Gather Tools and Materials
Before you start the process of turning on your electric water heater, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Making sure you have what you need before you begin can save you time and effort. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Teflon tape
- Waterproof gloves
- New electric water heater
- Access to a power source
- Water source
- Water pressure gauge
Some of the materials on this list may come with the electric water heater. Check the packaging to be sure.
Find Your Circuit Breaker Box
Before you can turn on your electric water heater, you must first locate your circuit breaker box. The circuit breaker box is typically found in your home’s basement, utility room, or garage. It should be a gray metal box labeled with the words “Circuit Breaker” or “Electrical Panel.”
Once you have located the circuit breaker box, open it up and look for the switch that controls the power to your electric water heater. Depending on the size and age of your home, your circuit breaker box may have several switches or just a few. Look for one that is labeled “Water Heater” or “Electric Water Heater.” If you cannot locate a switch labeled specifically for your water heater, look for a switch that reads “Large Appliance,” “Kitchen,” or “Bathroom.”
Once you have found the correct switch, turn it off by pushing it to the “Off” position. If you are unsure which switch controls your water heater, turn off the main circuit breaker switch to shut off the power to the entire house. This will ensure that there is no risk of electric shock or injury when you begin working on the water heater.
Locate the Reset Button on the Water Heater
After you have turned off the power to your electric water heater, locate the reset button on the appliance. The reset button is typically located on the upper thermostat panel, near the heating elements. The location of the reset button may vary depending on the make and model of your water heater, so refer to your owner’s manual if you are unsure.
Once you have located the reset button, press it firmly. If the reset button clicks and stays down, your water heater has been successfully reset and is ready to be turned on.
If the reset button does not click or immediately pops back up, there may be a larger issue with your water heater that requires professional attention. Do not attempt to turn on your water heater if the reset button will not stay down, as this could lead to serious injury or further damage to the appliance.
Turn on the Power to the Water Heater
After you have located and reset the reset button on your electric water heater, it is time to turn the power back on. Return to your circuit breaker box and locate the switch that controls your water heater. Push the switch back into the “On” position to restore power to the appliance.
Give your water heater some time to heat up. Depending on the size of your appliance and the temperature of your water, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours for the water to reach your desired temperature. Check the faucet nearest to your water heater periodically to see if the water has become hot yet.
Once your water is hot, your electric water heater is ready to use! Be sure to regularly check your water heater’s reset button and thermostat settings to ensure that it continues to function properly. If you notice any unusual noises, leaks, or other issues with your water heater, contact a professional for help as soon as possible.
Shut Off Power to Your Water Heater
Before doing anything else, it’s important to turn off the power supply to your electric water heater. This is an important safety step that should never be skipped. You don’t want to risk electric shocks or burns while working on your water heater.
Firstly, locate the circuit breaker or fuse box that controls power to your water heater. In many cases, electric water heaters are wired to their own breaker switch. So, you will need to flip the switch labeled “water heater” or “hot water” to the off position.
If your electric water heater is connected to a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker, you will need to remove the fuse that powers it. Locate the appropriate fuse and gently pull it out. It’s important to handle fuses with care to avoid injury. Make sure you also identify the correct fuse to avoid shutting off power to something else unintentionally.
It’s essential to ensure that no electricity is flowing to your water heater before you proceed with turning it on. Leaving the power on can cause severe damage or even explosion if the tank overheats beyond its limit. So, remember to double-check that you have successfully turned off the power supply to your electric water heater before attempting to switch it on.
Preparing to Turn On Your Electric Water Heater
Before turning on your electric water heater, there are a few things you should do to prepare for the task. Firstly, it is important to turn off the power supply to the water heater in your breaker box. This ensures that the electricity is disconnected and reduces the risk of electrical shocks. Secondly, check that the cold water valve is turned on so that water can flow freely into the tank. Lastly, take a moment to ensure that the pressure relief valve is working properly to prevent any potential pressure build-up in the tank. Once these preliminary checks are complete, you can proceed with turning on the electric water heater.
Turning On Your Electric Water Heater
The process of turning on your electric water heater may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and the specific model you have. Generally, you can follow these simple steps to turn on your electric water heater:
- Turn on the cold water supply into the heater.
- Switch on the power supply to the water heater at the breaker box.
- Find the temperature dial on the water heater and adjust it as per your preferences. Generally, a safe temperature range is between 110-140°F (43-60°C).
- Allow the water heater to heat the water, this may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the tank size and initial water temperature.
- Once the water is heated, you can test the temperature and pressure relief valves to ensure they are working properly.
- Finally, place a thermometer at the hot water outlet to check the temperature and ensure it’s within your desired range.
Tips and Considerations
While turning on your electric water heater is a relatively straightforward task, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the unit works efficiently and safely. Here are some tips and considerations:
- It is recommended to set the temperature of your electric water heater between 120-125°F (49°C) to prevent scalding and reduce energy costs.
- If you are adjusting the temperature on an older water heater, do it slowly and wait 24 hours before making any further adjustments. This will allow the water to adjust to the new temperature and prevent damage to the tank or elements.
- Flushing the tank once every year will remove sediment that may have accumulated at the bottom of the tank, which can improve performance and extend the life of the water heater.
- If your water heater is making unusual noises, it may be an indication of a problem with the unit. In such a case, it is recommended to immediately turn off the water heater and seek professional help for diagnosis.
By following these instructions and tips on how to turn on your electric water heater, you can ensure that it functions safely and efficiently, providing you with hot water when you need it.
Check Water Temperature
Before turning on your electric water heater, you need to check the temperature of your water to ensure that it is safe and at the right temperature for your needs. Depending on the model of your electric water heater, the thermostat may have a range of temperatures to choose from, so it’s crucial that you select the temperature that’s suitable for your household.
To check your water temperature, turn on your kitchen or bathroom sink’s hot water faucet and let it run for a few minutes. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water. If it is below 120°F, your water might not be hot enough to use safely, which means you need to boost the thermostat slightly. On the other hand, if the temperature is above 125°F, it might cause burns or scalds, particularly when you have children or elderly family members in your home.
To adjust the temperature of your electric water heater, you need to locate the thermostat which is typically found on the side of the tank. Use a flathead screwdriver to change the settings, which can increase or decrease the temperature. For best results, check the user manual for your water heater’s recommended temperature range, and turn the thermostat knob accordingly.
Note that higher water temperatures may tend to consume more energy, so it’s important to strike a balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness.
