Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, providing you with hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. But what happens when your water heater stops working? One of the most common causes of water heater failure is a faulty heating element. If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, it’s important to check the heating element to see if it needs to be replaced.
Checking a water heater element is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few minutes. However, it’s important to take safety precautions before you begin. First, turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker panel. Then, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Once the water heater is turned off, you can begin checking the heating element.
To check the heating element, you’ll need a multimeter. A multimeter is a device that measures electrical current, voltage, and resistance. To use a multimeter to check a water heater element, first set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element. If the heating element is good, the multimeter will read between 10 and 20 ohms. If the heating element is bad, the multimeter will read infinity.
Identifying the Water Heater Element
Locating the Water Heater
The first step in checking a water heater element is to locate your water heater. Most residential water heaters are found in a utility room, basement, or garage. Once you’ve found your water heater, identify the type of fuel it uses: gas or electric. Natural gas and propane water heaters typically have a combustion chamber and a burner, while electric water heaters have heating elements located in the lower portion of the tank.
Accessing the Water Heater Element
For gas water heaters, you’ll need to remove the front panel to access the burner and combustion chamber. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, typically have a lower access panel that can be removed to expose the heating elements.
| Fuel Type | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Gas | Remove front panel |
| Electric | Remove lower access panel |
Identifying the Heating Element
Once you have access to the heating elements, you can identify them by their cylindrical shape and the electrical terminals connected to them. In electric water heaters, there are usually two elements: an upper element and a lower element. In gas water heaters, the burner is located above the combustion chamber and is connected to a gas supply line.
Safety Precautions
1. Turn Off Power and Gas
Disconnect the water heater from its power source by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse. If your water heater is gas-powered, turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve.
2. Drain the Water Heater
Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and allow all the water to drain out. This will prevent scalding and make it easier to work on the water heater. You can use a bucket or hose to drain the water into a suitable location.
Tips for draining the water heater:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use caution when opening the drain valve | Hot water may come out suddenly, so open the valve slowly and carefully. |
| Place a bucket or hose under the drain valve | This will help to direct the water away from the work area. |
| Flush the water heater thoroughly | Once the majority of the water has drained out, flush the water heater by turning on the cold water supply and allowing it to run through the drain valve for a few minutes. |
Disconnecting the Power
Before you start working on your water heater, it’s important to disconnect the power. This will help prevent you from getting shocked or injured.
For electric water heaters:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Unplug the water heater from the outlet.
For gas water heaters:
- Turn off the gas supply at the gas valve.
- Disconnect the gas line from the water heater.
Once the power is disconnected, you can start working on the water heater element.
Here are some additional tips for disconnecting the power:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Make sure the water heater is turned off before you start working on it. | This will help prevent you from getting shocked or injured. |
| Use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off before you touch any wires. | This will help prevent you from getting shocked. |
| If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to call a qualified electrician. | This will help ensure that the job is done safely and correctly. |
Draining the Water Heater
Before you begin, gather your tools: a bucket, a hose, a wrench, and a screwdriver. Turn off the gas supply to the water heater and the cold water supply line. Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and place the other end of the hose in a bucket. Open the drain valve and allow the water to drain. Once the water has stopped draining, remove the hose and close the drain valve.
Turning Off the Power
Locate the electrical panel and turn off the power to the water heater. This will typically be a circuit breaker or a fuse. Once the power is off, you can remove the access panel to the water heater.
Removing the Heating Element
Using a wrench, remove the nuts that hold the heating element in place. Once the nuts are removed, you can pull the heating element out of the water heater. Inspect the heating element for any damage. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Replacing the Heating Element
Insert the new heating element into the water heater and tighten the nuts that hold it in place. Turn the power back on to the water heater and turn on the gas supply. Open a hot water tap to allow the water to flow through the water heater. Check for any leaks and make sure the water is heating up.
Removing the Water Heater Cover
1. Turn off the water heater’s electricity or gas supply. If your water heater is electric, flip the breaker off or unscrew the fuse. If your water heater is gas-powered, turn the gas valve to the “off” position.
2. Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. This will prevent water from leaking out when you remove the cover.
3. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in your house. This will relieve pressure in the water heater, making it easier to remove the cover.
4. Locate the access panel on the front of the water heater. On most models, this is a rectangular panel held in place by screws.
5. Remove the access panel. This may require a screwdriver or a wrench. Once the panel is removed, you will have access to the water heater’s heating element.
| Water Heater Type | Access Panel Location |
|---|---|
| Electric | Bottom of the tank |
| Gas | Front or side of the tank |
| Tankless | Not applicable |
Locating the Element
The water heater element is typically located at the bottom of the tank, submerged in the water. To locate the element, follow these steps:
1. Shut off the power and water supply to the water heater.
2. Drain the water from the tank.
3. Remove the access panel at the bottom of the tank.
4. Locate the element. It will be a metal tube with two wires attached to it.
5. Disconnect the wires from the element.
6. Unscrew the element from the tank. Be careful not to damage the gasket that seals the element in place.
If you are having trouble locating the element, consult your water heater’s owner’s manual or contact a qualified electrician.
Additional Tips for Locating the Element
Here are some additional tips for locating the element:
- If you have a gas water heater, the element may be located inside the combustion chamber. To access the combustion chamber, you will need to remove the front panel of the water heater.
- If you have an electric water heater, the element may be located in a separate compartment. To access this compartment, you will need to remove the access panel at the bottom of the tank.
- If you are still unable to locate the element, consult your water heater’s owner’s manual or contact a qualified electrician.
Testing the Element with a Multimeter
Locate the two terminals on the water heater element. One terminal will be located at the top of the element, and the other will be located at the bottom.
Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. This setting is typically denoted by the symbol Ω.
Touch one of the multimeter probes to the top terminal of the water heater element and the other probe to the bottom terminal.
If the multimeter reads infinity (∞), then the water heater element is blown and needs to be replaced.
If the multimeter reads a resistance value between 10 and 50 ohms, then the water heater element is good.
Table of Resistance Values for Water Heater Elements:
| Resistance Value (ohms) | Element Condition |
|---|---|
| 0 | Shorted |
| 10-50 | Good |
| ∞ | Blown |
If the multimeter reads a resistance value that is not within the range of 10-50 ohms, then the water heater element is likely to be faulty and should be replaced.
Replacing the Element
1. **Turn off the power and water supply to the water heater.** This is usually done by flipping the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the water heater and turning off the water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
2. **Drain the water from the water heater.** To do this, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and open the valve. Allow the water to drain into a bucket or sink.
3. **Remove the access panel.** The access panel is usually located at the bottom of the water heater. It is held in place by a few screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift off the access panel.
4. **Disconnect the wires from the element.** The element is connected to the water heater by two wires. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place and then pull the wires off of the element.
5. **Unscrew the element.** The element is screwed into the water heater tank. Use a wrench to loosen the element and then carefully remove it from the tank.
6. **Clean the tank.** Before installing the new element, it is important to clean the tank. Use a wire brush to remove any scale or sediment from the tank.
7. **Install the new element.** Screw the new element into the tank. Make sure that the element is seated properly and then tighten the element with a wrench.
8. **Connect the wires to the element.** Connect the wires to the element terminals and then tighten the screws that hold the wires in place. Use a multimeter to check that the element is properly connected and that there is continuity between the element and the water heater tank. A continuity reading of 0 ohms indicates that there is a good connection between the element and the tank.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | A multimeter is a device that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. It is used to check that the element is properly connected and that there is continuity between the element and the water heater tank. |
| Wrench | A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the element. |
| Screwdriver | A screwdriver is used to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. |
| Wire brush | A wire brush is used to clean the tank. |
Reassembling the Water Heater
Once the new element is installed, it’s time to reassemble the water heater. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Thread the New Element into the Tank
Carefully thread the new element into the tank until it reaches the bottom. Avoid overtightening it.
2. Install the Gasket and Flange
Place the new gasket onto the flange and align it with the tank opening. Then, screw the flange into the tank by hand, ensuring it’s snug but not overtightened.
3. Add Insulation
Wrap insulation around the flange and tank to prevent heat loss. Use foil-faced insulation for added effectiveness.
4. Re-wire the Electrical Connections
Connect the wires from the new element to the terminals in the terminal box. Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
5. Seal the Terminal Box
Apply silicone sealant around the edges of the terminal box to create a watertight seal.
6. Fill the Tank
Turn on the cold water supply and allow the tank to fill completely.
7. Open the Hot Water Faucet
Open a hot water faucet to purge air from the tank and pipes.
8. Power On
Once the water is flowing through the hot water faucet, turn on the power to the water heater.
9. Test the Water Heater
After a few hours, check the hot water temperature. It should reach between 120°F and 140°F. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with the new element or another part of the system.
If all goes well, the water heater should now be functioning properly with the new heating element.
Verifying Circuit Breaker or Fuse
Inspect the home’s electrical panel or fuse box to ensure the circuit breaker or fuse associated with the water heater is not tripped or blown. If it is, reset the breaker or replace the fuse.
Checking Gas Supply
If the water heater uses natural gas or propane, ensure the gas supply is turned on and accessible. Verify that the gas valve on the water heater is open.
Inspecting the Thermostat
Locate the thermostat on the water heater and visually inspect it for any visible damage or corrosion. If the thermostat appears faulty, replace it with a new one.
Checking the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a safety device that prevents the water heater from exploding due to excessive pressure. Lift the lever on the valve to ensure it moves freely and releases water when depressed.
Testing the Pilot Light (Gas Water Heaters)
If the water heater is gas-powered, locate the pilot light and ensure it is lit. If not, light it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Restoring Power and Testing the Water Heater
Once the necessary repairs have been made, perform the following steps to restore power and test the water heater:
Restoring Power
Turn the breaker back on or replace the fuse to restore power to the water heater.
Waiting for Heating
Allow the water heater sufficient time to heat up. This may take several hours, depending on the water heater’s size and temperature setting.
Testing Hot Water
Run hot water from a faucet near the water heater. If the water is not hot, check the thermostat and pressure relief valve again.
Confirming Proper Operation
If the water is hot and the water heater is operating without leaks or unusual noises, it is likely functioning correctly.
Monitoring Energy Usage
To ensure the water heater is operating efficiently, monitor its energy usage by tracking electricity or gas consumption. If the consumption seems excessive, consider replacing the water heater with a more energy-efficient model.
How To Check A Water Heater Element
A water heater element is a crucial component responsible for heating water in electric water heaters. If you suspect your water heater element may be malfunctioning, it’s essential to inspect and test it promptly to ensure the efficient and safe operation of your water heater.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check a water heater element:
- Safety Precautions: Before proceeding, ensure to shut off the power to the water heater at the electrical panel and close the water supply valve to the unit.
- Drain the Water: Drain the water from the water heater by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Wait until the water has drained completely.
- Remove the Element: Locate the access panel on the side or bottom of the water heater and remove it. Inside, you’ll find the water heater element, typically held in place by a nut or bolts. Carefully remove the element.
- Visual Inspection: Examine the element for any visible damage, such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If there are any signs of damage, the element likely needs to be replaced.
- Ohmmeter Test: Use an ohmmeter to test the element’s continuity. Connect one probe to each terminal on the element. If the ohmmeter reads close to 0, the element is likely good. A reading of infinity or very high resistance indicates an open circuit and a faulty element.
People Also Ask About How To Check A Water Heater Element
Do I need to replace the anode rod when changing the element?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to replace the anode rod at the same time as replacing the water heater element. The anode rod helps to protect the water heater tank from corrosion.
Can I use any type of multimeter to test a water heater element?
Any multimeter with an ohms range can be used to test a water heater element. However, it’s important to note that some multimeters may not be able to measure high resistance values accurately.
How often should I check my water heater element?
It’s generally recommended to check your water heater element every 2-3 years, especially if you have hard water or notice any issues with the water heater’s performance.
