How to Troubleshoot GE Water Heater Problems

Although General Electric is known for producing quality water heaters, no water heater can last forever. Thankfully, the two most common problems associated with General Electric water heaters are easy to diagnose and easy to remedy.

No Hot Water or Not Enough Hot Water

1. Ensure that the water heater’s power supply (gas or electricity) is on. If troubleshooting a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is on, then relight the pilot flame with a BBQ lighter at the base of the water heater. If troubleshooting an electric heater, make sure the heater is receiving electricity, then reset the thermostat by pressing down the red reset button on top of the thermostat.

2. Flush the water heater system into a bucket to clear any deposits from the bottom of the tank by turning the drain handle in a counterclockwise direction.

3. Wrap the hot water pipes with fiberglass strip insulation. The insulation should be wrapped around the pipes loosely, and secured with waterproof tape.

4. Raise the temperature setting of the thermostat. The thermostat dial is located on the front of the water heater.

Leaking Pressure-Relief Valve

1. Lower the temperature setting of the thermostat. The thermostat dial is located on the front of the water heater.

2. Remove the pressure relief valve. The pressure-relief valve is located on the side and at the top of the tank. The valve faces downwards, and drains into a pipe. Use a wrench to unscrew the pipe connected to the valve, then grasp the valve with the wrench and turn the valve in a counterclockwise direction.

3. Ensure that the replacement pressure-relief valve matches the working pressure that the tank is rated at. Wrap the threads of the new valve with plumber’s tape then screw the valve into the tank in a clockwise direction. Wrap the end of the pipe that connects to the valve with plumber’s tape, then screw the end of the pipe into the valve.