At American Way Plumbing Heating and Cooling, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing water heater heating elements quickly and efficiently throughout Northern New Jersey.
Hot water is consistently provided by electric water heaters in many homes. However, when they malfunction, the problem is frequently traced back to either the thermostat or the heating element.
We’ll go over how these parts function, how to spot problems with them, and when to get help from a qualified plumber in this post.
Common Signs Your Electric Water Heater Isn’t Working
The most likely reason for inadequate or nonexistent hot water production is an internal component issue with your electric water heater. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- No hot water at all.
- Water only gets lukewarm.
- Hot water runs out faster than usual.
- The circuit breaker trips whenever the heater is working.
All of the above can be signs that your heating element or your thermostat is not working really well. And since both of them work together, anything that is wrong with one of them can affect the other and all of your hot water system.
What Is The Purpose Of a Water Heater Heating Element?
They are essentially a metal rod that uses electricity to heat the water inside the tank. It has two parts that react to thermostat commands: one on top and one on the bottom.
Your water may warm up momentarily but won’t remain hot for very long if either of these parts fails. However, you won’t get any hot water if both parts aren’t functioning correctly.
Electric Water Heater Thermostat Troubleshooting
The thermostat controls when the heating elements should be turned on or off by measuring the water’s temperature. So the heating element might be unable to work (even if it is perfectly fine) if the thermostat is not working.
Signs That Your Thermostat Is Broken:
- Variability in water temperature.
- The water is either not hot enough or too hot.
- The tank is only hot at the top or bottom.
- Breaker frequently trips.
Troubleshooting an electric water heater thermostat typically starts with checking for power, verifying that the wiring is correct and testing the thermostat with a multimeter.
Understanding Heating Element Wiring
The power source, heating elements and thermostat are all connected by a wire system. To ensure safe operation, the element wiring must be done correctly; however, any corrosion, looseness or damage could result in failure or power outages.
Signs of Wiring Issues:
- Intermittent hot water.
- Flickering power to the unit.
- A burning odor close to the unit.
- Frequent trips of the fuse or breaker.
You should, however, leave electrical component work to a qualified professional if you are facing troubles doing it yourself.
When To Get Water Heater Repairs Done By a Professional
In a way, we can say that fixing a water heater heating element or thermostat is often a job best left to professionals, especially when electrical wiring is involved. At American Way, we’ve helped hundreds of residents restore hot water quickly.
Our skilled technicians are able to:
- Diagnose broken thermostats or heating components.
- Replace damaged parts.
- Test and repair wiring issues.
- Make sure your system is operating safely and effectively.
What Sets Us Apart
Different plumbing companies have varying levels of experience.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We work with skilled and experienced plumbers: you can count on years of real-world experience working with various types of electric water heaters.
- Services that are quick: we frequently fix most problems the same day.
- Honest pricing: there are only simple, unambiguous estimates and no additional fees.
- Community insight: we are aware of the specific plumbing problems that local homeowners face.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my water heater heating element is not working?
It might be a sign that the heating element needs to be changed if your circuit breaker is still in place but your water is still cold or only lukewarm.
Can I diagnose and fix my electric water heater’s thermostat?
It is possible to troubleshoot yourself if you know how to use a multimeter. But if you are not experienced with it, it is better to contact a plumber.
Is faulty element wiring dangerous?
Faulty element wiring increases the risk of a fire. Remember to turn off the electricity before performing an inspection, and if you suspect a wiring problem, then simply call a professional.
Contact American Way Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for Expert Water Heater Repair Services in New Jersey
If you are suffering with a water heater that doesn’t produce hot water or works with inconsistent temperatures, or if for any other reason you believe you could be dealing with some issues with your hot water electric supply. We at American Way Plumbing Heating and Cooling offer professional HVAC & plumbing services in New Jersey.
Contact us to arrange an inspection and restore your hot water supply.