Water – What’s the next step in troubleshooting the electric water heater

water-heater

We have a SpaceSaver (Model number: SS012SEB15), single-element 120v/1500w hot water heater which worked great until one day it went completely cold.

  • First thing was I tested the voltage to the unit. It tested fine (120v).
  • Next – did continuity test on the element and that tested good.
  • Did voltage test going into, and, coming out of, the thermostat, and that tested good.
  • Replaced element and thermostat anyway, still didn't work. (yes, I made sure to allow the tank to fill up, and the air to drain before turning on the power again)
  • Double checked the thermostat's reset button, still no go.

What do I check next? I am totally frustrated and lost at this point, but I don't want to shell out for a new tank since ours is not leaking or anything.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lbzjab1kq2tlcu6/IMAG1154.jpg

enter image description here

Best Answer

Here was the solution:

For some reason, the circuit was showing a reading of 120v on the multimeter. This led me to believe it was good. Since it is a 120v water heater, I went ahead and hooked it up to a nearby circuit which I KNOW was good. Sure enough, we had hot water within 45 minutes.

I am not sure how the multimeter read 120v if the circuit was bad.

Apparently water heater elements need extremely consistent and constant supply of power or else they won't heat up.

Problem Solved. Thanks for all of the pointers and advice.

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