Experiencing lukewarm showers or inconsistent hot water supply can be a frustrating inconvenience. If you suspect a faulty heating element may be the culprit behind this issue, testing it can help you determine whether it’s the source of the problem. Testing a water heater element is a crucial troubleshooting step that requires minimal electrical knowledge and a few basic tools. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can easily diagnose the functionality of your water heater element and take the appropriate measures to restore hot water comfort in your home.
Before embarking on the testing process, ensure that the water heater is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Safety should always be paramount when dealing with electrical components. Once the power supply is disconnected, you can proceed with the testing steps. Gather the necessary tools: a multimeter, a pair of insulated gloves, and safety glasses. A multimeter is an essential tool for measuring electrical properties, and it will be used to check the continuity and resistance of the heating element.
Begin by removing the access panel located at the bottom or side of the water heater. Be cautious when removing the panel, as there may be sharp edges. Once the panel is removed, you will have access to the heating element. Most water heaters have two heating elements, but some may have only one. Identify the heating element terminals, which are typically color-coded. Using the multimeter, set it to the ohms or continuity setting. Touch one probe to one of the element terminals and the other probe to the other terminal. If the element is functioning correctly, the multimeter will display a low resistance reading or a continuity beep, indicating that electricity can flow through it without significant resistance.
Isolating the Water Heater
Before testing the water heater element, it’s crucial to isolate the heater from the electrical grid and water supply. Follow these detailed steps to ensure safety:
1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply
- Locate the electrical panel and shut off the breaker or fuse dedicated to the water heater.
- Shut off the cold water inlet valve located near the top of the water heater.
- Open the hot water faucet at the nearest sink to release the water pressure from the tank.
2. Drain the Tank (Optional)
If the water heater has a drain valve, consider draining the tank to reduce its weight during handling. Locate the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and attach a hose to drain the water into a suitable container.
3. Disconnect the Wiring
Locate the electrical wires connected to the water heater element. Carefully disconnect them and label them with tape or tags to ensure proper reconnection later.
4. Remove the Element
Using a socket wrench, carefully unscrew the bolts holding the element in place. Gently pull the element straight out of the tank.
Cutting Off the Power
Before embarking on any electrical work, safety should be your paramount concern. The following steps will guide you through safely cutting off the power to your hot water heater:
1. Locate the Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is typically located in the basement, garage, or a utility room. Look for a metal box with circuit breakers or fuses.
2. Identify the Hot Water Heater Circuit
Inside the electrical panel, locate the circuit breaker or fuse labeled “Water Heater” or something similar. If the label is unclear, consult your home’s electrical diagram or seek professional assistance.
| Circuit Type | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Circuit Breaker | Metal switch that can be flipped to the “Off” position |
| Fuse | Glass or ceramic tube with a metal wire inside; the wire will be broken if the fuse is blown |
3. Disconnect the Power
If it’s a circuit breaker, flip it to the “Off” position. If it’s a fuse, remove it from the panel and visually inspect it for a broken wire. Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage rating.
Draining the Water Heater
1. **Safety First:** Before doing any work on the water heater, turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Also, shut off the water supply to the heater.
2. **Locate the Drain Valve:** Most water heaters have a drain valve at the bottom of the tank. If you cannot find the drain valve, consult the owner’s manual for your specific model.
3. **Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve:** Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and route the other end of the hose to a floor drain or other suitable drain location. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach the drain without creating kinks or bends. Alternatively, you can use a bucket to collect the water if a floor drain is not accessible.
4. **Slowly Open the Drain Valve:** Gradually open the drain valve to allow the water to drain from the tank. Be careful not to open the valve too quickly, as this can cause the hose to whip around and potentially cause damage or injury.
5. **Monitor the Draining Process:** Keep an eye on the water flow to ensure it is draining properly. If the flow slows down or stops, check for any kinks or obstructions in the hose. You may need to adjust the position of the hose or remove any blockages to allow the water to drain freely.
6. **Close the Drain Valve:** Once the water has completely drained from the tank, close the drain valve securely to prevent any leaks.
Accessing the Heating Element
1. Turn off the circuit breaker or gas supply to the water heater. This will prevent any electrical or gas leaks while you’re working.
2. Drain some water from the water heater tank. This will reduce the pressure inside the tank and make it easier to remove the heating element.
3. Remove the access panel from the water heater. The access panel is typically located at the bottom of the tank.
4. Locate the heating element. The heating element is usually a cylindrical-shaped metal object that is located at the bottom of the tank. The heating element may be held in place by one or more bolts.
5. Disconnect the wires from the heating element. The wires are usually connected to the heating element by spade connectors.
6. Remove the heating element from the tank. The heating element may be difficult to remove, so you may need to use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
| Heating Element Type | Testing Method |
|---|---|
| Immersion Element | Submerge the element in a bucket of water and connect it to a power source. If it heats the water, it’s working. |
| In-line Element | Connect a voltmeter to the element’s terminals. If it reads a resistance of less than 1 ohm, it’s working. |
| Coil Element | Visually inspect the coil for any breaks or damage. If it looks intact, connect it to a power source and measure the current draw. If it’s within the manufacturer’s specifications, it’s working. |
Removing the Heating Element
Accessing the heating element requires some careful disassembly of the water heater. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Disconnect the Power Supply
Safety first! Switch off the power at the electrical panel or unplug the water heater. This will prevent any electrical hazards.
2. Drain the Water
Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater to drain the water into a bucket. Allow the water to cool sufficiently before proceeding.
3. Remove the Access Panel
Locate the access panel on the side or bottom of the water heater. Usually, it’s secured by screws or bolts. Remove the panel to expose the heating element.
4. Detach the Wires
Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the heating element terminals. Note the positions of the wires for reconnection later.
5. Unscrew the Heating Element
Using a socket wrench or crescent wrench, carefully unscrew the heating element from the water heater tank. It may be helpful to gently rock the element back and forth while unscrewing to break it loose.
**Extra Details:**
Here’s a table summarizing the detailed steps for removing the heating element:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect the power supply |
| 2 | Drain the water |
| 3 | Remove the access panel |
| 4 | Deattach the wires |
| 5 | Unscrew the heating element: a. Use a socket or crescent wrench. b. Rock the element gently to loosen it. |
Testing the Heating Element with a Continuity Tester
Before starting any testing, ensure both the hot water heater’s power supply and the gas (if applicable) are turned off. Also, allow the water heater to cool completely to prevent any potential injury.
Step 1: Remove the Access Panel
Locate the access panel to the heating element, usually situated at the bottom of the water heater. Remove the screws or bolts that secure the panel and carefully lift it off.
Step 2: Identify the Heating Element
The heating element is a rod-shaped component with two or three terminals. It’s typically located at the bottom of the water tank, submerged in water.
Step 3: Disconnect the Power
Disconnect the wires connected to the heating element. Use a wrench to loosen the terminal nuts, but be careful not to damage the terminals.
Step 4: Set Up the Continuity Tester
Turn on the continuity tester and select the “continuity” or “ohms” setting. The tester should emit a beep or display a reading if a continuous electrical path is detected.
Step 5: Test the Heating Element
Touch one tester probe to one of the heating element terminals and the other probe to the other terminal. If the continuity tester beeps or displays a low resistance reading (typically below 100 ohms), the heating element is likely to be functioning correctly.
Step 6: Troubleshooting a Faulty Heating Element
If the continuity tester doesn’t beep or displays an open circuit (infinite resistance), the heating element is likely to be faulty. It may have burned out, broken, or become corroded. The following steps can help you troubleshoot the problem:
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Burned-out element | Replace the heating element. |
| Broken element | Repair or replace the damaged wires or terminals. |
| Corrosion | Clean the terminals and connections to remove corrosion. |
Testing the Heating Element with a Voltmeter
To test the heating element with a voltmeter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the access panel to the heating element.
- Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
- Set the voltmeter to the AC voltage setting.
- Touch one probe of the voltmeter to each terminal on the heating element.
- Read the voltmeter display. If the voltmeter reads 120 volts, the heating element is good.
- If the voltmeter reads 0 volts, the heating element is not working. Replace the heating element.
Additional Voltage Readings
In addition to the 120-volt reading, you may also see other voltage readings when testing the heating element. These readings can indicate different problems with the water heater.
| Voltage Reading | Possible Problem |
|---|---|
| 0 volts | Open circuit in the heating element |
| 120 volts | Heating element is good |
| Less than 120 volts | Loose connection in the wiring |
| More than 120 volts | Overvoltage condition in the water heater |
Reinstalling the Heating Element
Once you have determined that the element needs to be replaced, you can begin the process of reinstalling a new heating element. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the water supply and electricity to the water heater.
- Drain the water from the water heater by opening the drain valve.
- Remove the access panel to expose the heating elements.
- Disconnect the wires from the old heating element.
- Unscrew the old heating element and remove it from the water heater.
- Clean the area where the old heating element was located.
- Place the new heating element into the water heater, and screw it in securely.
- Connect the wires to the new heating element.
- Replace the access panel.
- Close the drain valve and turn on the water supply.
- Turn on the electricity to the water heater, and allow it to heat the water.
- Check for any leaks around the new heating element.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a new gasket when reinstalling the heating element.
- Check the torque of the heating element bolts to ensure they are not overtightened or undertightened.
- If you are not comfortable replacing the heating element yourself, contact a plumber.
Additional Information:
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Faulty heating element |
| Not enough hot water | Heating element not working properly |
| Water is too hot | Heating element malfunction |
| Leaking water heater | Faulty heating element gasket |
Refilling and Repowering the Water Heater
Once you have replaced or repaired the heating element, you need to refill and repower the water heater.
Refilling the Water Heater
To refill the water heater, follow these steps:
- Turn on the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
- Open the hot water valve in the nearest sink or tub.
- Allow the water to run until there is a steady stream of water coming out of the hot water valve.
- Turn off the hot water valve.
- Check the water pressure gauge on the water heater. The pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi.
- If the pressure is below 40 psi, you need to adjust the pressure relief valve.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn the pressure relief valve clockwise to increase the pressure. |
| 2 | Turn the pressure relief valve counterclockwise to decrease the pressure. |
| 3 | Check the pressure gauge again until the desired pressure is reached. |
Repowering the Water Heater
Once the water heater is full, you can repower it.
- Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water heater.
- Reset the circuit breaker or fuse for the water heater.
- Turn on the water heater.
- Check the water temperature at the nearest sink or tub. The water should be hot within a few minutes.
If the water is not hot, check the following:
- The heating element is properly installed.
- The thermostat is set correctly.
- The gas burner is working properly.
- The electric heating elements are not burned out.
Safety First
Before you begin, turn off the power to your water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Also, turn off the water supply to the water heater.
Testing the Element
1. Remove the access panel to the water heater element.
2. Disconnect the wires from the element.
3. Use a multimeter to test the element for continuity. If there is no continuity, the element is bad and needs to be replaced.
4. If the element tests good, reconnect the wires and turn on the power to the water heater.
5. Turn on the water supply to the water heater.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. No hot water
If there is no hot water, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
2. Not enough hot water
If there is not enough hot water, it could be due to a partially faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
3. Water is too hot
If the water is too hot, it could be due to a faulty thermostat. Adjust the thermostat to a lower setting.
4. Water heater is leaking
If the water heater is leaking, it could be due to a faulty heating element gasket. Replace the gasket.
5. Water heater is making noise
If the water heater is making noise, it could be due to sediment buildup on the heating element. Flush the water heater to remove the sediment.
6. Water heater is tripping the circuit breaker
If the water heater is tripping the circuit breaker, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
7. Water heater is not heating the water evenly
If the water heater is not heating the water evenly, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
8. Water heater is taking too long to heat the water
If the water heater is taking too long to heat the water, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
9. Water heater is not working at all
If the water heater is not working at all, it could be due to a faulty heating element. Test the element as described above.
10. How to Replace a Water Heater Element
Replacing a water heater element is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about an hour. Here are the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. |
| 2 | Turn off the water supply to the water heater. |
| 3 | Remove the access panel to the water heater element. |
| 4 | Disconnect the wires from the element. |
| 5 | Remove the old element and replace it with the new one. |
| 6 | Reconnect the wires to the new element. |
| 7 | Turn on the power to the water heater. |
| 8 | Turn on the water supply to the water heater. |
How To Test A Hot Water Heater Element
The heating element in a hot water heater is responsible for warming the water that fills your bathtub, sink, and dishwasher. However, the heating element can malfunction from time to time, which can lead to cold showers and a lack of hot water for your household. If you suspect that the heating element in your hot water heater is faulty, you can test it with a multimeter to confirm your suspicions.
Before you begin testing the heating element, you must turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. You should also turn off the water supply to the water heater and drain the water from the tank.
Once the water heater has been disconnected from power and water, you can begin testing the heating element. To do this, you will need a multimeter, which is a device that can measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals at the bottom of the heating element.
If the multimeter displays a reading of infinity, then the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the multimeter displays a reading of less than infinity, then the heating element is still good.
People Also Ask About How To Test A Hot Water Heater Element
What are the symptoms of a bad hot water heater element?
The following are some of the symptoms of a bad hot water heater element:
- Cold showers
- Lack of hot water
- Water heater making strange noises
- Water heater leaking
- High energy bills
How much does it cost to replace a hot water heater element?
The cost to replace a hot water heater element can vary depending on the type of water heater and the cost of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a new heating element.
How long does it take to replace a hot water heater element?
Replacing a hot water heater element is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour.
