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erkline1 · Dec 20, 2007, 07:42 AM

This 40 gallon hot water heater refuses to go back to work!
It all started two days ago, we had little hot water.
I changed the Thermostats, both Element, Each at least twice.
So yesterday day I tried one more time, and still ended
With same results. I changed both elements, Filled the
Tank up with water, Set both thermostats to 125. Made
Sure to turn on hot water faucet to avoid burning element.
Turned electric breaker back on. Checked and had 240 volts
To upper element. One hour later checked water at faucet,
And still only warm water. What else affects water temp?

iamgrowler · Dec 20, 2007, 07:50 AM

It could be that a bad dip tube is causing cold water to mix with the hot.

speedball1 · Dec 20, 2007, 07:54 AM

Growlers got a point. Do you find any white particles in any of your aerator screens? Take one off and check. Also the thermostats might be wired up wrong. Check to see if the bottom element's getting power. Good luck, Tom

erkline1 · Dec 20, 2007, 08:32 AM

Thanks guys. If it were the dip tube, would'nt the water heat up to 125 before using the faucets? Also how do I remove the dip tube and/or check for white on screen?
Thanks, we are starting to stink! LOL

erkline1 · Dec 20, 2007, 08:42 AM

The only time I get voltage to the lower element is if I turn the upper thermostat to 100 or less. This I'm told is normal. I just removed the new elements that I put in yesterday.
They have a light blackened color to them. They have 12.5 ohms across them. But the water just won't heat up. After all this I'm back to square one. Could it be that I'm getting enough voltage from the breakers but not enough Current?

speedball1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:24 AM

If it were the dip tube, would'nt the water heat up to 125 before using the faucets?

Good thinking but every time a hot water faucet opened up it would add cold water to the mix causing the 125 degree water to drop in temperature.

How do I remove the dip tube and/or check for white on screen?

First remove a aerator from a faucet and check for white particles. If you find any click on back and I'll instruct you on how to replace a dip tube. You can also flush the heater to find out if the dip tube's disintegrating. Let me show you how. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Let me know, tom

ballengerb1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:28 AM

So you do not get hot water at any fixture anywhere in the house? If it is just that one faucet it could be a bad mixer. Does any faucet have hot water?

speedball1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by erkline1

The only time I get voltage to the lower element is if I turn the upper thermostat to 100 or less. This I'm told is normal. I just removed the new elements that I put in yesterday.
They have a light blackened color to them. They have 12.5 ohms accross them. But the water just won't heat up. After all this I'm back to square one. Could it be that I'm getting enough voltage from the breakers but not enough Current?

Or could it be that one leg of the 220 is disconnected and you're supplying the heater with 110. What's your meter read coming into the heater? Regards, Tom

erkline1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by speedball1

Good thinking but every time a hot water faucet opened up it would add cold water to the mix causing the 125 degree water to drop in temperature.

First remove a aerator from a faucet and check for white particles. If you find any click on back and I'll instruct you on how to replace a dip tube. You can also flush the heater to find out if the dip tube's disintegrating. Let me show you how. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by flushing on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run untill the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly to keep it clear. Don't forget to flush it out every month. Your heater will thank you for it. Let me know, tom

I even tried filling the tank than shutting off cold water feed. Turned the electric back on there is 240 to element, but water does not get more than warm. I removed the cold water input niple there is a double flap check valve there. It allow water in. I can blow back threw it the wrong way with allot of restriction. Even if this was bad by shutting the water to a full tank the water should get hot but it doesn't. Weird.

labman · Dec 20, 2007, 10:48 AM

Be careful about shutting the inlet off and letting the tank heat unless there is an expansion tank. My guess is the dip tube. Does hot water come out the drain?

ballengerb1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:49 AM

Just to be safe do not shut down your supply line and run the heater without an expansion tank or opening a hot water faucet. Opening the faucet will not drain the tank since there is no new supply water pushing it out.

ballengerb1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:52 AM

Good question about the water temp at the tank drain. If it isn't hot after shutting down your main you could even have a bad stat. Power flowing through elements will definitely heat the water to hot, if its just warm then something else like the stat is shutting it down too early.

erkline1 · Dec 20, 2007, 10:59 AM

How do I change a dip tube? I removed the cold water input nipple. Under nipple there is a blue plastic ring. How do I change/remove dip tube. I don't think its this, but I'll try anything. I can shut down the cold water with a full tank and the water only gets warm at the upper element, never gets hot enough to turn power to lower unit. 240 to the element.
Changed element several times. Its driving me nots.

speedball1 · Dec 20, 2007, 11:10 AM

How do I change a dip tube? I removed the cold water input nipple. Under nipple there is a blue plastic ring.

That plastic ring couldn't be a flare could it? If so then pull up on it and check the dip tube. I still think you should double check the wiring on the stats. The bottom element should be heating if the tanks cool to the touch at the bottom. Did you flush the tank or check your aerators? Regards, Tom