Your water heater is without doubt one of the most necessary home equipment in your house, offering you with scorching water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However what occurs when your water heater stops working? One of the frequent causes of water heater failure is a defective heating factor. For those who’re experiencing issues together with your water heater, it is necessary to verify the heating factor to see if it must be changed.
Checking a water heater factor is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, it is necessary to take security precautions earlier than you start. First, flip off the facility to the water heater on the circuit breaker panel. Then, flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater. As soon as the water heater is turned off, you may start checking the heating factor.
To verify the heating factor, you will want a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance. To make use of a multimeter to verify a water heater factor, first set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating factor. If the heating factor is nice, the multimeter will learn between 10 and 20 ohms. If the heating factor is unhealthy, the multimeter will learn infinity.
Figuring out the Water Heater Factor
Finding the Water Heater
Step one in checking a water heater factor is to find your water heater. Most residential water heaters are present in a utility room, basement, or storage. As soon as you’ve got discovered your water heater, establish the kind of gas it makes use of: gasoline or electrical. Pure gasoline and propane water heaters sometimes have a combustion chamber and a burner, whereas electrical water heaters have heating components positioned within the decrease portion of the tank.
Accessing the Water Heater Factor
For gasoline water heaters, you will must take away the entrance panel to entry the burner and combustion chamber. Electrical water heaters, however, sometimes have a decrease entry panel that may be eliminated to show the heating components.
Gasoline Sort | Entry Methodology |
---|---|
Fuel | Take away entrance panel |
Electrical | Take away decrease entry panel |
Figuring out the Heating Factor
Upon getting entry to the heating components, you may establish them by their cylindrical form and {the electrical} terminals linked to them. In electrical water heaters, there are normally two components: an higher factor and a decrease factor. In gasoline water heaters, the burner is positioned above the combustion chamber and is linked to a gasoline 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 gasoline 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 forestall scalding and make it simpler to work on the water heater. You should use a bucket or hose to empty the water into an acceptable location.
Suggestions for draining the water heater:
Tip | Particulars |
---|---|
Use warning when opening the drain valve | Scorching water could come out immediately, so open the valve slowly and thoroughly. |
Place a bucket or hose below the drain valve | This can assist to direct the water away from the work space. |
Flush the water heater completely | 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 via the drain valve for a couple of minutes. |
Disconnecting the Energy
Earlier than you begin working in your water heater, it is necessary to disconnect the facility. This can assist forestall you from getting shocked or injured.
For electrical water heaters:
- Flip off the facility on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
- Unplug the water heater from the outlet.
For gasoline water heaters:
- Flip off the gasoline provide on the gasoline valve.
- Disconnect the gasoline line from the water heater.
As soon as the facility is disconnected, you can begin engaged on the water heater factor.
Listed below are some further suggestions for disconnecting the facility:
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Make certain the water heater is turned off earlier than you begin engaged on it. | This can assist forestall you from getting shocked or injured. |
Use a voltage tester to verify the facility is off earlier than you contact any wires. | This can assist forestall you from getting shocked. |
If you’re not snug working with electrical energy, it’s best to name a certified electrician. | This can assist make sure 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 gasoline 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 facility to the water heater. This can sometimes be a circuit breaker or a fuse. As soon as the facility is off, you may take away the entry panel to the water heater.
Eradicating the Heating Factor
Utilizing a wrench, take away the nuts that maintain the heating factor in place. As soon as the nuts are eliminated, you may pull the heating factor out of the water heater. Examine the heating factor for any harm. If the heating factor is broken, it can have to be changed.
Changing the Heating Factor
Insert the brand new heating factor into the water heater and tighten the nuts that maintain it in place. Flip the facility again on to the water heater and activate the gasoline provide. Open a scorching water faucet to permit the water to movement via the water heater. Examine 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 gasoline 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 gasoline valve to the “off” place.
2. Flip off the chilly water provide to the water heater. This can forestall water from leaking out once you take away the quilt.
3. Open a scorching water faucet someplace in your own home. This can relieve strain within the water heater, making it simpler to take away the quilt.
4. Find the entry panel on the entrance of the water heater. On most fashions, it is a rectangular panel held in place by screws.
5. Take away the entry panel. This will likely require a screwdriver or a wrench. As soon as the panel is eliminated, you’ll have entry to the water heater’s heating factor.
Water Heater Sort | Entry Panel Location |
---|---|
Electrical | Backside of the tank |
Fuel | Entrance or aspect of the tank |
Tankless | Not relevant |
Finding the Factor
The water heater factor is often positioned on the backside of the tank, submerged within the water. To find the factor, comply with these steps:
1. Shut off the facility 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 factor. Will probably be a steel tube with two wires connected to it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the factor.
6. Unscrew the factor from the tank. Watch out to not harm the gasket that seals the factor in place.
If you’re having hassle finding the factor, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s handbook or contact a certified electrician.
Further Suggestions for Finding the Factor
Listed below are some further suggestions for finding the factor:
- You probably have a gasoline water heater, the factor could also be positioned contained in the combustion chamber. To entry the combustion chamber, you will want to take away the entrance panel of the water heater.
- You probably have an electrical water heater, the factor could also be positioned in a separate compartment. To entry this compartment, you will want to take away the entry panel on the backside of the tank.
- If you’re nonetheless unable to find the factor, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s handbook or contact a certified electrician.
Testing the Factor with a Multimeter
Find the 2 terminals on the water heater factor. One terminal can be positioned on the high of the factor, and the opposite can be positioned on the backside.
Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. This setting is often denoted by the image Ω.
Contact one of many multimeter probes to the highest terminal of the water heater factor and the opposite probe to the underside terminal.
If the multimeter reads infinity (∞), then the water heater factor is blown and must be changed.
If the multimeter reads a resistance worth between 10 and 50 ohms, then the water heater factor is nice.
Desk of Resistance Values for Water Heater Components:
Resistance Worth (ohms) | Factor 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 factor is more likely to be defective and ought to be changed.
Changing the Factor
1. **Flip off the facility and water provide to the water heater.** That is normally accomplished 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 positioned on the backside of the water heater. It’s held in place by a couple of screws. Take away the screws and thoroughly elevate off the entry panel.
4. **Disconnect the wires from the factor.** The factor is linked 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 factor.
5. **Unscrew the factor.** The factor is screwed into the water heater tank. Use a wrench to loosen the factor after which fastidiously take away it from the tank.
6. **Clear the tank.** Earlier than putting in the brand new factor, it is very important clear the tank. Use a wire brush to take away any scale or sediment from the tank.
7. **Set up the brand new factor.** Screw the brand new factor into the tank. Be sure that the factor is seated correctly after which tighten the factor with a wrench.
8. **Join the wires to the factor.** Join the wires to the factor terminals after which tighten the screws that maintain the wires in place. Use a multimeter to verify that the factor is correctly linked and that there’s continuity between the factor and the water heater tank. A continuity studying of 0 ohms signifies that there’s a good connection between the factor and the tank.
Software | Description |
---|---|
Multimeter | A multimeter is a tool that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. It’s used to verify that the factor is correctly linked and that there’s continuity between the factor and the water heater tank. |
Wrench | A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the factor. |
Screwdriver | A screwdriver is used to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place. |
Wire brush | A wire brush is used to wash the tank. |
Reassembling the Water Heater
As soon as the brand new factor is put in, it is time to reassemble the water heater. Listed below are the steps to comply with:
1. Thread the New Factor into the Tank
Fastidiously thread the brand new factor 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 cosy 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 factor 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 Scorching Water Faucet
Open a scorching water faucet to purge air from the tank and pipes.
8. Energy On
As soon as the water is flowing via the recent water faucet, activate the facility to the water heater.
9. Take a look at the Water Heater
After a couple of hours, verify the recent water temperature. It ought to attain between 120°F and 140°F. If it would not, there could also be a difficulty with the brand new factor 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 factor.
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 isn’t tripped or blown. Whether it is, reset the breaker or change the fuse.
Checking Fuel Provide
If the water heater makes use of pure gasoline or propane, make sure the gasoline provide is turned on and accessible. Confirm that the gasoline 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, change it with a brand new one.
Checking the Stress Aid Valve
The strain aid valve is a security gadget that stops the water heater from exploding attributable to extreme strain. Raise the lever on the valve to make sure it strikes freely and releases water when depressed.
Testing the Pilot Mild (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 change the fuse to revive energy to the water heater.
Ready for Heating
Permit the water heater enough time to warmth up. This will likely take a number of hours, relying on the water heater’s measurement and temperature setting.
Testing Scorching Water
Run scorching water from a faucet close to the water heater. If the water isn’t scorching, verify the thermostat and strain aid valve once more.
Confirming Correct Operation
If the water is scorching and the water heater is working with out leaks or uncommon noises, it’s seemingly functioning accurately.
Monitoring Power Utilization
To make sure the water heater is working effectively, monitor its vitality utilization by monitoring electrical energy or gasoline consumption. If the consumption appears extreme, take into account changing the water heater with a extra energy-efficient mannequin.
How To Examine A Water Heater Factor
A water heater factor is an important part chargeable for heating water in electrical water heaters. For those who suspect your water heater factor could also be malfunctioning, it is important to examine and take a look at it promptly to make sure the environment friendly and secure operation of your water heater.
This is a step-by-step information on tips on how to verify a water heater factor:
- Security Precautions: Earlier than continuing, guarantee to close off the facility 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 Factor: Find the entry panel on the aspect or backside of the water heater and take away it. Inside, you will discover the water heater factor, sometimes held in place by a nut or bolts. Fastidiously take away the factor.
- Visible Inspection: Look at the factor for any seen harm, akin to cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If there are any indicators of injury, the factor seemingly must be changed.
- Ohmmeter Take a look at: Use an ohmmeter to check the factor’s continuity. Join one probe to every terminal on the factor. If the ohmmeter reads near 0, the factor is probably going good. A studying of infinity or very excessive resistance signifies an open circuit and a defective factor.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Examine A Water Heater Factor
Do I want to interchange the anode rod when altering the factor?
Sure, it is typically really useful to interchange the anode rod similtaneously changing the water heater factor. The anode rod helps to guard the water heater tank from corrosion.
Can I exploit any sort of multimeter to check a water heater factor?
Any multimeter with an ohms vary can be utilized to check a water heater factor. Nonetheless, it is necessary to notice that some multimeters could not be capable of measure excessive resistance values precisely.
How usually ought to I verify my water heater factor?
It is typically really useful to verify your water heater factor each 2-3 years, particularly if in case you have arduous water or discover any points with the water heater’s efficiency.