X23b

[Gayle Cearley]

I can’t get hot water. Should let me use switch on inside ..

[bankr63]

Hi Gayle,

Welcome to JOF.

That's not much to go on, but let's see if we can help.

1. Are you sure there is water in the hot water tank? At this time of year, many tanks are still in bypass from the winterization process. Pop the relief valve on the tank (careful in case the water actually is heating). If a bit of water spurts out, then the tank is filled. If not, check the status of the winterize valves to be sure they are set for summer.
2. There are two switches on the control panel for the HWT. One is for electrical, one is for propane. It would help to know which one isn't working. Most years, they have pilot lights in the switch. Does the pilot light when you switch? Make sure there is water in the tank before trying either switch however!
3. If electrical, and not heating, are other AC electrics working (like the microwave)? Check the breakers to make sure the breaker is not tripped. Depending on your tank model there may be a breaker on the control board on the tank as well (tanks change from model to model, year to year).
4. If propane, do you hear the burner attempting to light, and does it stay lit? You will hear the burner sparking when attempting to light, and you will hear the rush of burning propane if it is staying lit. Go around to the tank panel on the outside to watch/listen for activity.

Try these things and report back on what you find.

[Merrick]

What year.

[Jagiven]

Yep, what model year do you have? Do you have a dual heat WH?

I too fully suspect the bypass valves are set to winterize, possibly all three are set to open. This will give you like warm water.

If you turned on the water heat to electric with no water in the tank, the thermal fuse would have blown, and you will need a new one.

On last thing to check, if it won't work on electric is the 120 volt circuit breaker. I flip mine off everytime I drain my tabk, to ensure, we do not accidentally turn it on, and blow the thermal fuse.