How to Troubleshoot an Electric Water Tank
- 1). Check for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse if the water tank is not heating your water. Fix this problem by resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the blown fuse with a new fuse. Should the breaker trip or the fuse blow again, call for an electrician to inspect the system.
- 2). Push the reset button if the water tank receives electricity. The reset button cuts off power when the temperature exceeds a certain limit. Remove the cover panel and push aside insulation if you cannot find the reset button on the outside of the tank. Ensure you have turned off the power before doing this.
- 3). Test the heating elements if the water heater is not working at its full capacity or if you receive no hot water at all. Remove the panel cover and expose the thermostat by pushing aside the insulation. Look for a large tightening nut with two wire terminals attached.
- 4). Disconnect the wires from the terminals and use a volt-ohmmeter set at 4x1 resistance. Trouble the probes to the two terminals of each heating element. Replace any heating element that shows no electrical continuity.
- 5). Repeat the test with the ohm setting at 4x1000 if the first test shows continuity. Touch one probe to the tank side or a bolt attached to the tank. Touch the other probe to each terminal. A positive show of continuity on this test reveals that the element has a short in it and needs to be replaced.
- 6). Drain the tank to replace a heating element. Use a pipe wrench to unscrew the tightening nut and remove the heating element. Ensure the replacement element is identical to the old element. Use pipe joint compound to coat the new gasket on both sides. Thread the new element through the gasket and tighten the bolts to the tank.
- 7). Connect the wires and set the temperature. Turn the power and the water supply back on. Press the reset button.
- 8). Clean the elements if, after inspecting them, replacing the elements is not required. Mineral deposits can build up on the heating elements and causes overheating. Remove the elements and look for signs of buildup on them. Soak the elements in vinegar until you can remove the scale buildup using a soft brush.
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