starting an electric water heater


One way to ensure better safety is by choosing reputable brands, like Bradford White. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Turn on a Water Heater Pilot? See the article 'Shutting Down an Electric Water Heater' and 'Electrical Safety at Home' for more information. 0000083481 00000 n Shut off any of the valves or faucets in the house that you may have opened when you drained the tank. Thank you for the guidance. heater water turn water heater rv tankless installing install run installed education 0000005162 00000 n makro nescafe alegria catalogueza sallon The gas valve is usually located at the front of the heater towards the bottom and should be clearly labeled. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'sweethomeadvisor_com-leader-1','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sweethomeadvisor_com-leader-1-0')};Make sure to press the spark generator until you hear it click, when you look through the slight glass. These are a popular choice for smaller tanks, and since they dont directly burn fossil fuels, they are better for the environment. Since, you want to turn the water on again, you should close the faucet by now. 0000105872 00000 n I let her try it and it didnt matter, it worked really well. 0000001736 00000 n The procedure below assumes that the tank has been drained. Flip the circuit, adjust the temperature, then open the gas valve. If a heater keeps tripping, it could be a simple case of the heater needing a service. However, before looking at the thermocouple, check that the pilot flame is receiving enough combustible air to burn. 0000006405 00000 n Your water heater might default to a set temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what we recommend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 0000015332 00000 n Keep checking your faucets carefully to ensure water is becoming hot. If you detect this smell, dont light the burner. 0000007460 00000 n If this doesnt resolve the issue, the next thing to try is replacing the thermocouple. This is because a buildup of gas inside may ignite, creating a large flame which is something you dont want happening near your face. Once the pilot has been lit, hold the knob for a further minute. So, you should be turning on the cold water as the heating element shouldnt be turned back on with a tank which might be partially filled. However, gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan that gives them that distinctive sulfur smell of rotten eggs. After 30 minutes, open a hot water faucet and check the water. Thank you for this post, it was of great help to me. It will take a while for the water to warm up after it has been completely drained down. However, some heaters dont have one, in which case there will just be a gap giving you access to the pilot light. It should be hot now, or at least it should be noticeably warming up. Whichever type of heater you have, if it keeps going off, you should try to find out why rather than just keep relighting it. Before you relight a gas heater, sniff the air for gas smells before lighting the burner. If it's sputtering and hissing, then you need more water in the tank. 0000002311 00000 n (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. But if you are still feel uncomfortable or anxious of any mishap happening then you should consult an expert or professional to do it and explain the mechanism to you while he does that job. However, if the water heater keeps causing the circuit breaker to trip, you should call out a professional electrician to find out where the problem is coming from. tank heaters 0000018786 00000 n Water should start heating by now and within 30-60 minutes you should be having your desired hot water. You should be able to hear the tank filling at this point. That may mean calling out a qualified plumber or electrician might be your best option. Wait for the water heater to completely fill with water. Try a couple of the faucets and bleed out the air to make sure the tank is full. heater water tankless flush (Electric & Gas Powered), How to Test Water Heater Element? It would not be a sensible thing to turn the gas on and light the pilot before letting the tank to get refilled. 0000098696 00000 n electrical safety unplug appliances electricity using appliance wire household switch otherwise damage pulling cord flexible connection power its Dont worry, as we have come up with some few steps for making the job easier for you. oil steam fired boiler boilers plant power gas water tube fire generator heating industrial operation manufacturer This simple action is something that can prevent you from receiving a nasty electric shock and can potentially even save your life. This is a task easy enough for any novice do-it-yourselfer. Alternatively, some burners have a separate button for lighting the pilot if yours does, it will probably look like a red button. Usually, gas heaters turn off due to a problem with the thermocouple, the device that switches the gas off to prevent a leak if the pilot gets blown out. Why Is my hot water heater making noise like water running. So, that you can learn to do it on your won. Some sounds shall be heard by you which indicates that heating elements are engaged and are starting to get heated. You should have hot water instantly. 0000071402 00000 n 0000030488 00000 n You will hear a distinctive whooshing sound as the main burner ignites, which means youve successfully lit the heater. 46 0 obj <> endobj xref 46 50 0000000016 00000 n The most important thing to remember here is that you can irreversibly damage a heating element if it's not submerged in water, so you must ensure the tank is full. 0000003931 00000 n Unless you have recently replaced your water heater or have recently bought a new house, theres a good chance this is the type you will have. 0000005626 00000 n Remember to keep in mind that there is an inherent risk when working with gas and electricity. There should not be a valve on the hot water side of the tank. H\@~9V^KYC~0@,cs3BR`Wn?K;C76p]1Ic~y7/I]gy{ZwCxNS~8Kqa]V+c\k3~kKk>u+yNajSH,~V~UZpl4SRpVl@g0oyVj~~Q_l->qqHXs.Kh2`(NuZaVX+h#XGEEEEKKKKKK#{jM66oMNNONNevEvKRz)^ If in doubt, dont forget to consult the users manual that came with your heater since it will give you the specific details about how your model works and how to troubleshoot it. Press the hot water heater pilot button down and keep holding it. Many people dont think of checking it, but the users manual often contains many of the answers youre probably looking for. 0000011986 00000 n (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Flush a Water Heater? If its bent, bend it back into position and try lighting the pilot again to see if the problem is fixed. The thermocouple should have enough time to get hot before the button is released. Usually, a gas water heater goes off because the pilot light has been blown out, which can happen because of a gust of wind or a change in pressure. At the breaker, flip the corresponding circuit to. If your on-demand heater isnt working, check that it is plugged in and switched on. When you see spark from the generator, the pilot light should light. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sweethomeadvisor_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',116,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sweethomeadvisor_com-medrectangle-4-0')};In case you are working on a hot water tank, you surely had to open a faucet to allow airflow in the tank. It should sit over the top of the pilot flame, but if it gets bent out of place, it will keep switching the gas off when you light the pilot. Once you close the valve, leave it for five minutes to allow any gas to dissipate. 0000006127 00000 n This is a task you want to start hours before you need the hot water because that's how long it's going to take to warm up. This wont be necessary if the pilot went out by itself. S1N~]-k\_a[BK_MtpbFIuXw\B2# ^ YSjy24_!Q~ C\e"6VS#iyM3N78Tq_ i endstream endobj 55 0 obj <> endobj 56 0 obj <>stream Home Repair Central is dedicated to saving homeowners money on simple and not so simple repairs. The steps for starting up an electric hot water heater are as follows-. If your water heater was turned off because you were working on it, the first thing to do is to close any faucets that you opened to release the pressure on the system. }}F=. Having heaters serviced regularly will keep them in working order for longer, and having one serviced when it stops working correctly may prolong its working life. 0000087061 00000 n H\N0E You shouldnt forget to hold the pilot button down after the pilot gets light. Now, set the on-off control to pilot setting option. 0000007669 00000 n With most electric water heaters, theres nothing to tell you that the heater is switched on, so youll need to listen for the tell-tale signs that the heater makes as the water begins to warm up. Best Electric Hot Water Heater For This Winter Donts Miss This! Your action should prevent the happening of an airlock. Turn the cold water supply line at the top of the tank. water heater rv tankless installing install run installed education 0000017077 00000 n heater water breaker circuit Keep pressing the generator button down until the pilot lights. /a1RT Z! As a result, they dont waste gas or electricity heating water when it isnt needed, and since water is heated as it is required, nobody will ever need to take a cold shower because the hot water has all been used up. H\0HN;&j7u^W)|,+w0.> ?arn\Qa*K7Lu>&4>%foq8=t">KrQY| %v,k}_$Wkw]S|hpxm]Si2x;wrme FyJ2,lj-O]KchkfeYdgWi1rR-o YM5! &d5G}133gg6l>|2dxU{vNS-Fm ]>OW W ;6 endstream endobj 57 0 obj <>stream Only one element heats at a time and it may take a while for the water to heat back up completely. These are the steps you should follow carefully to turn on a gas water heater-. oil steam fired boiler boilers plant power gas water tube fire generator heating industrial operation manufacturer (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Test Water Heater Thermostat? 0000006440 00000 n Remove the hose that you used to drain the tank and clean up any excess water. If it's electric, all you have to do is flip the circuit, turn it on, and set the temperature to 120. When the gas is reaching the burner, you need to light it. If there is, make sure that it is open. hb``a``-f`c`AX,= This type heats water as it is needed, so it doesnt need to be heated and then stored in a tank. After an hour, you should have warm if not hot water. 0000006016 00000 n 0000006240 00000 n H\j }XaO([ 0000010355 00000 n makro nescafe alegria catalogueza sallon Make sure there is no clutter around it and that the interior of the heater is clean and free of debris, lint and anything else. 0000053151 00000 n trailer <]/Prev 418327>> startxref 0 %%EOF 95 0 obj <>stream Before we talk about how to turn on water heaters, we need to say a few words about the different types that exist. To do this, open a hot water tap on a fixture somewhere near the water heater. If it is dirty, it may no longer work correctly, so cleaning it may resolve the problem. Your action should prevent the happening of an airlock. Now simply switch the power back on at the wall panel. Flick the circuit breaker switch back to on and check the temperature dial setting is correct and thats all you need to do. How to Turn off Electric Water Heater? If you followed this procedure, once you are ready to turn the water heater back on, you can remove the tag from the panel. After this, release the knob slowly to ensure the pilot stays lit. |pnL,*1qu~:=4g$pVfkd+7 Wtt4pPD;XS>EY,i(5`fa-rBc+K{aHyKk3'91?q_"*/2% iF ^` L endstream endobj 47 0 obj <>>> endobj 48 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Properties<>>>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 49 0 obj <> endobj 50 0 obj <>stream / M/KZwQGe(>co7 F~o7 F~o7W*W%5+e]3Kp -YnoX/Nn?x]` j^ endstream endobj 51 0 obj <> endobj 52 0 obj <> endobj 53 0 obj <> endobj 54 0 obj <>stream Now, set the on/off knob to the on position and turn the temperature control to the desired setting. Replace the cover or door and youre done. If this doesnt help, you can also try cleaning the thermocouple with a microfiber cloth and some steel wool. Probably not. If you see a steady stream, you know the tank is full. Another popular kind of water heater also features a tank, but instead of being heated by gas, the water is heated by electricity. electrical safety unplug appliances electricity using appliance wire household switch otherwise damage pulling cord flexible connection power its 0000020770 00000 n Turn the gas knob to the pilot position and then hold it down. 0000003543 00000 n 0000094237 00000 n You also need to consider whether it's a storage-tank water heater or a tankless. You don't have to be any expert. How to Replace a Thermocouple on Water Heaters? An on-demand heater is probably the easiest of all heaters to switch on since it just requires you to turn it back on at the breaker panel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When Should You Replace a Hot Water Heater? Turning the power back on too soon can damage the elements, avoid problems and follow the steps. This article has given you the steps that should be followed when you restart an electric water heate after it has been shut down. Dry off the area around the valve and the valve itself. 0000033297 00000 n In case the pilot didnt light, there might be air in the line. heater water turn In this case, you just need to relight it once and everything should be fine. The propane and natural gas used in heaters are odorless and colorless, making them impossible to detect in their natural form. Since, you want to turn the water on again, you should close the faucet by now. If your heater doesnt have one, you simply need to light it manually using a long lighter. 0000022454 00000 n (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Drain a Water Heater? Turning on an electric tank hot water heater is easier than turning on a gas one. You can identify it by the two small gas tubes leading to it. 0000025209 00000 n So now we know about the main types of water heaters, we can have a look at how to turn each type on. Again, if you were working on the tank, you probably turned off the cold water and drained it. A Simple Guide to Follow|. Best Electric Tankless Water Heater for This Winter, Best 50-Gallon Water Heater Review In 2021. If this doesnt help, the next thing to check is if the thermocouple is bent. Safety tag is the piece of tape that you should have put over the breaker warning so that nobody turn that breaker on. Copyright 2010 - 2019 Home-Repair-Central.com. If you have been successful in turning on the gas valve to Pilot, then you dont need to light the pilot light. If you think there is a gas leak, after turning off the gas, you should leave the house and call out professionals to inspect it. 2020 Best Water Heater and water Filter Reviews | Sweet Home Advisor. There are a few steps you want to follow for an electric hot water heater startup. By now, you should be hearing the burner fire up and see flame through the site glass. Water Heater Shutdown Procedures! heater water tankless flush How Long Does It Take To Install A Water Heater? Check your user's manual to see if there is a knob (maybe concealed beneath a cover plate) that you need to turn to 120. Hopefully, you followed a safe procedure for shutting off the power and 'tagged' or 'locked out' the breaker for the water heater. tank heaters Some heaters have an igniting button that you need to press it will be either red or black. If you did not drain the tank, but shut the water off, you still want to follow the procedure for turning on the water, to make sure the tank is full before the power is turned on. Look inside and try to find the burner. This is a good practice whenever you work on anything with electricity in your home. You should be able to hear a humming noise when the elements are heating. However, if your heater keeps switching off, you need to find out why since it may indicate a more serious issue. If you carefully implement the above mentioned steps, then you should be good to go for turning on you gas water heater! If you dont know why the circuit breaker keeps tripping, it may be better to call out a qualified electrician to find the cause. Make sure the drain valve is tight. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), 8 Reasons Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit, 7 Best Propane Tankless Water Heaters (Reviews of 2022), How to Install a Tankless Water Heater? If you were working on the tank, close any faucets you opened while you were working. If your gas burner wont light, check it for rust and dirt because this is another reason that sometimes they go out or wont light. For many turning on a water heater might seem like a daunting and often time overwhelming task. If an electric heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it means theres a problem although unless you are competent in working with electric appliances, it may be difficult to work out where the problem is coming from. If you have an electrical heater that is malfunctioning, even if you dont have advanced electrical skills, something you can do is check for bare wires and any loose connections since this could be what is causing the circuit breaker to trip. Lets start with the traditional gas-powered tank heater. Related resources:How to Turn Off a Water HeaterReset the Water HeaterHow to Light a Water HeaterHow to Drain Water HeaterHow to Turn Up Water HeaterWhat Temperature Should Water Heater Be? 0000063756 00000 n This will let you know that the water heater is working. Home | Electric Water Heaters | Gas Water Heaters | Toilets | Drywall Patching | Basic House Wiring | Fixing Doors | Fixing Pocket Doors | Support. 0000006864 00000 n What Size Circuit Breaker Do I Need For Hot Water Heater? In the past, the most common type of water heater consisted of a tank of water that was heated by gas and these types of heaters are still popular today. 0000001637 00000 n They can be picked up from hardware stores for around $15, so it isnt a particularly expensive fix. Turn the breaker on for the hot water tank after the tank is filled with water. This might sound obvious, but this is among the most common problems. 0000013608 00000 n When lighting a pilot light, keep your face away from the gap. When your water heater gets switched off, you dont need to call out the pros right away since switching it back on is an easy job you can manage yourself. 0000004024 00000 n 0000004363 00000 n See the articles 'Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters' and 'Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting' for a listing of all the water heater topics. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'sweethomeadvisor_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',117,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sweethomeadvisor_com-banner-1-0')};It has the same initial step as the gas water heater. 0000117719 00000 n 0000004681 00000 n Before we get started, we need to establish the kind of water heater with which you are dealing. If only the power was turned off, follow the electrical segmetn below. Just follow the easy steps outlined here in this article. Putting it in pilot mode will allow gas to flow to the burner, which you can then light. Keep holding the pilot button down 20-30 seconds after the pilot is lit. Was it pleasant? Please refer to how to light a water heater pilot for more details, but here are the basic steps: You can also check out this video by ehowhome. If your water heater gets switched off, it means you wont have any hot water for taking a hot shower, washing the dishes or anything else, which, understandably is not an ideal situation. 0000008098 00000 n Finally, the most modern type of water heater is the on-demand tankless heater. 0000035945 00000 n %PDF-1.5 % 0000059622 00000 n Which Model of Electric Water Heaters is Best For Home? Have you ever had a shower when the water heater was off? 0000002395 00000 n After you've filled the tank with water, you must light the pilot. Now, you should remove that lock out safety tag to prevent possible shocks and in some cases, death as well. How to Flush Your Water Heater? I have to go on business from time to time so I wanted to teach my wife how to turn on the water heater safely. However, turning a heater back on once its gone out is usually a relatively simple job that anyone can do so in this post, we talk about how to turn on a water heater as well as giving you some information about why they turn themselves off and what you can do about it. 0000022419 00000 n If this doesnt work, its probably time to call in a professional to check your plumbing to try to identify the problem. Now that the tank is full, you're ready to turn the water heater on: This process is a little more involved, and we devoted an entire article to it. Top 10 Best RV Tankless Water Heater Reviews, Best Propane Tankless Water Heater Reviews In 2021, Best natural gas tankless water heater Idea For You [Review & Buying Guide], Top 7 Best under Sink Water Heater | In-depth Reviews & Buyers guide, Best 40 gallon Gas Water Heaters in 2021|Amazon Recommended, Ultimate Guide to the Best indirect water heater #Best Selling Product On Amazon, Best Countertop Water Filter Review in 2021, Top 10 Best portable water filter In 2020 [Review & Buying Guide], Top 5 Best Inline Water Filter 2021 [Expert Tested Review], Top Features to get Best Water Filter for Refrigerator in a Fun Mode. Whether it's a new installation or you're moving into a home that's long been vacant, you need to know how to turn on a water heater. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you were working on the hot water tank, you probably emptied it, in which case you need to turn the water supply back on to refill it and avoid damaging it by heating it while its empty. 0000003011 00000 n In case you are working on a hot water tank, you surely had to open a faucet to allow airflow in the tank. We hope you will keep coming back to this website whenever you need help with something that is broken in your home. Be sure you cut the power whenever you're doing electrical work on a water heater, and be careful about leaving gas valves open when they shouldn't be. Check to make sure the water inlet valve is open. &:.E )']m. Find the gas shut-off knob and turn it to off. You are going to want to watch when the water is turned on, to make sure it is not leaking. In either case, there is no wait time. 0000001296 00000 n (Step-by-Step Tutorial), 15 Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the World. However, if it keeps switching itself off, it can point to an underlying problem, in which case you need to find out why its doing it. } ThT{*|3#tO 6b^"8i Turn the gas knob back to on. Instead, turn off the gas, and open all your windows because if there is a gas leak, trying to light the burner can cause an explosion. heater water breaker circuit Here are a few extra tips and pieces of advice that will help you keep your water heater working well and help you find the source of the problem when it stops working. Start by setting the temperature control to its lowest setting. 0000110073 00000 n If your heater has a door or a cover that protects the pilot light, open it. There are several repairs that on an electric water heater that require you to partially or completely drain the water out of the tank. If it goes off constantly, it means there is something wrong with it, so you need to find out what it is to get it working properly as well as to avoid all danger. Following the above steps carefully should result in your water heater being tuned on. 0000029339 00000 n Steps for an electric installation are going to be much different from a gas-fueled unit. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sweethomeadvisor_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sweethomeadvisor_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};The air vents of these water heaters should remain clean so that the water heater pilot light and burner can operate properly. Just Follow Our Instructions. If it's gas, you want the gas valve closed before you start. When working on electrical components in a system, its good practice to place a safety tag on the breaker panel to tell other people not to switch it back on while youre working. Turning the breaker or water on prematurely can cause problems and may ruin the heating elements. However, it is usually more expensive to heat water using electricity, so they are less economical if you need a big heater. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'sweethomeadvisor_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',119,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sweethomeadvisor_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')};In most cases, electric water heaters dont have indicator light on for informing you that the unit is on. On-demand water heaters are easy to turn on, whether gas or electric. You should easily be able to turn the gas valve to ON. This is because the type you have will dictate how to get it started again if it goes off as well as what you need to do to troubleshoot it if you have problems. If you find this, press and hold it down instead. Heres how to turn one on if its been switched off although bear in mind that different models function differently, so you should also check the instructions that are attached to the side of your heater. Heres how to do it. In this case, you need to turn the cold-water supply back on to refill the tank before lighting the pilot because heating an empty tank may damage the heating elements. The tank will refill itself, in case any water was lost while working on the tank. 0000076775 00000 n Not sure if you are in the right place? 0000020496 00000 n