If you are stepping into a cold shower or your shower turns cold long before you are done rinsing the shampoo out of your hair, there is something wrong with your water heater. Most of the time, there is a simple solution to this issue, but of course, it could signal that your water heater needs to be replaced. However, we recommend checking a few things before you go running out for a new water heater.
Here are 5 things to check with your water heater when you are not in the mood for a cold shower:
Check the Circuit Breaker
Missing hot water could be as simple as your circuit breaker has tripped and needs to be turned back on. This is simple to check, and you will be ready for a hot shower a few minutes after you flip the switch to the on position.
Press the Reset Button
Simply pushing the reset button on your water heater could solve your hot water problem easily as well, but if you need to do it often, then you may have an electrical problem.
Test for a Burned-Out Element
Before you begin to test the elements of your water heater, you will want to make sure that you turn the power off by flipping the circuit breaker to the off position. A continuity tester is needed to see if your elements are burned out. If the tester lights up, your elements are fine, if it doesn’t light up, then your element is bad.
Check for a Shorted Element
A shorted element will allow power to flow through the metal tank and to check this, you will need to check the power flow from one screw terminal to the element mounting bracket and then the other screw terminal. If there are lights for either side, the element has a short.
Replace the Thermostat
If you have checked your elements and they are fine, then your problem may be the thermostat. It is difficult to test the thermostat, which is why we recommend simply replacing them. After removing your old thermostat, you can attach the wires to the new one and then put it in place.
All these things are easy to do, but you may want to call a professional if you are unsure of how to do any of them. They can find the solution to your hot water issues quickly, which means you can be back in a hot shower in no time at all!
