Troubleshooting Tips; Before You Call For Service - GE AP12170-4 Use And Care Manual

Before You Call For Service...

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the chart on this
page first and you may not need to call for
service.
Problem
Rumbling noise
Relief valve
producing popping
noise or draining
Rattling noise
during periods
of water usage
Not enough or
no hot water
Water is too hot
CAUTION: For your safety DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring, thermostats, heating elements or other
safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel.
Possible Causes
Water conditions in your
home caused a build up of
scale or mineral deposits
on the heating elements.
Pressure build up caused
by thermal expansion
in a closed system.
Internal heat trap
fittings in operation.
Water usage may have
exceeded the capacity
of the water heater.
A fuse is blown or a circuit
breaker tripped.
Electric supply may be off.
The thermostat may
be set set too low.
Leaking or open hot
water faucets.
Electric service to your
home may be interrupted.
Improper wiring.
Manual reset limit (ECO)
Cold water inlet
temperature may be
colder during the
winter months.
The thermostat
is set too high.
What To Do
Remove and clean the heating elements.
This is an unacceptable condition and must be
corrected. Contact the water supplier or plumbing
contractor on how to correct this. Do not plug the
relief valve outlet.
This is normal for heat trap fittings when in operation
and does not indicate a need for service.
Wait for the water heater to recover after an abnormal
demand.
Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
Make sure electric supply to water heater and
disconnect switch, if used, are in the ON position.
See the Temperature regulation of the water heater
section of this manual.
Make sure all faucets are closed.
Contact the local electric utility.
See the Installing the water heater section of this
manual.
See the Temperature regulation of the water heater
section of this manual.
This is normal. The colder inlet water takes longer
to heat.
See the Temperature regulation of the water heater
section of this manual.
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