Electric Hot Water Heater Not Heating? Here Are 9 Potential Causes

Dipping your hands into cold or lukewarm water when you're ready for a hot shower or need to wash your hands is nothing short of frustrating. If your electric hot water heater is not heating, you want to find a solution quickly. Here are nine reasons why this happens so you can get to the bottom of the problem.

1. Blown Fuse

A blown fuse happens when excessive electrical current flows through the fuse, causing it to overheat and break the connection. Power surges, old wiring, or an overloaded circuit can cause a blown fuse. When this happens, it cuts off power to the water heater, preventing it from operating and heating water.

The Solution

Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage. If the fuse blows again, there may be an underlying issue, such as faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. Contact a local electrician to figure out what's causing the issue.

2. Broken Dip Tube

The dip tube directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it can be heated. When the dip tube is broken, cold water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank instead of being properly heated first. This results in lukewarm or cold water coming from the taps, making it seem like the water heater isn’t working properly.

The Solution

Drain the tank and install a new dip tube. You can DIY this task if you have some basic plumbing knowledge. If you're unsure at all, contact a local plumber to assist.

3. Control Board Problems

The control board acts as the brain of the electric water heater, managing functions like temperature regulation and power distribution. If the board malfunctions due to electrical failures, moisture exposure, or component wear, it may fail to send signals to the heating elements.

The Solution

A malfunctioning control board may need to be replaced or reset. Diagnosing electrical components requires specialized knowledge, so it’s best to hire a pro to inspect and replace the board rather than DIY it.

4. Circuit Breaker Tripped

When the electrical load exceeds safe levels, the home's circuit breaker shuts off power to prevent overheating or fire hazards. This can result from wiring issues, a faulty heating element, or an overloaded circuit. 

The Solution

Reset the circuit breaker by flipping it off and then back on. If it trips again, there could be a problem with the heater’s wiring or a faulty heating element. Contact a water heater technician near you to check out what's going on. 

5. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the water temperature by signaling the heating elements to turn on or off as needed. If it malfunctions, it may not detect temperature changes correctly, causing the heater to not turn on or shut off too soon. 

The Solution

Try adjusting the thermostat to a different temperature and see if the heater responds. If the water remains cold, the thermostat may need to be replaced. Contact a pro to to handle the repair.

6. High-Temperature Limit Switch Tripped

The high-temperature limit switch is a safety feature designed to shut off power if the water temperature exceeds a safe level. It can trip due to a faulty thermostat, overheating, or excessive sediment buildup. Once tripped, the switch prevents the heater from operating to avoid scalding water or damage to the unit.

The Solution

Press the reset button on the high-temperature limit switch, which is located on the thermostat panel. If it trips repeatedly, the thermostat may be faulty, or excessive sediment buildup may be causing it to trip, requiring a professional to inspect and fix it.

7. Malfunctioning Heating Element

The heating element warms the water inside the tank. If it burns out, corrodes, or has electrical issues, it will no longer generate heat. The tank's water will remain cold, even if the unit appears to be functioning normally.

The Solution

Turn off the heater's power, drain the tank, and install a new element. You can attempt this if you have some experience with similar tasks, but an experienced plumber or electrician can ensure it’s done safely.

8. Thermostat Reset Button Tripped

The thermostat reset button is a safety mechanism that prevents overheating. If the water heater gets too hot due to thermostat failure, power surges, or a stuck heating element, the button trips and shuts down the heater. 

The Solution

Locate the reset button on the thermostat panel and press it to restore power to the heater. If it continues to trip, the issue may be a failing thermostat or heating element. Hire a professional to have the panel inspected.

9. Wiring Problems

Loose, damaged, or faulty wiring can disrupt the power supply to the water heater. Wiring issues can result from aging components, poor installation, or electrical surges. Without a stable electrical connection, the heater can’t power its components.

The Solution

Loose or damaged wiring should be repaired immediately to prevent electrical hazards. Since dealing with wiring poses a risk of fire or electrocution, it’s best to have a licensed electrician inspect and fix any faulty connections.

Signs Your Electric Hot Water Heater's Not Heating

The most obvious sign your electric hot water heater isn't heating is a lack of hot water, with only cold or lukewarm water coming out. You may notice inconsistent water temperatures, like if the water starts hot but gets cold quickly. Or, you have to wait a long time for hot water to return after use.

If your water heater has a display panel, error codes or warning lights may signal an issue. Unusual noises like clicking or buzzing could indicate an electrical problem with the heating elements or thermostat.

When to Call a Pro

In most cases, calling a local water heater repair professional is the best way to fix an electric water heater that’s not heating. Issues involving electrical work like a faulty thermostat or malfunctioning heating elements are best left to the experts. If you're facing a tripped breaker or need to reset the thermostat, these are easily done DIY. You should call a pro for complex issues to ensure your safety.

How to Prevent an Electric Hot Water From Not Heating

Following a maintenance schedule with a local plumbing pro can prevent issues. Flushing the tank every six months removes sediment buildup that can affect heating efficiency. Pros will replace aging heating elements and check the dip tube for cracks, which maintain consistent hot water production.

Learn how to check the hot water heater for any signs of wear or damage to the wiring connections. This can prevent electrical issues that disrupt power flow. Checking that the circuit breaker and high-temperature limit switch are functioning properly can help avoid unexpected shutdowns. You should also check and adjust the thermostat to ensure it’s set at an optimal temperature for the unit.