My electric is turned on but my water is still cold?

by Water Heaters on July 24, 2010

I figured that when I got the electric to the house turned on that the water heater would automatically start working, but it hasn’t and the water is still cold. It is an electric water heater and I don’t hear it making any noise. I don’t know if it’s supposed to. I never really payed attention to the water heater in other places I’ve lived. I’m not really sure what to do. Isn’t it just supposed to start up when the electric is turned on? What could some possible causes for this be?


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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

doodlebug July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

The water heater circuit breaker could be tripped or the element could need replacement.

DAVID L July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

check your breakers should be hooked up to 220 which would look like a double breaker try that or maybe the element inside is burned out. if in doubt you can always call an electrician.

robert r July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

make sure the tank is full of water, by finding the fill valve (down stream from the meter, with a shut off valve) open the pressure release valve so that about 1 cup of water escapes, then check the circuit breaker or fuse box, the next is check the thermostat, and or the heating coil, if you are still lost, call a plumber, if its gas light the pilot, and turn on the main gas valve repeat for water flow

T.J. July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Check the main circuit breaker.

Check the thermostat(s) for your water heater.

Check to see if your water heater has a reset button.

auntietawnie July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Check the breaker box, and make sure the breaker to the hot water heater is flipped on. If it is then you may have to replace the heating coils in the hot water heater itself, or the thermostat could be out. My husband and I had a problem with ours here while back with it only staying hot for a little while. We would wash clothes and have to wait for hot water to wash dishes or to take a shower. We tested the water heater and found the bottom unit in the heater wasn’t working. We had hot water in the top, but once it was gone the water got cold. If none of that works you may have to replace the whole unit. $250-600 depending on the one you pick. Those are the prices at lowes. Hope something in here helped..

ton80 July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Could be 1 of 3 things
Breaker tripped or faulty
Thermostat on water heater
Element on Water Heater

coz July 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm

It will take some time to heat up. If you place your ear to the tank you should hear a slight humming noise. Check breaker at panel. Also the themostat indide the water heater has a breaker.(careful 240 volts)

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