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Troubleshoot electric water heater
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How
to replace thermostat on
electric water heater |
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 Power if OFF Do not empty water out of heater |
Power is OFF Turn off 20 or 30 Amp circuit breaker to 240V water heater see wiring diagram Or 20 Amp circuit breaker to 120V water heater Check label on side of water heater for appliance voltage Figure volts amps watts Wattage is stamped on end of element see example |
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 How to find age of water heater |
Stand on dry boards Never touch wet water heater unless power is OFF Tape tester leads to wood sticks 1. Test black wire to ground wire 2. Test black wire to white wire 3. Test white wire to ground wire If indicator lights up, then electricity is present. |
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 Newer tanks have foam insulation that may need to be cut back. Insulation must be re-installed. |
Do
not empty water out of
heater Not necessary to wait for water to cool. Can be done with hot water inside tank. Power must be OFF. Use screwdriver to remove covers and insulation from tank Some 240Volt tanks have single access door and single thermostat Buy new parts that match old Buy parts at hardware store Thermostats and elements are generally interchangable between brands of electric water heater Exception is Whirlpool energy-smart shown lower on page.
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Steps
to replace thermostat Instructions are same for both upper and lower thermostats Use digital camera and take photo of wires or draw picture showing location of each wire Remove wires from thermostat Thermostat is held in place by metal spring that snaps over ears on thermostat Pull back metal spring on both sides (make a tool using piece of coat hanger wire) Slide out old thermostat Put new thermostat in place, wiggle thermostat around to make sure it is held flat and tight against tank by metal spring Thermostat reads temperature through surface of metal tank Adjust temperature to 120° (or higher if hot water runs short) Re-connect wires <> tighten screws very firm against copper wire When upper thermostat is replaced, push-in red reset button firmly to make sure it is engaged After thermostat is replaced, put factory insulation back over thermostat Insulation must cover thermostat to avoid higher water temperatures than desired set point Tank must be full of water or elements will instantly burn out Turn power ON Put ear against water heater to hear bubbly fizzing sound that says water heater is 'on' If tank is fully heated, water heater will not turn on. If tank is partially heated, then lower element will turn on. If tank is cold, then upper element will turn on. How it works Put access doors back on tank Access doors and insulation are required for thermostat to read correct temperature If water heater is still not working, see troubleshooting |
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 | Adjust temperature on thermostat using screwdriver. Recommended temperature is 120 degrees F for efficiency and to avoid scalding water. If home is running short of hot water, turn temperature up. Thermostat setttings are approximate. Calibration is different for each thermostat. Use cooking thermometer to measure water temperature when exact temperature is needed. Problems from high temperature setting include higher bill, faster sediment build-up. Minerals can distill out of water when water is above 140 degrees. Water expands with higher heat. TP valve releases water. Pressure should not exceed 80 psi. Action: 9 ways to save with water heater Test and replace TP valve. Install expansion tank. Inspect for leaks once per year. Test for high water pressure over 80psi that can damage tank and pipes Formulas and terminology | ||
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 | Insulation and cover must be over thermostat. Exposing thermostat to cool room temperature will cause tank to overheat. Thermostat cannot read correct temperature unless covered correctly. Troubleshoot electric water heater | ||
| Electric water heater thermostats are available locally. Thermostat sits flat against tank wall so temperature reading is accurate and water heater is protected from overheating Access doors and insulation must be put back over thermostat to avoid higher water temperatures than desired set point, which leads to overheating, which will trip ECO reset. |
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| Energy-smart
electric water heater does not have thermostat Temperature sensor sends information to self-diagnostic control on top of heater Newer energy-smart electric has electronic thermostat. Thermostats are ordered from Whirlpool 1-877-817-6750, elements are generic and can be bought locally. |
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 If you have: Self diagnostic control Temperature-sensor ordered from Whirlpool or Craftmaster etc Serial number + $37 required > instructions included with order See more about Whirlpool Energy Smart |
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 | Flooded water heater must be replaced: Insulation is wet. Wet water heater is immediate electrocution danger. Turn power OFF. Insulation cannot dry unless covers are left off tank. Covers are required for thermostat to read correct temperature. Water heater must be taken out of service until completely dry. Flooded water heater Leaking water heater | ||
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 | Water heater must be full of water or elements instantly burn out. How to fill water heater: Turn tub spout ON until full stream. Open water heater TP valve for a moment to release last of air. Turn power ON. How electric water heater works How to test and replace TP valve | ||
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 See basic 120V and 240V water heater circuits |
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 Do it yourself water heater |
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 How to install and troubleshoot gas water heater |
 Troubleshoot leaking water heater |
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 Contactors |  Hot water circulation system |
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 9+ ways to save with water heater |
 Motorized shut off valve |
 Anode rods |
 Clean sediment from tank |
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