“Help! What to do when it’s not working”
Your electric hot water system is a true household hero based on decades of tried-and-tested technological development. They sit there, quietly and reliably providing the hot water you need for showers, dishes, and laundry. But what if it stops working? Don’t worry, because this is inevitable. That doesn’t make it any less frustrating and inconvenient though, does it? Dealing with a system that’s refusing to heat water? Or is it leaking? Tripping the power, maybe? Some basic and universal electric hot water system troubleshooting might get things back on track.
Electric hot water heater not working?
Electric hot water system not working? Here’s your full and exclusive guide to understanding what might be going wrong – and how to address it. We’re also going to talk about the critical warning signs that mean it’s time to call in a licensed professional, like:
- Persistent leaks, especially if leaking from the top?
- No hot water despite power supply being on?
- Frequent tripping of the hot water switch in fuse box?
- Unusual noises, like banging or hissing?
- Scalding or inconsistent water temperatures?
6 ways to troubleshoot your electric hot water system
Electric hot water not working? We feel your pain! But before diving any deeper into the details, let’s start by ruling out these common issues that could be behind the problem:
1. Check the power supply
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as power. An electric water heater not working could be – the electricity supply! So let’s start with the basics:
- Look at the hot water switch in the fuse box
- Is it tripped?
- If so, reset it and see if the system powers on.
Your system obviously needs to be securely plugged in, with no visible damage to the connection.
Did resetting the switch or confirming the power supply help? If not, a larger electrical issue could be at play.
2. Inspect the thermostat settings
The thermostat is what regulates your water temperature. Electric hot water system not heating? It could be that the thermostat settings are incorrect – or the unit is faulty.
- Check the thermostat temperature, typically set between 60-75°C
- If that didn’t work, the thermostat itself might need replacing.
3. Examine the heating element
A very common reason for an electric water heater not working is a failed heating element. This component is responsible for heating the water in the tank.
- Turn off the power and carefully check for visible signs of wear, like burns or corrosion
- Element look damaged? Replacement might be necessary.
4. Check for leaks
Leaks can occur from plenty of places in your electric hot water system – but leaking from the top is a specific problem often linked to the pressure relief valve or loose connections.
- Inspect all visible pipes, fittings, and valves for signs of water escape
- Tighten loose fittings or replace worn-out washers if needed.
If the system is leaking alarmingly heavily, switch it off NOW! – and contact a local hot water plumber near me.
5. Assess the tank
The tank itself might be the culprit, due to sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. Worst case, it could be hopelessly corroded, but both scenarios can seriously affect efficiency.
- Drain the tank and check for debris or mineral build-up
- Flushing the tank yearly can prevent this problem and extend the system’s life
- If it’s corroded, you’ll need a new hot water system.
6. Professional issues beyond DIY
Hot water system not heating even after following these basic steps? Perhaps the problem lies with internal wiring or a failed circuit, in which case you’ll need an electrician. Either way, it could be time to call in the real experts!
Licensed plumbers and electricians near you have all the tools, experience and local expertise to safely fix faults without risking further damage.
Why isn’t my hot water working?
Still struggling and confused? Make sure to double-check these super-common issues with electric hot water systems – including:
- Hot water not working electric: A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse could be the reason.
- Hot water system not heating: This could indicate an element or thermostat fault.
- Electric hot water not working: Older systems may have reached the end of their lifespan and need replacement.
While some fixes are straightforward, identifying the root cause normally requires a professional assessment.
When to call Tradie Near Me
All you want is that steaming hot shower, right? When your hot water system isn’t playing ball, and basic DIY troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time for a helping hand. Tradie Near Me connects you with local experts who specialise in everything – from simple repairs to full system replacements and beyond.
Don’t suffer through another cold shower! Call Tradie Near Me to get your electric hot water system troubleshooting on the professional track. We’ll get it resolved quickly and professionally – so call Tradie Near Me right now.
