No hot water coming out of any of the faucets, but the cold water works just fine. I have an electric water heater. (water tank, insulating)
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I need to know what has happened to my hot water in my home. We have had some freezing temperature for the last week. Water heater is electric. Cold water works just fine. What could be the problem.
Do you mean there is no water at all, hot or cold, coming from the hot faucets ?
In which case you may have a frozen pipe.
Or do you mean the water that is coming from the hot faucet is cold instead of hot ?
In which case either the heater has failed, or its circuit breaker has tripped.
If cold water is coming out of the hot water tap, first check the circuit breaker for your electric hot water heater to see if it's tripped. It's very common for the heating elements to burn out in the hot water heater. You can usually buy new heating elements (there's two if your tank is at least a 30 gallon) at your local hardware store.
Fairly easy for anybody even slightly handy to replace with a screwdriver and channellocks, just shut off the electric breaker first.
IF you replace the element, make SURE the tank is completely refilled with water BEFORE you flip the breaker back to ON.
I have one kitchen faucet supply line which sometimes freezes when it gets really cold and windy outside. I solved the problem by installing a thermostatically controlled heat tape, and insulating the pipe as best I could. The heat tape draws about 20 watts, and only turns on when the sensor (which is taped to the coldest part of the pipe) detects near-freezing temperatures. Total cost was about $20 and maybe a dollar a year in electricity, versus +$100 for a plumber.
Quote:
Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr
Probably a frozen pipe-Hot water lines will usually freeze first.
Agreed -- if not even cold water comes out of any hot water tap, and it's been really cold lately, most likely cause is a frozen pipe near the heater itself. Could be a supply line leading into the heater, or an output pipe.
I need to know what has happened to my hot water in my home. We have had some freezing temperature for the last week. Water heater is electric. Cold water works just fine. What could be the problem.
How old is your hot water tank?
Check and feel if it is warm.
If it is cold go check if the breaker tripped. Suppose it is tripped. Flick it back on and watch to see if it trips again. If it doesn't the water should be able to reheat. But if the water tank does not heat up get an inspection. Then you will know if you need a new one.
Note that the water heater should be on it's own circuit. If the panel is old the breakers might have deteriorated. You could try replacing it but you have to disconnect the wire leading to it then attach the new one before you place a fresh breaker. I wouldn't do this on my own. It's dangerous.
It shouldn't be cold enough in your house to freeze any pipes.
If it is cold go check if the breaker tripped. Suppose it is tripped. Flick it back on and watch to see if it trips again. If it doesn't the water should be able to reheat. But if the water tank does not heat up get an inspection. Then you will know if you need a new one.
Note that the water heater should be on it's own circuit. If the panel is old the breakers might have deteriorated. You could try replacing it but you have to disconnect the wire leading to it then attach the new one before you place a fresh breaker. I wouldn't do this on my own. It's dangerous.
It shouldn't be cold enough in your house to freeze any pipes.
It sounds to me like you are in a mobile home.
It's -40 here today.
Who are you advising? this is a 2-year-old thread, and the OP has never returned.
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No water comes out, or cold water comes out?
