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drillagent's avatar
drillagent
Explorer
Jan 05, 2020

Water heater INOP on electric

Noticed the other day that my Suburban 12 gal water heater was not heating on electric. Gas works fine. Replaced the element and it worked for about 10 min then quit. Any suggestions? Really don't want to call a repair guy if I don't have too.
  • 12th_Man_Fan's avatar
    12th_Man_Fan
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2020
    Check wall plug also it could be loosing connection there. I had one that would do that but it should not do it setting still.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 05, 2020
    T-stats.......

    Under the cover above gas valve----Left Side 120VAC black wires
    High temp is top one.manual reset (trips at 180*F)
    Normal temp is bottom one (Opens at 130*F)




  • All_I_could_aff's avatar
    All_I_could_aff
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2020
    Interesting that it would work for 10 minutes on the new element and then stop again. How did the old element that you removed look? I would start by checking for continuity with a meter on the old element to see if it’s good or bad
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jan 05, 2020
    Turn off the power and check all connections. A $10 voltmeter (used with safety kowledge) can establish voltage at the element wires. And a clampon ammeter can determine amps. It could also be other components that failed.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2020
    You need a multi-meter if you are going to do your own electrical work.

    Lacking that, "call a repair guy".

    Or pretend that it doesn't HAVE an electric option.

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