Symptom

No hot water

• Check the circuit breaker or fuse box
• High temperature limit switch (ECO - Energy Cut Off) may have tripped. Determine if a problem exists and reset the switch.
• Upper thermostat may have failed and requires replacement
• Heating element may have failed and requires replacement
• Water supply shut off

Not enough hot water

• Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns
• Sediment in tank, drain sediment
• Thermostat may not be flush with the tank
• Thermostat may have failed and requires replacement
• Heating element may have failed and requires replacement
• Dip tube may be damaged
• Cold water supply may be connected to the wrong side of the water heater
• Water heater too small, replace with larger capacity model

Takes too long to reheat water

• Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns
• Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment
• Heater too small, replace with larger capacity model
• Lower heating element may be faulty and requires replacement
• Lower thermostat may be faulty and requires replacement

Pressure relief valve is leaking

• Water temperature too high, turn down thermostat
• Water pressure too high, use a pressure reducing valve in supply line
• Valve has failed, requires replacement

Drain valve is leaking

• Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off
• Valve has failed, requires replacement

Condensation on tank

• Cold water entering the tank can result in external condensation. Ventilation may be inadequate
• Eventual replacement with a larger tank may help

Tank is leaking

• Determine if the leak is from pipes or valves
• Determine if it is the result of condensation
• If the tank is leaking, the water heater must be replaced

Hot water has an odor

• Results from naturally occuring bacteria. An alternative anode may be available to resolve the problem. Contact the manufacturer

Hot water heater is noisy

• Noise can occur for many reasons and most do not signify a problem
• Lime scale on the element results in steam pockets in the scale
• Sediment in the tank
• Low water pressure results in spot boiling
• Voltage exceeds heating element's rating