No Hot Water After Draining Water Heater? [Reasons Expained]
What’s the Reason for No Hot Water After Draining Water Heater?
Here are the following reasons why there’s no hot water after draining water heater:
- Malfunctioning heating elements
- Defective Thermostat
- No Power Supply
- Supply Valve in the OFF position
- Pilot Light OFF
- Gas Burner OFF
Now, the reasons can vary depending on the type of water heater. An electric heater won’t heat up for similar reasons the gas water heater isn’t igniting. So, you have to treat this problem separately depending on which type of water heater you have.
Why Is There No Hot Water After Flushing an Electric Water Heater?
There are 3 main reasons why there’s no hot water after flushing an electric water heater. These problems are a defective water heater element, a faulty thermostat, and no power supply.
Here’s a quick overview of no hot water problem in an electric water heater after draining.
| Reasons | Solutions |
| Problematic water heater element | Replace the element of your water heater. |
| Defective thermostat | Replace the defective thermostat with a new one. |
| No power supply | Check the circuit breaker and fix the power supply. |
Reason 1: Elements Cool Down Problem
You will face trouble when something goes wrong with any of the elements of your water heater.
Depending on the water heater’s type and model, the element installed in the water heater varies. Some of the water heaters have two elements while others have only one element.
If any one of the heating elements fails, the water heater won’t be able to heat the water inside. So, there will be cold water after a flush.
Solution
To solve this issue, first, you need to check if the heating element has any continuity. If it doesn’t, replace the element of your water heater.
Here is the step-by-step process of how to replace the element of the water heater.
Tools
- Replacement Heating Element
- Phillips Screwdriver
- ½ inch element wrench for screw-in heating elements
- ⅜ inch socket wrench for flange heating elements
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Teflon Tape
- Volt Meter
- Rags or Towels
After getting the following equipment, you are ready to start the replacement process.
- Step 1: First, shut down the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Then, remove the cover panel and insulation to expose the heating element.
- Step 3: After that, you need to remove the reinforcing bracket and throw it away. You also need to remove the plastic protective cover over the thermostat.
- Step 5: Next, close the shutoff valve at the water inlet line or main water supply. You need to open a hot water faucet which will relieve the system pressure inside the tank.
- Step 6: Now, use the Phillips screwdriver to unscrew and disconnect the two wire leads. Remove the element using an element wrench. Make sure it is a 1 and a ½ inch socket for a screw-in type element. Twist the wrench and the element will come off on its own.
- Step 7: Place the new element inside and tighten it until it’s snug. Twist it to the right and then use an element wrench to finish up the tightening.
- Step 8: Then reconnect the two wires that you disconnected previously. It does not matter which wires go to which screw terminal. Tighten the screws with your screwdriver.
- Step 9: After that, open the shut-off valve at the main water supply line. When you have a steady stream of water inside, turn the faucet off.
- Step 10: Finally, place the cover panel back again as it was and turn on the water heater.
Reason 2: Defective Thermostat
Hot water will stop generating if you have a defective or malfunctioned thermostat. For that, you need to pay attention to whether the thermostat is functioning properly or not. Sudden power outages can easily overload the heating element of your water heater.
Solution
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, you need to replace the faulty thermostat. The replacement process is mentioned below so that you can do it on your own!
- Step 1: First, check the continuity of the thermostat with a voltmeter. If there’s no reading, this means there’s no power.
- Step 2: If the thermostat is faulty, you have to purchase a new one that fits your water heater.
- Step 3: After completely disconnecting your water heater, take out the old unit and disconnect the wiring.
- Step 4: Now, you are all set to install the new thermostat. Here, you need to install any additional parts if necessary. Example: Additional Wiring into the electrical system.
- Step 5: Finally, connect the color-coded/marked wires to their specific places on the new thermostat. Double-check that the connection is perfectly done or else they might come loose in the future.
Once you’re done, turn on the power and test if everything is working correctly or not. Your heating system should fire right up!
Reason 3: No Power Supply
You need to ensure your water heater is getting a proper power supply. An electric water heater needs 240 volts of power to heat the water. When the circuit trips, the water heater can’t work. As a result, the water doesn’t heat up even after draining sediments from the water heater.
Solution
You need to check the circuit breaker for power connection to the water heater. It is recommended that you shut off both breakers of the heater and turn them back on. This will ensure the power is back on if the breaker is tripped inside the circuit.
What are the Reasons for No Hot Water After Draining a Gas Water Heater?
Now, you can also have the same hot water issues in a gas water heater. Here are the major reasons and solutions why it happens in a gas water heater.
| Reasons | Solutions |
| Pilot light off | Replace the thermocouple. |
| Supply Valve is off | Turn on the gas supply valve. |
| Gas Burner not working | Replace the gas burner assembly |
Reason 1: Pilot Light Off
For gas water heaters, the pilot light ignites the gas inside the heater. When the thermocouple doesn’t work, the pilot light stops functioning. As a result, the water can’t produce hot water.
Solution
If the thermocouple is faulty, you need to replace it to solve the issue. Here’s how you can change the thermocouple in a water heater.
- Step 1: First, turn the gas valve off with the help of a wrench. You need to make sure no gas is passing while starting the procedure.
- Step 2: Then, remove the bottom plate of the water heater.
- Step 3: Now, disconnect the thermocouple, igniter wire, pilot tubing, and burner supply with a wrench. You have to remove the wiring from the high limiter from the bottom of your water heater. Remove the screws holding the burner door in place and slide out the burner.
- Step 4: Replace the push-fit adapter thermocouple connected to the burner.
- Step 5: Place the burner back to its position. Make sure the burner fits to its original position properly inside the bottom of the water heater.
- Step 7: Then, place the main burner and hand tighten the screws first to avoid stripping any of the threads. Use a wrench to tighten it. Next, attach the thermocouple and pilot tubing to its original position with a wrench.
- Step 8: Use a screwdriver to reinstall the burner door.
- Step 9: Next, you need to reconnect the cutoff switch and igniter wiring. Then, install a new zip tie holding down the wires.
- Step 10: Finally, turn on the gas supply to keep the gas running inside your water heater.
Reason 2: Gas Burner OFF
If the gas burner is in the OFF position, the water won’t get heated. It’s because gas burner assembly is a critical component, responsible for heating water in the tank. It consists of several parts including a gas control valve, pilot light assembly, main burner, and thermocouple.
Solutions
You need to replace the burner assembly if the main burner is not working properly.
The following guide will help you to replace the burner assembly of your gas water heater:
- Step 1: First, unplug the power cord and shut off the gas valve.
- Step 2: Then, remove the burner access cover located at the bottom of your water heater.
- Step 3: Next, unscrew the burner cover using a ⅜ inch socket to unthread the mounting nuts.
- Step 4: After that, use an ¾ inch wrench to unthread the nuts securing the burner tube to control the valve.
- Step 5: Disconnect the igniter and the sensor wire harness from the valve. You also have to detach the vapor sensor and the bracket from the tank base.
- Step 6: Then, remove the burner assembly by simply holding and pulling it out.
- Step 7: You have to straighten the burner tube and push the gasket into place on the cover. Now, transfer the vapor sensor and bracket from the old assembly to the new assembly.
- Step 8: Now, install the new burner inside your water heater. Align the burner tube on the support brackets. Tighten up the nuts to ensure the burner does not come loose.
- Step 9: Connect the necessary wires and burner tube. You should connect the igniter, sensor wire, and vapor sensor brackets to their original place. Attach the burner tube to the control valve and tighten the nut using a wrench.
- Step 10: Finally, close the cover of the burner and plug the power cord into the socket. Also, turn on the gas valve for the gas supply to your water heater.
Your water heater is now ready to use!
Note: If you notice a slight gas smell coming from the gas valve, you must fix it immediately.
Prevention Tips: How to Keep Water Heater Working After Draining
Here are some preventive measures you can follow to keep your water heater fit and running:
- Add an insulation to your water tank. It will not only keep the water hot but also reduce energy costs. It also extends the life of your water heater.
- Insulate the pipes to protect the water from freezing during the winter.
- You need to check your water heater at least once every two months. It helps to detect any major problem at the beginning stage.
- Regularly check for water leaks, gas leaks, or any swelling in the water heater.
- Keep your water heater at 120℉. Anything below 120℉ can cause a risk of bacteria development inside the tank.
Related Content You Must Check Out
- What to Do When Water Heater Only Drains with Cold Water On?
- Why is My Rheem Water Heater Not Draining?
- Common Rheem Marathon Water Heater Problems
FAQs
How Long Does it Take For The Water to Get Heated Up Inside The Water Heater?
On average, it takes 50-60 minutes for the water to get heated up inside the water heater.
Is The Heating Element Of The Water Heater Repairable?
No, the water heating element of the water heater isn’t repairable. If it gets damaged, you need to replace the heating element with a new a one.
Should I Deal With The Water Heater Gas Leak Problem On My Own?
No, you should not deal with the water heater gas leak problem on your own. The best you can do is to turn off the main gas supply.
Conclusion
That’s all about solving no hot water after draining water heater problem. Hopefully, this article helped you function your water heater again. Here’s a tip. Try to keep your water heater under maintenance to keep it functioning. Until next time. Good luck!
