Use groundwater as a warmth supply, returning it to the bottom after use.
- Closed-Loop Geothermal Water Heaters: Flow into water or different fluids in a sealed loop to extract warmth from the bottom.
Collect the Mandatory Instruments
Security First
Earlier than you start, be sure that the water heater is turned off and disconnected from {the electrical} outlet. Additionally, enable the water heater to chill down utterly to forestall burns.
Important Instruments
– Multimeter: This system measures voltage and electrical resistance.
– Screwdriver: To take away the quilt and entry the factor.
– Adjustable wrench: To loosen and tighten nuts and bolts.
– Wire strippers: To reveal wires if mandatory.
Non-obligatory however Beneficial Instruments
– Flashlight: To light up the work space contained in the water heater.
– Gloves: To guard your fingers from excessive temperatures.
– Bucket: To gather any water which will drain throughout the inspection.
Security Gear
– Security glasses: To guard your eyes from particles or sparks.
– Respirator: If the water heater is positioned in a confined house, use a respirator to forestall inhaling mud or fumes.
Having the best instruments and security gear will guarantee you can examine the water heater factor safely and effectively.
Flip Off the Energy and Water Provide
1. Find the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Panel
Determine the circuit breaker or fuse field that controls the water heater. It is going to sometimes be labeled “Water Heater” or one thing related.
2. Flip Off the Breaker or Take away the Fuse
Flip the circuit breaker to the “Off” place or take away the corresponding fuse. This may reduce off {the electrical} energy to the water heater.
3. Shut Off the Water Provide
Find the chilly water inlet valve on the highest of the water heater. It is going to normally have a deal with or knob hooked up to it.
Flip the deal with or knob clockwise till it’s totally closed. This may forestall water from flowing into the water heater.
| Sort of Water Heater | Water Inlet Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Fuel Water Heater | High of the heater, normally on the facet |
| Electrical Water Heater | High or backside of the heater, relying on the mannequin |
| Tankless Water Heater | Backside of the heater |
Drain the Water Heater
Draining the water heater is a vital step earlier than checking the factor. Observe these steps fastidiously:
1. Shut Off Fuel or Energy
In case your water heater is gas-powered, flip off the fuel provide. If it is electrical, flip off the circuit breaker or fuse that powers it.
2. Connect Drain Hose
Join a backyard hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater. Run the hose exterior to a drain or a bucket.
3. Open Drain Valve
Slowly open the drain valve to permit the water to empty out. Maintain the hose pointed downward to forestall splashing.
4. Drain Fully
Let the water drain out utterly. This may occasionally take as much as an hour or extra, relying on the scale of the water heater. It is necessary to empty all of the water out to keep away from damaging the factor once you take away it.
| Water Heater Capability | Approximate Drain Time |
|---|---|
| 30 Gallons | 30-45 minutes |
| 40 Gallons | 45-60 minutes |
| 50 Gallons | 60-90 minutes |
As soon as the water has drained out utterly, you’ll be able to proceed to examine the heating factor.
Find the Electrical Aspect
The electrical factor is usually positioned on the backside of the water heater tank, submerged in water. To entry it, comply with these steps:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Flip off the chilly water provide to the water heater.
- Open a sizzling water faucet to launch any remaining water strain.
- Connect a backyard hose to the drain valve on the backside of the tank. Open the valve and drain the water right into a bucket or drain line.
- As soon as the tank is empty, take away the entrance entry panel or decrease factor cowl. The electrical factor can be seen as a cylindrical-shaped element with two terminals and two or three nuts holding it in place.
Water Heater Sort Variety of Nuts Fuel 2 Electrical 3
Check the Electrical Aspect with a Multimeter
After getting disconnected the facility and water provide, you can begin testing the electrical factor utilizing a multimeter. This is a step-by-step information that will help you:
1. Set the Multimeter to Ohms
In your multimeter, choose the “Ohms” setting, which is usually represented by the Ω image.
2. Contact the Probe to the Terminals
Utilizing the multimeter probes, contact one probe to every of the terminals on the water heater factor.
3. Observe the Studying
The multimeter will show a resistance studying in ohms. A studying between 10 and 50 ohms signifies an excellent factor.
4. Check the Continuity
Subsequent, it’s good to examine the continuity of the factor. Contact each probes to the identical terminal. If the multimeter beeps or exhibits a studying near zero, it signifies that the factor is steady.
5. Examine for Shorts
Lastly, you’ll be able to examine for shorts by touching one probe to a terminal and the opposite probe to the steel casing of the water heater. A studying of zero or near zero signifies a brief circuit, which suggests the factor is defective and must be changed.
| Resistance Studying | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 10-50 ohms | Good factor |
| 0-10 ohms | Quick circuit |
| Infinite (no studying) | Open circuit |
Examine the Aspect
To examine the factor, take away the quilt and visually look at it. Search for indicators of harm, akin to cracks, breaks, or burn marks. In case you see any injury, the factor must be changed.
Disconnect the Energy
Earlier than engaged on the factor, make sure to disconnect the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
Take away the Aspect
As soon as the facility is disconnected, you’ll be able to take away the factor. To do that, use a socket wrench to loosen the nut that holds the factor in place. Then, gently pull the factor out of the tank.
Clear the Aspect
If the factor just isn’t broken, you’ll be able to attempt cleansing it. To do that, use a wire brush to take away any scale or particles from the floor of the factor. Watch out to not injury the factor whereas cleansing it.
Check the Aspect
As soon as the factor is clear, you’ll be able to take a look at it utilizing a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and place the probes on the terminals of the factor. If the factor is sweet, the multimeter will learn a resistance of between 10 and 50 ohms.
Change the Electrical Aspect if Wanted
If the factor is broken or fails the take a look at, it must be changed. To do that, buy a brand new factor that’s the identical measurement and wattage because the outdated factor. Then, comply with these steps:
1. Set up the Gasket
Place a brand new gasket on the tip of the factor that can be inserted into the tank.
2. Insert the Aspect
Fastidiously insert the brand new factor into the tank, ensuring that the gasket is in place.
3. Tighten the Nut
Use a socket wrench to tighten the nut that holds the factor in place. Watch out to not overtighten the nut.
4. Reconnect the Energy
As soon as the factor is put in, you’ll be able to reconnect the facility to the water heater.
5. Check the Water Heater
Activate the water heater and permit it to warmth up. Then, examine the water temperature to guarantee that the brand new factor is working correctly.
Reassemble the Water Heater
As soon as the brand new heating factor has been put in, it is time to reassemble the water heater. Begin by placing the rubber gasket again on the water heater tank. Make certain the gasket is correctly aligned, then tighten the bolts that maintain the flange in place.
After the gasket has been tightened, reattach the drain valve to the water heater tank. Subsequent, join the chilly water inlet pipe to the water heater tank. Tighten the bolts that maintain the pipe in place, then activate the chilly water provide.
Subsequent, join the new water outlet pipe to the water heater tank. Tighten the bolts that maintain the pipe in place, then activate the new water provide. As soon as each the cold and warm water provides are turned on, open a sizzling water faucet to launch any air from the system.
Examine for leaks round all the connections. If any leaks are discovered, tighten the corresponding bolts or nuts till the leaks cease. As soon as all the connections are tight and there are not any leaks, the water heater is prepared for use.
Steps for Reassembling a Water Heater
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a rubber gasket over the water heater tank. |
| 2 | Tighten the bolts securing the flange across the gasket. |
| 3 | Reattach the drain valve to the water heater tank. |
| 4 | Join the chilly water inlet pipe to the water heater tank and tighten its bolts. |
| 5 | Join the new water outlet pipe to the water heater tank and tighten its bolts. |
| 6 | Activate the chilly water provide. |
| 7 | Activate the new water provide. |
| 8 | Open a sizzling water faucet to launch air from the system till water flows easily. |
| 9 | Examine for leaks and tighten any unfastened connections if mandatory. |
Refill the Water Heater
When the water heater has been drained, it should be refilled earlier than it may be turned again on. To refill the water heater, comply with these steps:
1. Open the chilly water provide valve to the water heater.
2. Open a sizzling water faucet in the home to permit air to flee from the system.
3. Maintain the new water faucet open till the water runs clear.
4. Shut the new water faucet.
5. Examine for leaks across the water heater and any connections.
6. Activate the water heater.
7. Examine the water temperature at a sizzling water faucet to make sure that it’s sizzling sufficient.
8. If the water just isn’t sizzling sufficient, examine the thermostat setting and regulate as mandatory.
9. If the water remains to be not sizzling sufficient, the heating factor might must be changed. To interchange the heating factor, comply with these steps:
a. Flip off the facility to the water heater.
b. Shut off the water provide to the water heater.
c. Drain the water from the water heater.
d. Take away the entry panel to the heating factor.
e. Disconnect the wires from the heating factor.
f. Take away the heating factor from the water heater.
g. Insert the brand new heating factor into the water heater.
h. Join the wires to the heating factor.
i. Change the entry panel to the heating factor.
j. Activate the water provide to the water heater.
okay. Activate the facility to the water heater.
l. Examine for leaks across the water heater and any connections.
m. Examine the water temperature at a sizzling water faucet to make sure that it’s sizzling sufficient.
n. If the water remains to be not sizzling sufficient, the thermostat might must be changed. To interchange the thermostat, comply with the steps within the producer’s directions.
Reset the Water Heater
In case your water heater just isn’t working, one of many first issues you must attempt is resetting it. This can be a easy process that may usually repair the issue with out having to name a plumber. Listed here are the steps on the way to reset a water heater:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Wait 5 minutes for the water heater to chill down.
- Flip the facility again on.
- Press the reset button on the water heater. The reset button is normally positioned on the entrance or facet of the water heater.
- Wait 5 minutes for the water heater to reheat the water.
Examine for a Defective Circuit Breaker or Fuse
If resetting the water heater doesn’t work, the following step is to examine for a defective circuit breaker or fuse. Right here is how to do that:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Take away the circuit breaker or fuse and examine it for injury.
- If the circuit breaker or fuse is broken, change it with a brand new one.
- Flip the facility again on and see if the water heater is working.
Examine the Thermostat
If the circuit breaker or fuse just isn’t the issue, the following step is to examine the thermostat. Right here is how to do that:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Take away the entrance panel of the water heater and find the thermostat.
- Set the thermostat to a better temperature.
- Flip the facility again on and see if the water heater is working.
Examine the Heating Aspect
If the thermostat just isn’t the issue, the following step is to examine the heating factor. Right here is how to do that:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Take away the entrance panel of the water heater and find the heating factor.
- Use a multimeter to check the heating factor for continuity. If there isn’t a continuity, the heating factor will must be changed.
Desk 1: How you can Check a Water Heater Heating Aspect
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field. |
| 2 | Take away the entrance panel of the water heater and find the heating factor. |
| 3 | Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. |
| 4 | Contact one probe of the multimeter to every terminal on the heating factor. |
| 5 | If the multimeter reads “OL” (open circuit), the heating factor is dangerous and must be changed. |
How To Examine Water Heater Aspect
In case you’re experiencing issues along with your water heater, one of many first issues you must examine is the heating factor. The heating factor is accountable for heating the water in your tank, so if it is not working correctly, you may have chilly water. Checking the heating factor is a comparatively easy course of that may be executed in a couple of minutes.
To examine the heating factor, you may want a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance. You will discover multimeters at most {hardware} shops.
After getting a multimeter, comply with these steps to examine the heating factor:
- Flip off the facility to the water heater.
- Take away the entry panel to the heating factor.
- Disconnect the wires from the heating factor.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating factor.
- The multimeter ought to learn between 10 and 30 ohms.
If the multimeter reads 0 ohms, the heating factor is shorted and must be changed. If the multimeter reads infinity ohms, the heating factor is open and must be changed.
Folks Additionally Ask about How To Examine Water Heater Aspect
What are the signs of a foul water heater factor?
The signs of a foul water heater factor embody:
- Chilly water
- Water that’s not as sizzling because it was once
- A buzzing noise coming from the water heater
- A burning odor coming from the water heater
How a lot does it price to exchange a water heater factor?
The fee to exchange a water heater factor varies relying on the kind of water heater you may have and the price of labor in your space. On common, it prices between $50 and $200 to exchange a water heater factor.
Can I change a water heater factor myself?
Changing a water heater factor is a comparatively easy course of that may be executed in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, if you’re not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to name a certified electrician.
