I have a electric water heater and the water is either really hot or extremley cold. At times I can't get hot water and my husband has to go out and hit the reset button on the water heater. What could be the problem? And when it does get hot, it is extremely HOT! I have the knob set over on the cold side and still get very hot water. Any info would be of help.

Hi Tweet...

There is an issue with the thermostats or one of the elements.

If you guys are not familiar with electrical testing and service work then I recommend that you hire a qualified plumber to do this work... read on.

The thermostats are super cheap to buy... like $10.00 a piece so I would suggest swapping both the upper and the lower thermostats out no matter what you do.

The other issue will be whether one of the heating elements needs to be replaced. This can be determined using an OHMS test or a continuity test. In most cases, a continuity test is easiest for a homeowner that has an electrical tester that tests for continuity.

Here, power would be shut off to the heater and then you would confirm power off using a working electrical tester. A working tester means that the electrical tester is used on a live circuit to confirm it is working properly, OK? Once power is confirmed OFF to the water heater the two wires going to each element are removed from each element and the element is tested for continuity by testing across the element screws. If continuity is present then the elements are fine. If continuity isn't present at an element then that element needs to be replaced.

If the elements test OK then replace the upper and lower thermostats and you should be all set.

If you find an element doesn't have continuity then pop back and we can discuss how to swap the element out.

More questions? Let us know, OK?

Mark