Troubleshooting Chart - Whirlpool 121802 Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual

Figure 13
Screws
5. Clean the area where the gasket(s) fits to the tank. If
you are replacing the bottom element, remove the
accumulated sediment on the bottom of the tank.
6. Make sure the replacement element(s) has the correct
voltage and wattage rating by matching it to the rating
plate on the water heater. Position the new gasket(s)
on the element and insert it into the water heater
tank (Figure 14). Tighten the element by turning it
clockwise until secure.
7. Close the drain valve. Open the nearest hot water
faucet and allow the tank to fill completely with water.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

PROBLEM
NO HOT WATER
INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER
HIGH OPERATION COSTS
SLOW HOT WATER
RECOVERY
DRIP FROM RELIEF VALVE
THERMOSTAT DOES NOT
SHUT OFF
WATER ODOR
Wires
Element
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
1. No power to heater
2. High Temperature Limit Switch open
3. Non-Functioning upper thermostat
1. Non-Functioning thermostats
2. Non-Functioning lower element
3. Improper calibration
4. Thermostats set too low
5. Sediment or lime in tank
6. Heater too small for job
7. Wrong piping connections
8. Leaking faucets
9. Wasted hot water
10. Long runs of exposed pipe
11. Hot water piping on outside wall
1. Improper Calibration
2. Thermostats set too high
3. Sediment or lime in tank
4. Heater too small for job
5. Wrong piping connections
6. Leaking faucets
7. Wasted hot water
8. Long runs of exposed piping
9. Hot water piping in exposed wall
1. Non-Functioning upper element
2. Non-Functioning lower element
1. Excessive water pressure
2. Closed system
1. Non-Functioning thermostats
2. Improper calibration
1. Sulfides in the water
Figure 14
Screw-in
Element
To purge the lines of any excess air and sediment,
keep the hot water faucet open for 3 minutes after a
constant flow of water is obtained.
8. Check for leaks around the element(s).
9. Reconnect the electrical wires to the element and
securely tighten the screws. Replace the plastic
thermostat cover making sure the attachment points
are engaged on the thermostat.
10. Replace the access cover(s).
11. Make certain the tank is filled with water. Applying
electric current to heater elements not submerged in
water will destroy them.
12. Reconnect electrical power to the water heater.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Turn on electrical switch. Check for blown fuses
or tripped breaker
2. Reset. Check for source of trouble and correct
3. Replace thermostat
1. Replace thermostats
2. Replace element
3. Replace thermostats
4. Set thermostats to desired temperature
5. Drain. Determine if water treatment is needed
6. Install adequate water heater
7. Correct piping
8. Repair faucets
9. Advise customer
10. Insulate piping
11. Insulate piping
1. Replace thermostats
2. Set thermostat to desired setting
3. Drain. Flush-Provide water treatment if needed
4. Install adequate heater
5. Correct piping
6. Repair faucets
7. Advise customer
8. Insulate piping
9. Insulate piping
1. Replace element
2. Replace element
1. Use Pressure Reducing Valve and Pressure
Relief Valve
2. See "Closed System/Thermal Expansion" section
1. Replace thermostats
2. Replace thermostats
1. See "Anode Rod/Water Odor" section
Thermostat
Holding
Bracket
Spud
Gasket
13