EcoSmart Water Heater Won’t Turn On [9 Easy Solutions]

Your Eco-Smart water heater won’t turn on due to any of the following reasons: 

• Water heater’s faulty thermostat 
• Power outage 
• Fault GFCI 
• Low Water Pressure 
• Or the pilot light might not be set correctly.

To solve this problem, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box and reset any tripped circuits or replace any blown fuses.

Yet, if you find your heater is not turning on, go through our today’s troubleshooting guide. 

The guide is designed to help you determine the root cause of your EcoSmart water heater problem and solve it instantly yourself. 

So, let’s get started…

EcoSmart Water Heater Won’t Turn On [Reasons + Solutions]

There are many causes for eco-smart water heaters won’t turn on. Below we have discussed the most common reasons and tried to give easy solutions for that.

1. Faulty Circuit Breaker

There are many reasons why the circuit breaker on your water heater may trip. It could be that the wiring in your house is faulty, or perhaps you’ve been using too much power at once. If this is the case, then there’s only a little that can be done except for getting a new circuit breaker installed by a professional electrician (which could cost hundreds). 

If you think it is an isolated problem with your particular circuit breaker box, try flipping it back on and seeing what happens. 

Solution:

If your eco-smart water heater won’t turn on, it may be due to a faulty circuit breaker. Here’s how to fix it:

• Check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If it has, flip the switch back to the “on” position.
• If the circuit breaker has not tripped, check the wiring to see if there are any loose connections. Tighten any loose connections and try again.
• If the problem persists, you may need to replace the circuit breaker.

2. No Power Or Faulty Wiring

f your water heater is not turning on, the first thing you should do is check the fuse. If it’s blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If that doesn’t work, there might be a problem with your wiring or outlet.

To check for faulty wiring:

• Remove any fuses from the panel and examine all breakers before reconnecting them if you’re performing troubleshooting.
• Check for loose connections at outlets by using an ohmmeter to measure resistance between live wires (typically black) and ground (usually white). You should get 0 ohms if everything is tight. 

Any reading other than 0 indicates looseness or corrosion on wires or terminals within connectors behind walls/ceilings/floors etc., which could be causing problems like these too.

Solution:

To troubleshoot the issue, first, check to see if there is the power to the unit. If there is the power to the unit, but it still won’t turn on, the issue may be with the wiring. 

• First, check all the connections to make sure they are secure. 
• Next, check the thermostat to see whether it is set properly. 
• Finally, check the pilot light to see if it is lit. If none of these solutions work, you may need to call a professional for help.

3. Faulty GFCI Elsewhere In Your House

When you have faulty GFCI in your electronic system, your water heater won’t start. To troubleshoot this, 

First, make sure you remember to flip the switch on your GFCI breaker. This is a common mistake among homeowners who need help understanding how to use this safety device.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) detects small current leakage in the ground wire and interrupts the circuit to prevent electric shock. 

They’re especially important if you have children or pets who might play around electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures throughout your house. A GFCI will help keep them safe from any electrical hazards they might encounter.

Solution:

Here are some easy steps to follow to fix the problem:

• First, check to see if the GFCI breaker is tripped. If it is, reset it and try again.
• If the breaker is not tripped, then the next step is to check for a loose wire connection. Tighten any loose connections and try again.
• If the problem persists, then you may need to replace the GFCI breaker. Consult a qualified electrician to do this.

4. A Low Water Pressure

One common cause of low water pressure in a water heater is sediment buildup. Over time, sediments such as sand, dirt, and minerals accumulate at the bottom of your heater’s tank. This buildup restricts the flow of hot water and reduces pressure throughout your home’s plumbing system. 

If you’re having trouble getting the heater to turn on, check the water pressure in your home by turning on a faucet and looking at the gauge. If it’s below 40 psi (pounds per square inch), then you may need to have a plumber come out and fix it for you.

Solution:

A faulty pressure regulator valve can cause low water pressure throughout the entire plumbing system, including the water heater. Also, If the valves leading to or from the water heater are closed or partially closed, this can reduce water pressure. Leaks in the pipes leading to or from the water heater can cause a decrease in water pressure.

• First, check the pressure gauge on your water heater. If it’s reading below 20 psi, that’s likely the cause of the problem. 
• You can try to increase the water pressure by opening the pressure-relief valve or by adjusting the water pressure regulator.
• If there is a leak in the water supply pipe, fix it as soon as possible.

If those solutions don’t work, you may need to call a plumber to take a look at your water heater. They can help identify the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your water heater back up and running in no time.

5. Sludge Buildup

Hard water contains high levels of minerals which can accumulate over time inside the water heater tank. As these minerals settle out from the hot water supply and sit at the bottom of your tank, they form a layer of sediment which can lead to blockages and reduced efficiency. 

Additionally, as this sediment builds up over time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria that feed on organic matter trapped in the sludge.

Solution:

Sludge can build up in the tank over time, preventing the heater from igniting. To remove the sludge, follow these steps:

• Install a sediment filter: This can also help extend the lifespan of the water heater.
• Flush the tank: Turn off the power or gas supply to the water heater and shut off the water supply. Connect a hose to the drain valve and open it to allow the water and sediment to flow out of the tank. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
• Replace anode rod: An anode rod is designed to attract corrosive elements in the water, which can help prevent rust and extend the life of the tank. Consider replacing the anode rod every few years to help prevent sludge buildup.

6. The Defective Thermostat.

If your water heater isn’t turning on, it might be time to replace the thermostat. The thermostat is a temperature-sensing device that controls the operation of an appliance. It’s not uncommon for the thermostat to fail after several years of use.

The most common type of thermostat used in household appliances can be found on electric baseboard heaters and furnaces. But they’re also found inside refrigerators and air conditioners; they’re even used in cars.

Solution:

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix on your own. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Locate the thermostat on the water heater. It will be near the top of the unit.

Step 2: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the thermostat in place.

Step 3: Carefully remove the thermostat and take it to a local hardware store for a replacement.

Step 4: Install the new thermostat in the same spot as the old one and screw it in place.

Step 5: Turn on the power to the water heater and test the unit to make sure it is working properly.

By following these simple steps, you can easily fix a defective thermostat on your eco-smart water heater. Doing so will ensure that your unit works properly and efficiently, providing you with hot water when you need it.

7. Gas Supply Issue

If it doesn’t turn on, check if the gas supply is connected to your water heater and working properly. If you have a gas water heater, you should be able to hear a hissing sound when you turn on the taps in your home. If there is no leak in the gas line and it still won’t turn on: contact a plumber.

Solution:

There are several possible solutions to a gas supply issue problem on a water heater. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

• The first step is to check that the gas supply to the water heater is turned on and that the gas valve is open. If you find that the gas supply is turned off or the valve is closed, turn it on and see if the problem is resolved.
• Check for any gas leaks by using a gas leak detector or a solution of soap and water around the gas connections. If you detect a leak, turn off the gas supply and call a professional to fix it.
• Sometimes, the burner and pilot light can become dirty or clogged, leading to a gas supply issue. Clean these components with a wire brush or compressed air to remove any debris or buildup.

8. Failure Of Ignition

When the water heater won’t turn on, it’s possible that the ignition switch or safety valve is not functioning properly. If you see a red light coming from your gas water heater, then this could mean that there is no electricity running through it and thus preventing it from turning on.

If your pilot light isn’t working properly, then there could be an issue with either its flame sensor or thermocouple (a part of your heating system). 

Solution:

If your eco-smart water heater won’t turn on, it may be because of a failure of ignition. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

Step 1: Check the power supply. Make sure that the power switch is turned on and that the unit is plugged into a working outlet.

Step 2: Inspect the igniter. The igniter is a small metal coil that produces a spark to ignite the gas. If the igniter is dirty or damaged, it may not produce a spark.

Step 3: Clean or replace the igniter. If the igniter is dirty, you can try cleaning it with a wire brush. If the igniter is damaged, you will need to replace it.

Step 4: Check the gas supply. Make sure that the gas valve is turned on and that there is a sufficient supply of gas.

Step 5: Contact a qualified technician. If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact a qualified technician for service.

9. Overloaded System

The eco-smart water heater is designed to be used with a maximum of 6 gallons per minute (gpm). If you have more than six gpm, the water heater will not turn on.

You can check this by using a flow meter or measuring cup. 

If your flow rate is above six gpm, then go through the following steps:

Solution:

To fix this, follow these steps:

i. Turn off the power to the water heater.

ii. Remove the panels from the front of the water heater.

iii. Find the overload switch and reset it.

iv. Replace the panels or upgrade to a larger tankless water and turn the power back on.

it may be necessary to install an additional pump or upgrade the existing pump so that it can handle higher flows of hot water being pumped into your system.

If your water heater still doesn’t turn on, it may be time to call a professional.

How Do I Reset My Tankless Water Heater

If you’re experiencing issues with your tankless water heater, resetting it can solve the problem. But how do reset your EcoSmart tankless water heater? There are two ways, manually and automatically.

Manually

• Firstly, locate the power supply to your tankless water heater and turn it off. If you’re unsure where the power supply is located or how to turn it off, refer to the owner’s manual or contact a professional. Once the power supply is turned off, wait for about 10-15 minutes before proceeding.
• Next, find the reset button on your tankless water heater. It’s usually located on or near the control panel. Press and hold down this button for about 5-10 seconds before releasing it. Wait for another minute or two before turning on the power supply again. You should hear a clicking sound indicating that your tankless water heater has been successfully reset.

Automatically

To reset your tankless water heater automatically, find the control panel on the unit and turn off the power switch. Wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on. This will allow the system to reset itself and clear any error codes that may have appeared. Once turned back on, check if there are any flashing lights or error codes displayed on the control panel.

FAQ:

What Happens When A Water Heater Stops Working?

The common thing that happens when a water heater stops working is that you won’t have access to hot water anymore. This can be particularly inconvenient if the problem occurs during cold weather, as most people rely on hot showers to stay warm.

Where Is The Fuse On A Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater?

The answer may vary depending on the specific model of your unit. In most cases, you will find the fuse located inside the control box of your tankless water heater. To access it, you will need to remove the front cover of your unit using a screwdriver or similar tool.

Once you’ve removed the cover, look for a small rectangular box with wires connected to it. This is likely where your fuse is located.

How Do I Know If My Electric Water Heater Is Getting Power?

The easiest way to do this is by looking at your circuit breaker panel to see if the corresponding breaker has tripped. If it has, simply reset it and wait for a few minutes for the water heater to start working again.

Another way to check if your electric water heater is getting power is by performing a basic visual inspection.

What Is The Most Common Problem With Water Heaters?

The most common problem with water heaters are 

• Slow heating up 
• Leaking 
• Low water pressure
• Noisy 
• They take too long to heat up

Conclusion

At the end of the day, we know that a water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. If your water heater is not working properly, you are likely going to be upset. Having a broken water heater can be frustrating. 

We hope this blog post has been able to help you understand what might be causing your water heater issues so that you can solve the problem. Still, if you got any confusion feel free to reply in the comment section; thank you for reading.