How To Maintain an Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are common in many households, providing hot water for everyday needs. Proper maintenance is important for their longevity and efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll look at the steps to keep your electric water heater in top condition. In the accompanying video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, demonstrates key maintenance tasks and troubleshooting methods for electric water heaters.

*Cost information in this article sourced from Angi.

Understanding Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are simple appliances that heat water using electrical elements. They consist of a tank, heating elements, thermostats, and other safety features. You’ll need to be familiar with these components in order to maintain them properly. 

Components of an Electric Water Heater

An electric water heater includes a steel tank, a dip tube, a hot water outlet, an anode rod, heating elements, thermostats, and an emergency cut-off switch (ECO). The tank’s glass lining prevents rusting, and the heating elements respond to thermostat adjustments by heating the water .

How Electric Water Heaters Work

Cold water enters the tank through the dip tube, which directs it to the bottom of the tank. The heating elements, typically one at the top and one at the bottom, heat the water. As hot water rises, it’s drawn from the top of the tank when needed. The thermostat maintains the desired water temperature, usually set around 125 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.

Regular Maintenance Tasks for an Electric Water Heater

Regular maintenance on your electric water heater can extend its lifespan and efficiency. Checking temperatures, inspecting leaks, testing valves, and flushing the tank are all important tasks to keep your heater in good condition.

Checking the Temperature Setting

Make sure your water heater’s temperature setting is appropriate. A setting of 125 degrees Fahrenheit is generally recommended to balance energy efficiency and comfort while preventing scaling risks.

Inspecting for Leaks

Regularly check around the base of the water heater and along its connections for any signs of leakage. Early detection of leaks can prevent water damage and more serious issues.

Testing the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature. Test it annually by lifting the lever and allowing it to snap back. If water doesn’t flow out, or if it continues to flow after releasing the lever, the valve may need replacement.

Flushing the Tank

Sediment buildup can reduce your water heater’s effectiveness. Flush the tank annually to remove any buildup. Start by turning off the power to the water heater and connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Open the valve and let the water run until it’s clear then close the valve and refill the tank before restoring power.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with regular maintenance, electric water heaters can sometimes experience problems. From hot water issues to rust and odors, there are a few causes for each problem you could encounter.

No Hot Water

If you’re not getting any hot water, the problem could be a tripped circuit breaking, a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or the ECO switch that could have been activated. First, check your electrical panel to make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped. If power is reaching the unit, the issue may be caused by the heating elements or thermostat.

Insufficient Hot Water

If you’re running out of hot water quickly, it could indicate a faulty lower heating element, an incorrect thermostat setting, or sediment buildup in the tank. Start by checking and adjusting the thermostat setting, but if the problem persists, you may need to test the heating elements or flush the tank to remove sediment.

Rusty or Smelly Water

Discolored or foul-smelling water often indicates a corroded anode rod or bacterial growth in the tank. Replacing the anode rod can usually resolve this issue, but if not, you may need to flush and sanitize the tank.

Testing and Replacing Heating Elements

Faulty heating elements are a common cause of water heater problems. In this video, Trethewey demonstrates how to test and replace these components.

How To Test a Heating Element

To test a heating element:

1. Turn off the power on the water heater at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the access panel and insulation to expose the element.
3. Disconnect the wires from the element.
4. Use a continuity tester to check for a complete circuit between the two screw terminals.
5. If the tester doesn’t light up, the element is faulty and needs replacement.

Replacing a Faulty Element

When replacing an element, it’s a good idea to also replace the thermostat and ECO switch. To replace a heating element:

1. Drain the tank to below the level of the element.
2. Use a specialized socket wrench to remove the old element.
3. Install the new element with a new gasket.
4. Refill the tank and restore power.

Maintaining the Anode Rod

The anode rod is an important part of protecting your water heater from corrosion. It’s designed to corrode in place of the tank lining.

Checking the Anode Rod

Inspect the anode rod every few years:

1. Turn off the power and water supply.
2. Drain a few gallons from the tank.
3. Locate and remove the anode rod (usually found on top of the tank).
4. If the rod is less than 1/2 inch thick or covered in calcium, replace it.

Replacing the Anode Rod

To replace the anode rod:

1. Purchase a new rod of the correct type and length.
2. Remove the old rod using a socket wrench.
3. Wrap the threads of the new rod with Teflon tape.
4. Install the new rod and tighten it securely.
5. Refill the tank and restore power.

Energy Efficiency Tips

Improving your electric water heater’s efficiency can save you money on your energy and utility bills. To do this, insulate the tank and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and lower the thermostat setting to 120degrees Fahrenheit, which still prevents scalding. Install low-flow fixtures to reduce hot water usage and upgrade to a more efficient model if your current unit is over 10 years old.

Regularly inspecting the insulation on the hot water pipes can prevent any unnecessary heat loss, helping the water to stay hot for longer periods. If you’re upgrading your unit, look for ones with higher Energy Factor ratings. Although these water heaters are more expensive upfront, these models can save your energy over their lifespan.

Alternative water heating solutions, like a solar water heater, can also lower your electric bills, especially in sunny regions. Performing regular maintenance tasks, as outlined earlier, extends the lifespan of your water heater and helps make sure it operates efficiently.