27
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Checklist
Before calling for service, check the following
points to see if the cause of trouble can be
identified and corrected. Reviewing this checklist
may eliminate the need of a service call and
quickly restore hot water service.
Not enough or no hot water
1. Ensure that the electrical disconnect switch
serving the water heater is in the “ON”
position. The pilot switch(es) on the cabinet
should also be in the on position. In some
areas, water heater electrical service may be
limited by the power company. If the heater
operates on a controlled circuit, heater
recovery may be affected.
2. Check the fuses. The electrical disconnect
switch usually contains fuses. The water
heater has fuses located behind the cabinet
front door. When replacing internal fuses in
the water heater control panel, insure that the
same type and size of fuse is used.
3. If the water was excessively hot and is now
cold, the manual reset high limit may
have operated.
To reset, turn off electricity and push the reset
button. The high limit is located above the
upper most heating element in the storage tank.
On some high input models additional hi
limits may be located behind the side access
panel. Repeat operation of the high
temperature cut-off should be investigated by
your mechanical contractor or by a qualified
technician. A contactor or thermostat may be
malfunctioning.
4. The capacity of the heater may have been
exceeded by a large demand for hot water.
Large demands require a recovery period to
restore water temperature.
5. Cold incoming water temperature will
lengthen the time required to heat water to the
desired temperature. If the heater was
installed in the summer when incoming water
temperature was warm, colder ground water
in the winter months can create the effect of
less hot water.
6. Look for wasted hot water and leaking or
open hot water faucets.
7. Sediment or lime scale may be affecting water
heater operation. Refer to “Maintenance”
for details.
Water is too hot
Refer to “Temperature Regulation” and reset the
thermostat setpoint to a lower temperature that
will meet requirements for hot water
Water heater makes sounds
1. Sediment or lime scale accumulation on the
elements causes sizzling and hissing noises,
when the heater is operating. If this occurs,
the tank bottom and elements should be
cleaned. Refer to “MAINTENANCE”
for details.
2. Some of the electrical components of the
water make sounds which are normal.
Contactors will “click” or snap as the heater
starts and stops. Transformers and contactors
often hum.
Water leakage is suspected
1. Check to see if the drain valve is
tightly closed.
2. The apparent leakage may be condensation
which forms on cool surfaces of the heater
and piping.
3. If the outlet of the relief valve if leaking, it
may represent:
a. Excessive water pressure.
b. Excessive water temperature.
c. Faulty relief valve.
