I woke up this morning and could not get a hot shower. The water was luke warm and couldn't get hotter. Does this mean our hot water heater went or could it be something simpler?
(Although we have had hot water up until today it did seem to take a bit longer and not last quite as long this week)
2006-09-12 04:39:42 · 11 answers · asked by Genie♥Angel 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Our Water Heater and our Heat is all ELECTRIC.
We have a well.
2006-09-12 04:46:55 · update #1
I can't find a thermostat, only a dial that shows numbers 1-10 4x with peak times, like morning, day, evening & night.
Does anyone know where I could find it? It's encased in insulation.
It's located in it's own small closet with a very tight door so I don't think anyone could have changed the thermostat.
It also has a knob that it looks like you would turn... this is probably the way to empty the tank?
2006-09-12 04:54:19 · update #2
With a water heater, you may have to watch out for whether or not the heating element is starting to go out. First you need to check the pilot light and the thermostat. If those are both fine, you may want to consider bleaching your well (if you have one), but most likely the well won't have anything to do with heat. A well problem would have more of an effect on pressure and smell. While minerals may build up on the bottom of the tank, it won't have an effect on heat. You also will not be able to "drain" the minerals out of the tank, they typically solidify on the bottom after a while. Also, those minerals will build up regardless of your water type: city or well.If everything looks fine, you need to call a plumber and have him run a continuity test on the heating element. If you know how to do a continuity test, do it yourself, it'll save you about $100.00. If there is no continuity, it is time for a new heater. Trust me, these are the words of an plumber. I may still be an apprentice, but I've changed out dozens of water heaters in my life. Plumbing runs in my family. My great-uncle owns a company, my step-dad is a plumber, etc.
2006-09-12 04:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by hallooin_bran 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are supposed to flush the hot water heater once a year - don't know of anyone who does that until they can't get hot water then it is the second thing to try after the thermostat. The minerals build up in the button of the tank and go from sludge to hard chunks.
If it is an electric heater you may also have lost just one leg of the 220 power - which gives you just half the heating power. Check your breakers - there will be a double breaker with the switching part clipped together - switch it completely off and back on.
2006-09-12 04:52:07 · answer #2 · answered by justwondering 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simple fix and cheap, too! First turn off the electrical supply to the tank. Then turn off the water supply to the tank. Next, hook a garden hose to the outlet on the bottom of the tank, run it outside and turn that valve open. Locate the pressure release valve (either on the side or the top of the tank) and open it. Now the tank will drain. Go eat supper and watch a TV show (it will take a while to drain). When empty, using a heater element wrench, remove BOTH elements. They are located behind the removable panels and you'll have to disconect both wires from them first. They simply unscrew (that's counter-clockwise for the mechanically impaired). Note that both are crusty and one is broken! Replace both with new ones from Lowe's, home depot, whatever. Cost will be $8 - $12. FILL THE TANK WITH WATER BEFORE TURNING ON THE POWER!~!!!~! If the power is turned on for 1/1000th of a second without water, you've just blown two new heating elements! Best wishes for hotter water.
2006-09-12 16:20:14 · answer #3 · answered by fibreglasscar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a good chance that one of your heating elements shorted out. This is caused by sediment buildup in the bottom of your tank. With you having a well, there is a good chance that there is considerable buildup. Under normal circumstances, you should drain the heater once a year. But if you have a well, I would recommend draining it twice a year. You will probably need and electrician with a meter to check the elements to find out which one is bad. You can get them at most home supply stores. Drain the tank by connecting a hose to the bottom on the spigot, open the supply valve and let all the water run out. Let the fresh water run about 5 minutes to flush out all the debris.It wouldn't hurt to go ahead and change all the elements since you have a well. Make sure you turn off the circuit breaker before you do anything!!! Good Luck!
2006-09-12 05:04:19 · answer #4 · answered by bugear001 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it electric or gas? The pilot light may have gone out. The thermostat may not be set hot enough. The thermostat may have broken (especially if it acted wierd a week ago). There are a few other minor things it could be.
2006-09-12 04:44:26 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try checking the thermostat on the water heater. It could have gotten bumped somehow and turned down.
2006-09-12 04:42:03 · answer #6 · answered by mamafence 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have "well" water or "spring" water, there may be a build up of minerals collected in the bottom of your tank. If this is the case--you may be able to drain the tank (which is the pits) and this may help. If you have city water--don't know. You may just need a new tank.
2006-09-12 04:44:26 · answer #7 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check to see how high you temp is set on the hot water heater. or if it is even on. there is a switch if there isn't anyone home who knows how to check call pge and have them send someone out. it is dangerous to try and light it yourself with or without experience..
2006-09-12 04:43:39 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just might need a new one or maybe someone turned the temp down.Good Luck
2006-09-12 04:46:26 · answer #9 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like one of your elements our broken.... there are usually 2 one in the top and one in the bottom....
best of luck
2006-09-12 05:23:46 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ goddessofraine ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋