The electric water heater does not heat
One of the most common problems with electric water heaters is that they do not heat the water well and, in some cases, they simply do not heat. This can occur for many reasons and determining the correct one is necessary to be able to solve the problem properly and keep the device in good condition.
Electric water heaters, as a general rule, are robust devices that have a fairly long useful life, to avoid having to make constant repairs or change the device after a short time.
However, like any product, these devices are not exempt from failure and wear out over time, therefore, it is always necessary to be attentive to any defect that may occur, as it could be time to repair the electric water heater.
For example, one of the most frequent problems that arise with this type of appliance is that the thermos cannot heat the water correctly and, if the electric water thermos does not heat, then there is no way to enjoy it.
There are many parts to an electric water heater, therefore, although the problem is the same: “it does not heat the water adequately”, the reason behind this situation may vary. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how an electric water heater works and what are the possible causes behind this annoying problem, which is more frequent than we might think.
How does an electric water heater work?
As previously mentioned, electric water heaters have a variety of components that, when working together, allow you to store a certain amount of water inside their tanks and raise its temperature so that your home has a supply of hot water. The amount of water that can be stored varies depending on the model, and choosing one of them will depend on the number of people who live in your home.
These thermoses have an electrical resistance inside and, when the water reaches the correct temperature set by the thermostat, it turns off and the liquid remains inside the thermos until it is used.
The thermostat has a difference of a few degrees, so if it detects that the stored water has already lowered its temperature, then it will turn on again to heat it again.
Other modern models have programmable functions that allow the water to heat at certain times, avoiding spending more electricity than necessary.
What could be causing the water heating failures?
Now that you know how an electric heater works, then it will be easier to understand why the appliance may be failing. Therefore, before changing the electric water heater for another , it is worth understanding the problem and carrying out the corresponding repair. Remember that, if you do not have knowledge about this type of procedure, it is better to hire a professional in the field.
- The electric water heater has an excess of lime
If the water supply to the water heater is very calcareous, sediments will settle on the bottom of the appliance and this will affect the resistance.
These residues, after a while, can prevent said part from working correctly and, for that reason, you may notice that the water does not heat up as before or that it simply does not heat.
Purging the electric water heater is a not so difficult way to clean and descale it. If this is the problem, after emptying the electric water heater and giving it maintenance, you will be able to enjoy hot water again.
- resistance has been damaged
If despite a good cleaning, the electric heater still fails to heat, then it is possible that the resistance has been damaged and you need to buy a new one to be able to use the appliance.
Many times the resistance is defective but it is still working and the water, despite not being completely hot, manages to stay lukewarm. There are those who continue to use the thermos like this, which is extremely dangerous, so if you have problems with the temperature, it is better not to use the appliance until you find out what is wrong.
Unplug the thermos, access the thermos plate when empty, disconnect all connectors from the part, and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If you find that the part is damaged, call a professional, as changing the resistance of the electric water heater can be a delicate process.
- little water supply
Many times it is possible that there is not a problem with the electric water heater, but with the home’s water supply.
If the liquid flows with little pressure or there is simply no water, then the thermos will not have anything to heat. In these cases it is worth opening the taps and seeing if the water flow has changed.
It could be a problem with the pipes or simply a momentary situation with the water supplier, such as repairs being carried out, for example.
- overheating
Most modern models, for safety, have a thermostat that prevents the water from overheating, which is quite dangerous.
This piece is colloquially known as the reset button of the electric water heater and, when the device feels that the water is going to exceed the maximum temperature, this button “jumps” and immediately turns off the device to prevent problems.
To fix this, you need to open the lid that the part is in and check that the button is facing out, which proves it has popped out. It will be necessary to press it to make it work again.
This may have happened just once by chance, but keep an eye out for it to happen a second time. In these cases, you are talking about a short circuit or other fault, so it is better to keep it turned off and call someone trained to solve the problem.
These are the most common causes behind an electric heater that does not heat, therefore, it is worth taking them into account. It is necessary to remember that, if your device is new, it surely has a guarantee and, if this is the case, then it is much better that the repairs and revisions are carried out by the manufacturer.
If this is not possible, remember that it is better to call a professional before interacting with an electrical device that you are not aware of. Proceed only if you already have experience with these devices and follow the security measures required to interact with them at all times.
