Electric hot water heater not working

13 years ago

We are buying a (foreclosed) home and the electric water heater does not work. A plumber friend of ours looked at it and replaced the supply lines because the old ones were leaking at the top of the water heater. The old supply line had been over-tightened and the washer was not seated correctly. After installing the new lines and the new ball valve, and turning on the power at the breaker, there was still ice cold water in the house. We waited a few hours and tried again, and still the water is ice cold. He said he can check the heating elements next. Does anyone know, is this the best course of action? Is it expensive to replace heating elements? And is it worth it? Or should we just buy a new water heater?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

randy427
13 years ago
You did already check the reset button on the WH thermostat, didn't you?
Replacing WH elements is an easy DIY job.
Whether it's worth it depends on the age and general condition of the WH, though the elements run only less than $20 each (there are two).
It's less likely, but you also may need to replace the thermostat.
Don't neglect to flush the WH via the bottom drain valve.
agrandma
Original Author
13 years ago
I didn't know there is a "reset" button on the thermostat. I don't even know where the thermostat IS. I assume my plumber did that but I guess I can check tomorrow.
Do you know how much a thermostat costs, and is there only one of those?
Related Professionals
Arlington Handyman · North New Hyde Park Handyman · Fullerton Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Forest Hill Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Glade Hill Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Fairland Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Fremont Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Fort Pierce Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Glen Carbon Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Lincoln Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Newberg Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Rolling Hills Estates Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Santa Fe Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Turlock Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Kiryas Joel Appliances
agrandma
Original Author
13 years ago
I didn't know there is a "reset" button on the thermostat. I don't even know where the thermostat IS. I assume my plumber did that but I guess I can check tomorrow.
Do you know how much a thermostat costs, and is there only one of those?
bus_driver
13 years ago
Either the electricity supply to the heater is not proper or the upper element is not heating. The red reset is under the upper side cover of the heater. Based on your comments, I recommend that you not remove that cover- leave it to a more experienced person. The heater could have more problems, but I would diagnose the immediate problem before deciding on replacement.
joed
13 years ago
Before I replace the elements I would check to see if there was power at the heater. Could be an electrical issue.