Water heaters are an essential appliance in any home, providing hot water for showers, baths, and other household tasks. However, like all appliances, water heaters can develop problems over time, and one of the most common issues is a faulty heating element. A faulty heating element can prevent your water heater from heating water properly, leaving you with cold showers and a lot of frustration. If you suspect that your water heater’s heating element may be faulty, there are a few simple steps you can take to check it yourself.
Before you begin, it’s important to remember that working on a water heater can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re not comfortable working on electrical appliances, it’s best to call a qualified electrician. However, if you’re confident in your abilities, you can follow these steps to check your water heater’s heating element.
To check the heating element, you’ll need a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. You can find multimeters at most hardware stores. Once you have your multimeter, follow these steps:
Identify the Type of Water Heater
Knowing the type of water heater you have is crucial for proper element inspection. Here are the main types:
1. Gas Water Heaters
- Gas-Fired Tank: Typically holds 20-80 gallons of water, heated by a gas burner beneath the tank.
- Tankless Gas Water Heaters: Heats water instantly as needed, without a storage tank.
2. Electric Water Heaters
- Electric-Resistance Tank: Uses a heating element within the tank to heat the water.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Transfer heat from the surrounding air or ground to heat water, offering energy efficiency.
- Tankless Electric Water Heaters: Similar to gas tankless heaters, but uses electricity to heat water on demand.
3. Solar Water Heaters
- Active Solar Water Heaters: Circulate water through a solar collector to heat it.
- Passive Solar Water Heaters: Rely on natural convection to heat water without the need for pumps.
4. Indirect Water Heaters
- Indirect Fired Water Heaters: Heat water through a heat exchanger connected to a separate tank or boiler.
5. Geothermal Water Heaters
- Open-Loop Geothermal Water Heaters: Use groundwater as a heat source, returning it to the ground after use.
- Closed-Loop Geothermal Water Heaters: Circulate water or other fluids in a sealed loop to extract heat from the ground.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Safety First
Before you begin, ensure that the water heater is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet. Also, allow the water heater to cool down completely to prevent burns.
Essential Tools
– Multimeter: This device measures voltage and electrical resistance.
– Screwdriver: To remove the cover and access the element.
– Adjustable wrench: To loosen and tighten nuts and bolts.
– Wire strippers: To expose wires if necessary.
Optional but Recommended Tools
– Flashlight: To illuminate the work area inside the water heater.
– Gloves: To protect your hands from high temperatures.
– Bucket: To collect any water that may drain during the inspection.
Safety Gear
– Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from debris or sparks.
– Respirator: If the water heater is located in a confined space, use a respirator to prevent inhaling dust or fumes.
Having the right tools and safety gear will ensure that you can inspect the water heater element safely and efficiently.
Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
1. Locate the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Panel
Identify the circuit breaker or fuse box that controls the water heater. It will typically be labeled “Water Heater” or something similar.
2. Turn Off the Breaker or Remove the Fuse
Flip the circuit breaker to the “Off” position or remove the corresponding fuse. This will cut off the electrical power to the water heater.
3. Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate the cold water inlet valve on the top of the water heater. It will usually have a handle or knob attached to it.
Turn the handle or knob clockwise until it is fully closed. This will prevent water from flowing into the water heater.
| Type of Water Heater | Water Inlet Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Gas Water Heater | Top of the heater, usually on the side |
| Electric Water Heater | Top or bottom of the heater, depending on the model |
| Tankless Water Heater | Bottom of the heater |
Drain the Water Heater
Draining the water heater is a crucial step before checking the element. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Shut Off Gas or Power
If your water heater is gas-powered, turn off the gas supply. If it’s electric, turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that powers it.
2. Attach Drain Hose
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Run the hose outside to a drain or a bucket.
3. Open Drain Valve
Slowly open the drain valve to allow the water to drain out. Keep the hose pointed downward to prevent splashing.
4. Drain Completely
Let the water drain out completely. This may take up to an hour or more, depending on the size of the water heater. It’s important to drain all the water out to avoid damaging the element when you remove it.
| Water Heater Capacity | Approximate Drain Time |
|---|---|
| 30 Gallons | 30-45 minutes |
| 40 Gallons | 45-60 minutes |
| 50 Gallons | 60-90 minutes |
Once the water has drained out completely, you can proceed to check the heating element.
Locate the Electric Element
The electric element is typically located at the bottom of the water heater tank, submerged in water. To access it, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater.
- Open a hot water faucet to release any remaining water pressure.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Open the valve and drain the water into a bucket or drain line.
- Once the tank is empty, remove the front access panel or lower element cover. The electric element will be visible as a cylindrical-shaped component with two terminals and two or three nuts holding it in place.
Water Heater Type Number of Nuts Gas 2 Electric 3
Test the Electric Element with a Multimeter
Once you have disconnected the power and water supply, you can start testing the electric element using a multimeter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Set the Multimeter to Ohms
On your multimeter, select the “Ohms” setting, which is typically represented by the Ω symbol.
2. Touch the Probe to the Terminals
Using the multimeter probes, touch one probe to each of the terminals on the water heater element.
3. Observe the Reading
The multimeter will display a resistance reading in ohms. A reading between 10 and 50 ohms indicates a good element.
4. Test the Continuity
Next, you need to check the continuity of the element. Touch both probes to the same terminal. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to zero, it indicates that the element is continuous.
5. Check for Shorts
Finally, you can check for shorts by touching one probe to a terminal and the other probe to the metal casing of the water heater. A reading of zero or close to zero indicates a short circuit, which means the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
| Resistance Reading | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 10-50 ohms | Good element |
| 0-10 ohms | Short circuit |
| Infinite (no reading) | Open circuit |
Inspect the Element
To inspect the element, remove the cover and visually examine it. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, or burn marks. If you see any damage, the element needs to be replaced.
Disconnect the Power
Before working on the element, be sure to disconnect the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Remove the Element
Once the power is disconnected, you can remove the element. To do this, use a socket wrench to loosen the nut that holds the element in place. Then, gently pull the element out of the tank.
Clean the Element
If the element is not damaged, you can try cleaning it. To do this, use a wire brush to remove any scale or debris from the surface of the element. Be careful not to damage the element while cleaning it.
Test the Element
Once the element is clean, you can test it using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and place the probes on the terminals of the element. If the element is good, the multimeter will read a resistance of between 10 and 50 ohms.
Replace the Electric Element if Needed
If the element is damaged or fails the test, it needs to be replaced. To do this, purchase a new element that is the same size and wattage as the old element. Then, follow these steps:
1. Install the Gasket
Place a new gasket on the end of the element that will be inserted into the tank.
2. Insert the Element
Carefully insert the new element into the tank, making sure that the gasket is in place.
3. Tighten the Nut
Use a socket wrench to tighten the nut that holds the element in place. Be careful not to overtighten the nut.
4. Reconnect the Power
Once the element is installed, you can reconnect the power to the water heater.
5. Test the Water Heater
Turn on the water heater and allow it to heat up. Then, check the water temperature to make sure that the new element is working properly.
Reassemble the Water Heater
Once the new heating element has been installed, it’s time to reassemble the water heater. Start by putting the rubber gasket back on the water heater tank. Make sure the gasket is properly aligned, then tighten the bolts that hold the flange in place.
After the gasket has been tightened, reattach the drain valve to the water heater tank. Next, connect the cold water inlet pipe to the water heater tank. Tighten the bolts that hold the pipe in place, then turn on the cold water supply.
Next, connect the hot water outlet pipe to the water heater tank. Tighten the bolts that hold the pipe in place, then turn on the hot water supply. Once both the hot and cold water supplies are turned on, open a hot water faucet to release any air from the system.
Check for leaks around all of the connections. If any leaks are found, tighten the corresponding bolts or nuts until the leaks stop. Once all of the connections are tight and there are no leaks, the water heater is ready to be used.
Steps for Reassembling a Water Heater
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply a rubber gasket over the water heater tank. |
| 2 | Tighten the bolts securing the flange around the gasket. |
| 3 | Reattach the drain valve to the water heater tank. |
| 4 | Connect the cold water inlet pipe to the water heater tank and tighten its bolts. |
| 5 | Connect the hot water outlet pipe to the water heater tank and tighten its bolts. |
| 6 | Turn on the cold water supply. |
| 7 | Turn on the hot water supply. |
| 8 | Open a hot water faucet to release air from the system until water flows smoothly. |
| 9 | Check for leaks and tighten any loose connections if necessary. |
Refill the Water Heater
When the water heater has been drained, it must be refilled before it can be turned back on. To refill the water heater, follow these steps:
1. Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
2. Open a hot water faucet in the house to allow air to escape from the system.
3. Keep the hot water faucet open until the water runs clear.
4. Close the hot water faucet.
5. Check for leaks around the water heater and any connections.
6. Turn on the water heater.
7. Check the water temperature at a hot water faucet to ensure that it is hot enough.
8. If the water is not hot enough, check the thermostat setting and adjust as necessary.
9. If the water is still not hot enough, the heating element may need to be replaced. To replace the heating element, follow these steps:
a. Turn off the power to the water heater.
b. Shut off the water supply to the water heater.
c. Drain the water from the water heater.
d. Remove the access panel to the heating element.
e. Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
f. Remove the heating element from the water heater.
g. Insert the new heating element into the water heater.
h. Connect the wires to the heating element.
i. Replace the access panel to the heating element.
j. Turn on the water supply to the water heater.
k. Turn on the power to the water heater.
l. Check for leaks around the water heater and any connections.
m. Check the water temperature at a hot water faucet to ensure that it is hot enough.
n. If the water is still not hot enough, the thermostat may need to be replaced. To replace the thermostat, follow the steps in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reset the Water Heater
If your water heater is not working, one of the first things you should try is resetting it. This is a simple procedure that can often fix the problem without having to call a plumber. Here are the steps on how to reset a water heater:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Wait 5 minutes for the water heater to cool down.
- Turn the power back on.
- Press the reset button on the water heater. The reset button is usually located on the front or side of the water heater.
- Wait 5 minutes for the water heater to reheat the water.
Check for a Faulty Circuit Breaker or Fuse
If resetting the water heater does not work, the next step is to check for a faulty circuit breaker or fuse. Here is how to do this:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the circuit breaker or fuse and inspect it for damage.
- If the circuit breaker or fuse is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Turn the power back on and see if the water heater is working.
Check the Thermostat
If the circuit breaker or fuse is not the problem, the next step is to check the thermostat. Here is how to do this:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the front panel of the water heater and locate the thermostat.
- Set the thermostat to a higher temperature.
- Turn the power back on and see if the water heater is working.
Check the Heating Element
If the thermostat is not the problem, the next step is to check the heating element. Here is how to do this:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the front panel of the water heater and locate the heating element.
- Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If there is no continuity, the heating element will need to be replaced.
Table 1: How to Test a Water Heater Heating Element
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. |
| 2 | Remove the front panel of the water heater and locate the heating element. |
| 3 | Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. |
| 4 | Touch one probe of the multimeter to each terminal on the heating element. |
| 5 | If the multimeter reads “OL” (open circuit), the heating element is bad and needs to be replaced. |
How To Check Water Heater Element
If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, one of the first things you should check is the heating element. The heating element is responsible for heating the water in your tank, so if it’s not working properly, you’ll have cold water. Checking the heating element is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few minutes.
To check the heating element, you’ll need a multimeter. A multimeter is a device that measures electrical current, voltage, and resistance. You can find multimeters at most hardware stores.
Once you have a multimeter, follow these steps to check the heating element:
- Turn off the power to the water heater.
- Remove the access panel to the heating element.
- Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element.
- The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms.
If the multimeter reads 0 ohms, the heating element is shorted and needs to be replaced. If the multimeter reads infinity ohms, the heating element is open and needs to be replaced.
People Also Ask about How To Check Water Heater Element
What are the symptoms of a bad water heater element?
The symptoms of a bad water heater element include:
- Cold water
- Water that is not as hot as it used to be
- A humming noise coming from the water heater
- A burning smell coming from the water heater
How much does it cost to replace a water heater element?
The cost to replace a water heater element varies depending on the type of water heater you have and the cost of labor in your area. On average, it costs between $50 and $200 to replace a water heater element.
Can I replace a water heater element myself?
Replacing a water heater element is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few minutes. However, if you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to call a qualified electrician.
