Whirlpool Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix Common Problems
Whirlpool water heaters can sometimes encounter problems that affect their performance and efficiency. In this blog post, we will provide you with a Whirlpool water heater troubleshooting guide that covers some of the most common problems and how to fix them.
Whirlpool is a well-known brand of water heaters that offers a variety of models and features. However, like any appliance, Whirlpool water heaters can sometimes encounter problems that affect their performance and efficiency. In this blog post, we will provide you with a Whirlpool water heater troubleshooting guide that covers some of the most common problems and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Common problems and How to fix them
1. No Hot Water
One of the most frustrating problems with a water heater is when it fails to provide hot water. There are several possible causes for this issue, such as:
No power
If your water heater is electric, it may not be getting power due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a faulty wiring. To check for power, you need to turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse that supplies power to your water heater.
Then, remove the access panel on the side of the water heater and use a multimeter to test for voltage on the top two screws of the upper thermostat.
If there is no voltage, you need to check your home’s electrical system or call an electrician. If there is voltage, you need to check other components of your water heater.
Burned out heating element
If your water heater is getting power but still not producing hot water, it may have a burned out heating element. This can happen if the water heater is not filled with water before turning on the power, or if the element is old or defective.
To replace a heating element, you need to turn off the power and drain the tank. Then, use a wrench to unscrew the old element and install a new one in its place. Make sure to fill the tank with water before turning on the power again.
Faulty thermostat
If your water heater has two heating elements, it also has two thermostats: one for each element. The thermostats regulate the temperature of the water by turning on and off the heating elements. If one or both of the thermostats are faulty, they may not sense the water temperature correctly or send signals to the heating elements.
To replace a thermostat, you need to turn off the power and remove the access panel. Then, disconnect the wires and tubes from the old thermostat and install a new one in its place.
2. Some Hot Water, but Not Enough
Another common problem with a water heater is when it produces some hot water, but not as much as you need or expect. This can be caused by:
Improper temperature setting
If your water heater is new or has been recently adjusted, it may have an improper temperature setting that is too low for your needs. You can adjust the temperature by turning the knob on your gas valve or by using a screwdriver to turn the dial on your electric thermostat.
However, you should be careful not to set the temperature too high, as this can increase the risk of scalding and energy waste. The recommended temperature setting for most water heaters is 120°F.
Sediment buildup
Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank and form sediment. This can reduce the capacity and efficiency of your water heater by taking up space and insulating the heating elements. To prevent sediment buildup, you should flush your water heater tank at least once a year.
To flush your tank, you need to turn off the power and gas supply and attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Then, open the drain valve and let the water flow out until it runs clear.
Leaking tank
If your water heater tank is leaking, it can cause a loss of hot water and damage to your home. You can check for leaks by inspecting your tank for signs of rust, corrosion, or moisture. If you find any leaks, you should turn off the power and gas supply and call a plumber to repair or replace your tank.
3. Water Temperature Too Hot or Too Cold
Sometimes, your water heater may produce water that is too hot or too cold for your comfort. This can be due to:
Faulty thermostat
As mentioned above, a faulty thermostat can cause your water heater to not sense or regulate the water temperature correctly. You can test your thermostat by using a multimeter to measure its resistance.
A good thermostat should have a resistance of about 10 ohms when cold and about 30 ohms when hot. If your thermostat has a very high or very low resistance, it is likely bad and needs replacing.
Crossed connections
Crossed connections are when cold water mixes with hot water in your pipes, resulting in inconsistent water temperature. This can happen if you have a single-handle faucet that is leaking or not fully closed, or if you have a faulty mixing valve or check valve in your plumbing system.
You can check for crossed connections by turning off the water supply to your water heater and opening a hot water faucet. If you still get water from the faucet, you have crossed connections and need to fix the source of the problem.
High demand
If you have a lot of people or appliances using hot water at the same time, you may exceed the capacity of your water heater and run out of hot water. This can cause the water temperature to drop or fluctuate. To avoid this problem, you should try to stagger your hot water usage or install a larger or additional water heater.
4. Water Heater Making Noises
Another problem that may bother you is when your water heater makes noises, such as popping, hissing, humming, or banging. These noises can indicate:
Sediment buildup
As mentioned above, sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency and capacity of your water heater. It can also cause noises when the heating elements heat up the sediment and create bubbles that burst. To prevent this problem, you should flush your tank regularly and install a water softener if you have hard water.
High pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause your water heater to make hissing or whistling noises as the water flows through the pipes or valves. It can also damage your water heater components and cause leaks. To prevent this problem, you should install a pressure reducing valve on your main water line and set it to no more than 80 psi.
Loose parts
If your water heater has loose parts, such as screws, nuts, bolts, or heating elements, it can cause humming or rattling noises as the parts vibrate. To prevent this problem, you should tighten any loose parts and secure any loose wires or tubes.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool water heater is a reliable and efficient appliance that can provide you with hot water for your daily needs. However, it can also encounter some problems that can affect its performance and efficiency. In this blog post, we have provided you with a Whirlpool water heater troubleshooting guide that covers some of the most common problems and how to fix them.
Some of these problems are easy to fix by yourself, while others may require professional help. Either way, you can restore your water heater’s performance and enjoy hot water again. We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Whirlpool water heater troubleshooting and their answers.
Q: How do I reset my Whirlpool electric water heater?
A: To reset your Whirlpool electric water heater, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your water heater.
- Locate the reset button on your thermostat. It is usually red and located behind an access panel on the side of the water heater.
- Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you hear a click.
- Turn on the power to your water heater and check if it is working properly.
Q: How do I relight my Whirlpool gas water heater?
A: To relight your Whirlpool gas water heater, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the gas supply to your water heater.
- Locate the gas valve and turn it to the “pilot” position.
- Press and hold the red button on the gas valve while repeatedly clicking the spark igniter button until you see a flame on the pilot light.
- Keep holding the red button for about one minute until the thermocouple heats up and sends a signal to the gas valve.
- Release the red button and turn the gas valve to the “on” position.
- Turn on the gas supply to your water heater and check if it is working properly.
Q: How do I drain my Whirlpool water heater?
A: To drain your Whirlpool water heater, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the power and gas supply to your water heater.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Open a hot water faucet in your home to relieve pressure in the tank.
- Open the drain valve and let the water flow out until it runs clear. 5 . Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose.
- Refill the tank with water and turn on the power and gas supply to your water heater.
Q: How long does a Whirlpool water heater last?
A: The lifespan of a Whirlpool water heater depends on several factors, such as the model, the usage, the maintenance, and the water quality. Generally, a Whirlpool water heater can last from 6 to 12 years before it needs replacing.
Q: How much does it cost to repair a Whirlpool water heater?
A: The cost of repairing a Whirlpool water heater varies depending on the type and extent of the problem, the availability and price of the parts, and the labor charges of the plumber. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $500 for a water heater repair.
