No hot water on a winter morning: it is one of the most common breakdowns in Moroccan homes. The good news is that the cause is often simple and the repair inexpensive. In this guide, Brico MIM helps you identify the fault on your electric water heater or gas water heater, and maintain it so it lasts longer.
Safety first: always switch off the power (at the circuit breaker) before working on an electric water heater, and shut off the gas before touching a gas water heater. If in doubt or if you smell gas, call a professional.
Contents
Electric water heater: common faults
| Symptom | Possible causes |
|---|---|
| No hot water at all | Circuit breaker tripped, safety thermostat triggered, burnt-out heating element |
| Water only lukewarm | Thermostat set incorrectly, scaled-up heating element, water heater too small for the household |
| The circuit breaker trips | Pierced heating element or insulation fault |
| Leak under the water heater | Worn flange gasket, loose fitting, dripping safety valve (normal during heating if it drips a little), pierced tank |
| Bubbling noise | Limescale built up at the bottom of the tank |
First step: check the water heater's circuit breaker in the electrical panel. If it has tripped and trips again as soon as you reset it, don't force it: there is a fault that needs to be checked.
Replacing the heating element of an electric water heater
When the heating element burns out, the water stops heating completely. Replacing it costs far less than a new water heater. The main steps:
- Switch off the power and close the cold water supply.
- Drain the water heater (open a hot water tap and the safety valve).
- Remove the cover, disconnect the wires, unscrew the flange.
- Replace the heating element and the flange gasket (an old gasket almost always leaks once removed).
- Reassemble, and fill completely with water before switching the power back on.
Parts available: 2000 W 230 V heating element and silicone flange gasket Ø 135 × 85 mm. Check that the power rating and dimensions match your model: send us a photo of the rating plate on WhatsApp if in doubt.
Warning: never switch the power back on to an empty water heater. The heating element would burn out within seconds.
Gas water heater that won't light
Automatic gas water heaters often use batteries for ignition. If you hear clicking without a flame, or nothing happens when you open the tap, start by changing the batteries: it is the most common cause. Common type: R20 D-size batteries, for example Varta R20 or Panasonic R20.
Other possible causes:
- Empty gas bottle or faulty regulator.
- Water flow too low to trigger ignition (insufficient pressure, clogged filter). A booster pump can help if your water pressure is low.
- Flame or overheat safety device triggered: have it checked by a technician.
Maintaining your water heater so it lasts
- Set the thermostat to around 55 °C: hot enough for hygiene, without causing unnecessary scale.
- Operate the safety valve once a month for a few seconds to stop it from seizing up.
- Descale every 2 to 3 years, more often if the water in your area is very hard.
- Have the anode checked when descaling: it protects the tank from corrosion.
- Gas water heater: annual servicing by a professional and ventilation always kept clear.
Frequently asked questions
Repair or replace your water heater?
If only the heating element or the gasket is at fault, repair it. If the tank leaks or the water heater is very old, it is better to replace it: see our guide to choosing a water heater.
How long does an electric water heater last?
Its lifespan depends a great deal on water quality and maintenance. Regular descaling extends it considerably.
Do you deliver parts throughout Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Spare parts or a new water heater?
Send us a photo of your rating plate and we'll point you in the right direction.
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