Troubleshooting: Electric Hot Water System Not Working

Finding your electric hot water system not working can certainly throw your whole morning out of whack.

One minute you’re expecting a hot shower at 6 in the morning. The next? You’ve just discovered the hard way that the sentence “I’m going to buy a cold plunge tub” won’t be coming from your mouth anytime soon.

An electric hot water heater can fail on you for a variety of reasons, which means there are a variety of ways to go about fixing it. Some of these fixes will be relatively basic troubleshooting tips, while others will require more extensive repairs from a licensed plumber (and maybe an electrician, too).

It’s important to note that each hot water system will have troubleshooting tips unique to its particular make and model. This is general information only, so always consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Common Reasons Why Your Electric Hot Water Heater Might Fail

Before we explore ways to fix an electric hot water system not working, let’s first examine why it may not be functioning in the first place. There are several potential reasons why, and they include:

• Heating element failure: A burnt-out upper or lower heating element stops the heating cycle and delivers only cold water.
• Circuit interruption: A tripped breaker, blown fuse, or loose wiring cuts electricity to the water heater.
• Thermostat or limit switch fault: Mis-set thermostats or a faulty high-limit switch keep the tank below the correct water temperature.
• Sediment buildup: Layers of mineral scale blanket elements. They also cause rumbling noises and slow down heat transfer through the storage tank.
• Anode rod depletion: A spent anode rod accelerates corrosion, leading to leaks, rusty water, and pressure problems.

Quickly checking these common faults will determine whether you simply need to reset the system or call licensed plumbing services for a more complex repair.

Symptom Map: No Hot Water vs Not Enough

When the shower runs cold, it’s always best to start with the basics. Is power reaching the unit, and are the controls working as they should? A blown upper element or a tripped high-limit reset can shut the heater down completely.

If the water turns cold after a short burst, check the lower element, a mis-set thermostat or whether sediment is choking the storage tank. Lukewarm water that swings hot and cold often points to faulty thermostats. Low pressure, rattling noises, or a dripping relief valve add extra clues to your faulty water heater.

If you find that not only is your electric hot water system not working, but also shows scorch marks or you notice water leaking, switch off the power and call a licensed plumber.

Quick Homeowner Checks

Electric hot water system not working and leaving you with cold water? Try these quick, safe checks first:

• Confirm the isolator is on; check the fuse box/circuit breaker for a tripped breaker and reset it just once.
• If you have a plug-in model? Inspect the power cord and test the outlet. If you have a hard-wired unit? Confirm that the isolation switch is on.
• Verify thermostat settings and press the high-limit reset; wait a full heating cycle.
• Ensure the thermostat (or tempering valve) is set so bathroom outlets do not exceed 50 °C, as required by AS/NZS 3500.4.
• Check for water pooling or a dripping relief valve on the storage tank.
• Listen for rumbling or popping sounds or other strange noises. These indicate possible sediment buildup that is reducing hot water temperature.

If anything seems unsafe, power down and call a licensed hot water plumber to get your unit working properly.

Heating Elements & Thermostats: The Most Common Failures

Failed heating elements or faulty thermostats are among the most common problems with electric hot water systems.

If the upper heating element fails, an electric water heater produces no hot water. Should the lower element burn out, you’ll enjoy a brief burst of hot water followed quickly by a cold shower. Thermostats stuck open or closed cause:

• Erratic water temperature
• Frequent high-limit trips
• An overheating storage tank

Limescale and sediment buildup on elements slow the heating cycle down and can lead to dry-firing. A licensed technician can isolate power, test resistance with a multimeter, and replace elements and paired thermostats.

If symptoms linger and you continue to find your electric hot water system not working, don’t keep resetting it. At this point, it’s time to book repairs.

Leaks, Corrosion & Tank Health

Leaks of stored hot water often point to deeper issues with the storage tank.

Inspect the base of the hot water tank for rust or water pooling. You might also discover a slow leak coming from fittings or the relief valve. A spent anode rod will exacerbate corrosion of the tank; once it’s gone, the tank becomes the sacrificial metal.

Sediment buildup insulates the heating elements. This can cause the metal to overheat and the thermostat to warp, which can shorten the heating cycle and raise pressure.

If you notice discoloured water, odd noises, or a damp case, isolate power and water to prevent further damage. Leaks coming from an electric hot water system not working means the unit needs urgent assessment.

Always Use a Licensed Plumber for Repairs

When it comes to repairs on hot water systems, whether electric or even gas water heaters, they are not DIY jobs. These systems combine a mix of electricity, pressurised water, and scalding temperatures, which only a licensed plumber (or licensed electrician for the electrical components) can legally carry out repair work.

A qualified hot water specialist can:

• Safely isolate circuits.
• Test heating elements and thermostats.
• Set the correct thermostat settings for efficient heat.

They’ll inspect the relief valve, check for corrosion, replace a worn anode rod, and remedy leaks that would otherwise cause further damage. Professional workmanship protects warranties and ensures your electric hot water service complies with local standards.

Get Your Electric Hot Water System Working Once Again

With the basics checked and hazards avoided, you’re ready to restore dependable hot water from your water heater.

If issues persist and you continue finding your electric hot water system not working, book a licensed plumber to conduct any essential tests and carry out the necessary repairs. Regular maintenance tasks such as flushing to prevent sediment buildup, setting the thermostat correctly, and replacing a tired anode rod, protect your system’s efficiency and safety.

If your electric water heater is ageing, consider an upgrade for more effective and efficient performance. Act early, and enjoy a satisfying shower, stable water temperature, and peace of mind.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Troubleshooting: Electric Hot Water System Not Working”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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