Hot Water Heaters Gone Bad?

[Blloyd]

Girlfriend just called me at work and said that there is no hot water in our house. I took a nice toasty shower this morning, but apparently something has happened. Water not even warm. Talked to someone here at work and they are saying that since there wasn't even any warm water that they didn't think that it was an element since most have two and the chance of both going at the same time would be highly unlikely. Was mentioned that it probably was the thermostat. Any thoughts on this and who do I contact for the thermostat, a plumber or an electrician? Logically it sounds like the thermostat and that a plumber could probably do the job.

[Big Rad]

only if I didn't have a fluke to test the continuity of the electrical circuit.

Anywhoooo

Turn of the power to your unit.
Pull the cover on the face of your HWH
Locate your elements
locate your thermostat and begin checking for a complete circuit.

Set your meter to where you touch the two leads together an you get a tone ........

It's hard to explain...I guess you can tell huh.......

elements start around 18 bucks

[Blloyd]

Thanks for the advice Rad. What's a fluke? Guess that's a good sign I shouldn't be doing any electrical work, huh?
Problem solved. Told her to flip the breaker wait an hour and a half and call back. She never called back, but I went home at lunch and it seems to be fine. Guess it just needed to be reset?

[cygnus-x1]

Thanks for the advice Rad. What's a fluke? Guess that's a good sign I shouldn't be doing any electrical work, huh?
Problem solved. Told her to flip the breaker wait an hour and a half and call back. She never called back, but I went home at lunch and it seems to be fine. Guess it just needed to be reset?

Maybe the breaker was already tripped and it was off. Does she really know the difference?

I believe a fluke is a continuity tester but I have never heard the term fluke before. I use a multimeter for checking current and resistance.

[BubbaBlue]

Fluke is a brand of electronic test equipment. Lots of folks in the business use the term Fluke in place of a multimeter.

And the OLD folks, like myself, still say "Simpson"... :p :D
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[justinfisch01]

A Fliuke is a fish targeted in the spring,summer and fall, in the bays, Common relative is the flounder J/K LOL I had to be a smart A$$

[Big Rad]

Dat is definately old school:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Sorry bout that guys..... I shoulda said multimeter. Thats what they called em at the shipyard:D :D :D

[DORIGHT]

If You Know Someone Or Have A Friend In The Remodel Business Give Them A Call. If Not It's Pobably Your Pilot As Mentioned But Those Things Can Make For A Good Bomb So Whatever You Do Be Carefull !! There Was A House That Got Blown Up On The News The Other Day From A .......you Got It... A Water Heater.. If You Call A Plumber Don't Act Like It's A Total Emergency Or Your Going To Pay Big Time !!

Be Carefull !!!!!!!!

[jcreamer]

Fluke is a brand of electronic test equipment. Lots of folks in the business use the term Fluke in place of a multimeter.

And the OLD folks, like myself, still say "Simpson"... :p :D
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BB analog or digital. I just threw a couple ole ones away at work.

[BubbaBlue]

BB analog or digital. I just threw a couple ole ones away at work.I have a half a dozen digitals by Fluke and others... but when I'm getting ready to do something, I always grab my trusty old analog Simpson 260. Always works, always will.

Yeah, I'm old school... and proud of it. :)

Was going to say that I still even use my old slide rule on occasion, but that would be total BS. :D :D I do miss those days though... figuring out Logs on a rule. NOT. ;)
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[can't fish today]

Usually are 2 elements. It's possible for one to burn out and you not even notice, though there will be clues. Once the last one goes, it gets mightly cold.

[outfishin28]

first put an ohm meter on all the electrical connections to check for power, check the breaker, and then replace the thermostat if needed. the thermostats are very easy to install seeing as how the wires are all numbered on the thermostat. should not be a problem with the elements, because the single element will keep the water at least warm, the second is rarely used, mainly when the water is going out and you are starting to get cold.

tools needed:

philips screw driver
cold beer
a new thermostat
another cold beer
ohm meter
and yet another cold beer

:beer:

[Big Rad]

the best way to smoke a cheap meter is to check the "ohms" with the power on.

[BubbaBlue]

first put an ohm meter on all the electrical connections to check for power, ...
and yet another cold beer

Yeah, the beer may ease the pain of getting electrocuted. :eek:

Geez...

If you aren't comfortable playing with electricity, get somebody who is.
And hold the beer until you're done.
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