April 20, 2023

Water heater repair guides

Fixing your water heater is a breeze with our step-by-step repair guides and videos for parts such as heating elements and anode rods. Use the maintenance and DIY troubleshooting tips in our repair help section to keep the shower water hot and your utility bills low. Our expert advice covers common water heater brands such as Kenmore, State, Rheem and AO Smith. Search your model number for a complete list of replacement parts for your water heater and order the part you need.

water-heater

Repair guides for electric water heaters

How to replace a water heater element

If your water heater runs out of hot water quickly and one of the two heating elements has failed, replace the element following these step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace an electric water heater thermostat

If the water temperature fluctuates or you don't get enough hot water, follow these instructions to replace your water heater's thermostat.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a water heater temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve

Replace a broken temperature/pressure (T&P) relief valve on an electric water heater using these instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace an electric water heater anode rod

If your hot water begins to smell like rotten eggs, replace the anode rod with a zinc-aluminum anode rod following the instructions in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a water heater drain valve

If the drain valve on your electric water heater is leaking water, replace it following these step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less

Symptoms common to all water heaters

Choose a symptom to see related water heater repairs.

Main causes: thermostat temperature set too high, thermostats need adjustment, faulty thermostat, shorted heating element
Main causes: faulty pressure relief valve, water is overheating
Main causes: broken heating element, thermostat failure, excessive tank sediment, tank size too small, burner valve assembly failure
Main causes: lack of power, no gas supply, thermostat limit switch tripped, bad element, bad thermostat, gas valve failure, bad thermocouple
Main causes: water supply needs chlorine treatment, anode rod too reactive
Main causes: thermostats need adjustment, water heater capacity too low, bad heating element, thermostat failure, excessive tank sediment
Main causes: loose water pipe fittings, leaky drain valve, bad temperature-pressure relief valve, leaky heating element, cracked tank

Articles and videos common to all water heaters

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water heater.

October 24, 2022

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Get advice on simple DIY fixes for appliances that you can safely do on your own.

April 10, 2020

Cleaning your appliances after a drinking water advisory

Cleaning your appliances after a drinking water advisory

Find out how to clean and flush household appliances once a boil water advisory is lifted.

August 01, 2015

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Easy DIY water heater repairs

Read about some water heater repairs that you can easily do yourself.