Is your water heater not heating your water as rapidly or effectively because it used to? If that’s the case, the issue could possibly be a defective heating factor. Testing the heating factor is a comparatively easy course of that may be completed with a number of fundamental instruments. On this article, we’ll present step-by-step directions on methods to take a look at a heating factor in a water heater. We may even focus on among the frequent causes of heating factor failure and methods to forestall them.
Earlier than you start, you will need to disconnect the ability to the water heater on the circuit breaker or fuse field. As soon as the ability is disconnected, you’ll be able to start the testing course of. Step one is to take away the entry panel to the heating factor. That is sometimes positioned on the backside of the water heater. As soon as the entry panel is eliminated, it is possible for you to to see the heating factor.
The heating factor is a metallic tube that’s positioned within the water tank. It’s answerable for heating the water within the tank. To check the heating factor, you’ll need a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. To check the heating factor, you’ll need to set the multimeter to the ohms setting. As soon as the multimeter is ready to the right setting, you’ll need to the touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating factor. If the heating factor is working correctly, the multimeter will learn between 10 and 15 ohms.
Shutting Off Energy and Water Provide
Earlier than starting any repairs or upkeep in your water heater, it’s essential to make sure your security and the integrity of your tools. This includes fastidiously shutting off each the **energy provide** and the **water provide** to the water heater to forestall electrical hazards, water injury, and scalding accidents.
1. Shutting Off the Energy Provide
For electrical water heaters, find the circuit breaker or fuse field that controls the water heater. Flip the breaker to the “OFF” place or take away the fuse to disconnect the ability provide.
For gasoline water heaters, flip off the gasoline valve positioned on the base of the water heater. Usually, this valve has a deal with that may be turned manually. Be certain that the valve is totally closed by turning it clockwise till it’s comfortable.
2. Shutting Off the Water Provide
Find the chilly water provide line that leads into the water heater. This pipe will sometimes have a shut-off valve put in close to the bottom of the water heater. Shut the valve by turning it clockwise till it’s totally closed.
3. Draining the Remaining Water
As soon as the water provide is shut off, open a sizzling water faucet in a close-by sink or bathe to empty any remaining water from the water heater. It will assist to forestall the buildup of stress within the tank while you take away the heating factor.
4. Opening a Strain Aid Valve (Elective)
Some water heaters have a stress aid valve put in close to the highest of the tank. This valve helps to launch extra stress throughout the tank to forestall it from rupturing. In case your water heater has a stress aid valve, open it by pulling up on the lever or deal with to permit any remaining stress to flee.
| Further Security Precautions |
|---|
| Put on gloves and security glasses to guard your self from sizzling water and sharp edges. |
| Enable the water heater to chill down utterly earlier than touching any elements. |
| By no means try to take away the heating factor whereas the water heater continues to be linked to the ability provide or water provide. |
The way to Check Heating Component in Water Heater
In case your water heater will not be producing sizzling water, the heating factor could also be broken. Earlier than you name a plumber, you’ll be able to take a look at the heating factor your self. This is how:
- Flip off the ability to the water heater. That is often completed on the circuit breaker panel.
- Disconnect the water provide to the water heater. That is often completed by turning off the water provide valves on the prime of the water heater.
- Drain the water from the water heater. This may be completed by opening the drain valve on the backside of the water heater.
- Take away the duvet from the water heater. That is often completed by eradicating the screws that maintain the duvet in place.
- Find the heating factor. The heating factor is positioned on the backside of the water heater. It’s a metallic tube with two wires linked to it.
- Disconnect the wires from the heating factor. That is often completed by unscrewing the nuts that maintain the wires in place.
- Check the heating factor with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Contact one probe of the multimeter to every of the terminals on the heating factor. If the multimeter reads zero, the heating factor is broken.
If the heating factor is broken, you’ll need to switch it. You should purchase a brand new heating factor at most {hardware} shops.
Individuals Additionally Ask About The way to Check Heating Component in Water Heater
How do I do know if my water heater heating factor is dangerous?
A nasty water heater heating factor could cause the water heater to not produce sizzling water. You may take a look at the heating factor with a multimeter. If the multimeter reads zero, the heating factor is broken.
How a lot does it price to switch a water heater heating factor?
The price of changing a water heater heating factor varies relying on the kind of water heater and the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $200 for the heating factor itself and between $100 and $300 for labor.
Can I substitute the water heater heating factor myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to substitute the water heater heating factor your self in case you are comfy working with electrical wiring. Nonetheless, in case you are not comfy working with electrical wiring, it’s best to name a plumber.
