Your water heater is likely one of the most vital home equipment in your house, offering you with sizzling water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However what occurs when your water heater stops working? Probably the most frequent causes of water heater failure is a defective heating aspect. In case you’re experiencing issues along with your water heater, it is vital to examine the heating aspect to see if it must be changed.
Checking a water heater aspect is a comparatively easy course of that may be carried out in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, it is vital to take security precautions earlier than you start. First, flip off the ability 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 possibly can start checking the heating aspect.
To examine the heating aspect, you may want a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance. To make use of a multimeter to examine a water heater aspect, first set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating aspect. If the heating aspect is nice, the multimeter will learn between 10 and 20 ohms. If the heating aspect is dangerous, the multimeter will learn infinity.
Figuring out the Water Heater Ingredient
Finding the Water Heater
Step one in checking a water heater aspect is to find your water heater. Most residential water heaters are present in a utility room, basement, or storage. As soon as you have discovered your water heater, establish 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 components situated within the decrease portion of the tank.
Accessing the Water Heater Ingredient
For fuel water heaters, you may have to take away the entrance panel to entry the burner and combustion chamber. Electrical water heaters, however, usually have a decrease entry panel that may be eliminated to show the heating components.
| Gas Sort | Entry Technique |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Take away entrance panel |
| Electrical | Take away decrease entry panel |
Figuring out the Heating Ingredient
Upon getting entry to the heating components, you possibly can establish them by their cylindrical form and {the electrical} terminals related to them. In electrical water heaters, there are normally two components: an higher aspect and a decrease aspect. 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 can stop scalding and make it simpler to work on the water heater. You need to use a bucket or hose to empty the water into an acceptable location.
Ideas for draining the water heater:
| Tip | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Use warning when opening the drain valve | Sizzling water could come out instantly, so open the valve slowly and thoroughly. |
| Place a bucket or hose beneath the drain valve | This can 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 way of 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 ability. This can assist stop you from getting shocked or injured.
For electrical water heaters:
- Flip off the ability 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 ability is disconnected, you can begin engaged on the water heater aspect.
Listed below are some further suggestions for disconnecting the ability:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Ensure the water heater is turned off earlier than you begin engaged on it. | This can assist stop you from getting shocked or injured. |
| Use a voltage tester to verify the ability is off earlier than you contact any wires. | This can assist stop you from getting shocked. |
| In case you are not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to name a professional electrician. | This can assist be certain that the job is completed 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 ability to the water heater. This can usually be a circuit breaker or a fuse. As soon as the ability is off, you possibly can take away the entry panel to the water heater.
Eradicating the Heating Ingredient
Utilizing a wrench, take away the nuts that maintain the heating aspect in place. As soon as the nuts are eliminated, you possibly can pull the heating aspect out of the water heater. Examine the heating aspect for any harm. If the heating aspect is broken, it is going to have to be changed.
Changing the Heating Ingredient
Insert the brand new heating aspect into the water heater and tighten the nuts that maintain it in place. Flip the ability again on to the water heater and activate the fuel provide. Open a sizzling water faucet to permit the water to circulation by way of the water heater. Verify 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 can stop water from leaking out once you take away the duvet.
3. Open a sizzling water faucet someplace in your home. This can relieve stress within the water heater, making it simpler to take away the duvet.
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 may increasingly require a screwdriver or a wrench. As soon as the panel is eliminated, you should have entry to the water heater’s heating aspect.
| Water Heater Sort | Entry Panel Location |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Backside of the tank |
| Fuel | Entrance or aspect of the tank |
| Tankless | Not relevant |
Finding the Ingredient
The water heater aspect is usually situated on the backside of the tank, submerged within the water. To find the aspect, observe these steps:
1. Shut off the ability 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 aspect. It is going to be a steel tube with two wires connected to it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the aspect.
6. Unscrew the aspect from the tank. Watch out to not harm the gasket that seals the aspect in place.
In case you are having hassle finding the aspect, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s handbook or contact a professional electrician.
Further Ideas for Finding the Ingredient
Listed below are some further suggestions for finding the aspect:
- If in case you have a fuel water heater, the aspect 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.
- If in case you have an electrical water heater, the aspect 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 aspect, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s handbook or contact a professional electrician.
Testing the Ingredient with a Multimeter
Find the 2 terminals on the water heater aspect. One terminal might be situated on the high of the aspect, and the opposite might 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 aspect and the opposite probe to the underside terminal.
If the multimeter reads infinity (∞), then the water heater aspect is blown and must be changed.
If the multimeter reads a resistance worth between 10 and 50 ohms, then the water heater aspect is nice.
Desk of Resistance Values for Water Heater Parts:
| Resistance Worth (ohms) | Ingredient Situation |
|---|---|
| 0 | Shorted |
| 10-50 | Good |
| ∞ | Blown |
If the multimeter reads a resistance worth that isn’t inside the vary of 10-50 ohms, then the water heater aspect is prone to be defective and ought to be changed.
Changing the Ingredient
1. **Flip off the ability and water provide to the water heater.** That is normally carried out 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 thoroughly elevate off the entry panel.
4. **Disconnect the wires from the aspect.** The aspect 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 aspect.
5. **Unscrew the aspect.** The aspect is screwed into the water heater tank. Use a wrench to loosen the aspect after which fastidiously take away it from the tank.
6. **Clear the tank.** Earlier than putting in the brand new aspect, you will need to clear the tank. Use a wire brush to take away any scale or sediment from the tank.
7. **Set up the brand new aspect.** Screw the brand new aspect into the tank. Be sure that the aspect is seated correctly after which tighten the aspect with a wrench.
8. **Join the wires to the aspect.** Join the wires to the aspect terminals after which tighten the screws that maintain the wires in place. Use a multimeter to examine that the aspect is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the aspect and the water heater tank. A continuity studying of 0 ohms signifies that there’s a good connection between the aspect and the tank.
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | A multimeter is a tool that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. It’s used to examine that the aspect is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the aspect and the water heater tank. |
| Wrench | A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the aspect. |
| Screwdriver | A screwdriver is used to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place. |
| Wire brush | A wire brush is used to scrub the tank. |
Reassembling the Water Heater
As soon as the brand new aspect is put in, it is time to reassemble the water heater. Listed below are the steps to observe:
1. Thread the New Ingredient into the Tank
Rigorously thread the brand new aspect 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 comfortable 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 aspect 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 sizzling water faucet to purge air from the tank and pipes.
8. Energy On
As soon as the water is flowing by way of the recent water faucet, activate the ability to the water heater.
9. Take a look at the Water Heater
After just a few hours, examine the recent water temperature. It ought to attain between 120°F and 140°F. If it would not, there could also be a problem with the brand new aspect 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 aspect.
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 will not be tripped or blown. Whether it is, reset the breaker or substitute 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 harm or corrosion. If the thermostat seems defective, substitute it with a brand new one.
Checking the Strain Reduction Valve
The stress reduction valve is a security machine that stops the water heater from exploding as a result of extreme stress. Raise 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 gentle and guarantee it’s lit. If not, gentle it in accordance with 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 substitute the fuse to revive energy to the water heater.
Ready for Heating
Permit the water heater adequate time to warmth up. This may increasingly take a number of hours, relying on the water heater’s measurement and temperature setting.
Testing Sizzling Water
Run sizzling water from a faucet close to the water heater. If the water will not be sizzling, examine the thermostat and stress reduction valve once more.
Confirming Correct Operation
If the water is sizzling 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 vitality 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 Verify A Water Heater Ingredient
A water heater aspect is an important part accountable for heating water in electrical water heaters. In case you suspect your water heater aspect 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.
This is a step-by-step information on the right way to examine a water heater aspect:
- Security Precautions: Earlier than continuing, guarantee to close off the ability 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 Ingredient: Find the entry panel on the aspect or backside of the water heater and take away it. Inside, you may discover the water heater aspect, usually held in place by a nut or bolts. Rigorously take away the aspect.
- Visible Inspection: Look at the aspect for any seen harm, corresponding to cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If there are any indicators of harm, the aspect probably must be changed.
- Ohmmeter Take a look at: Use an ohmmeter to check the aspect’s continuity. Join one probe to every terminal on the aspect. If the ohmmeter reads near 0, the aspect is probably going good. A studying of infinity or very excessive resistance signifies an open circuit and a defective aspect.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Verify A Water Heater Ingredient
Do I want to switch the anode rod when altering the aspect?
Sure, it is typically really useful to switch the anode rod concurrently changing the water heater aspect. 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 aspect?
Any multimeter with an ohms vary can be utilized to check a water heater aspect. Nevertheless, it is vital to notice that some multimeters could not be capable of measure excessive resistance values precisely.
How typically ought to I examine my water heater aspect?
It is typically really useful to examine your water heater aspect each 2-3 years, particularly you probably have laborious water or discover any points with the water heater’s efficiency.
