If you’re experiencing lukewarm showers or no hot water at all, a faulty heating element could be the culprit. The heating element is responsible for converting electricity into heat, which in turn warms the water in your tank. Testing the heating element is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with a few basic tools.
Before you begin, ensure the water heater is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box and that the water supply is shut off. Then, drain the water from the tank by opening the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the heating element by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place. With the heating element removed, you can perform the following tests to determine if it is faulty:
Using a multimeter, test for continuity between the two terminals on the heating element. If there is no continuity, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced. Next, inspect the heating element for any signs of damage, such as cracks or burns. If you see any damage, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced. Finally, check the resistance of the heating element using a multimeter. The resistance should be within the manufacturer’s specifications. If the resistance is not within specifications, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Troubleshooting a Faulty Hot Water Heater Element
1. Check for Power at the Heater
Verify that the heater is receiving electricity by using a non-contact voltage tester to check the terminals on the element. First, turn off the power to the heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Then, set the tester to the highest voltage setting, which is typically 240 volts. Turn the tester on and place the tip near the terminals. If the tester lights up, it indicates that power is reaching the heater. If there is no light, check the following:
– Ensure that the circuit breaker or fuse is not tripped or blown.
– Inspect the wiring to the heater for any damage or loose connections.
– Replace the element if the wiring is intact and there is still no power.
If the tester indicates power at the terminals, proceed to check the following:
| Multimeter Setting | Measurement Location | Expected Reading |
|---|---|---|
| AC Voltage (240V) | Across element terminals | 220-240V |
| Resistance (Ohms) | Across element terminals | 10-30 Ohms |
| Continuity | Between element terminals and ground | No continuity |
Safety Precautions Before Testing
Working with electricity and water can be dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions before testing a water heater element.
1. Turn off the power to the water heater.
This can be done at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Once the power is off, turn off the water supply to the water heater. This can be done by closing the water valve located near the bottom of the water heater.
2. Drain the water from the water heater.
To do this, open the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater. Allow the water to drain completely into a bucket or other container.
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**Safety Tip:** Do not turn on the power to the water heater until it has been completely drained. This could cause the element to overheat and start a fire. 3. Disconnect the wires from the element.Once the water heater is drained, you can disconnect the wires from the element. To do this, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the element from the water heater. 4. Visually inspect the element.Before testing the element with a multimeter, it a good idea to visually inspect it. Look for any obvious damage, such as cracks, burns, or corrosion. If you see any damage, do not test the element. Replace it with a new one. Gathering Tools and MaterialsBefore embarking on the task of testing your water heater element, it is imperative to gather the necessary tools and materials. Having these items at hand ensures a seamless and efficient process: MultimeterA multimeter is the essential tool for testing electrical circuits and components. It measures voltage, current, and resistance, providing valuable insights into the electrical integrity of your hot water heater element. Select a multimeter with settings suitable for testing AC voltage and low resistance. ScrewdriverPhillips and flathead screwdrivers of various sizes are required to access and remove the terminal leads connected to the water heater element. Ensure that the screwdrivers are in good condition and insulated for safety. WrenchA wrench is necessary for loosening and tightening the pipe connections to the hot water heater. Choose a wrench that fits the size of bolts or nuts securing the pipes. Insulated GlovesInsulated gloves serve as a crucial safety gear, protecting your hands from potential electrical shock or burns. Wear them consistently while working with electrical components. FlashlightA flashlight provides illumination in dimly lit areas, allowing you to clearly see the wiring and connections.
Isolating the Water HeaterBefore performing any tests on the water heater element, it is essential to isolate the water heater from its power source. Follow these steps to isolate the water heater:
Once these steps are completed, the water heater will be isolated from its power source, water supply, and gas supply, allowing you to proceed with testing the heating element safely. Draining the Water Tank1. Turn Off the Power and Water SupplyLocate the circuit breaker or fuse box and switch off the power to the water heater. Next, close the cold water supply valve that leads to the water heater. 2. Attach a Garden HoseConnect one end of a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Position the other end of the hose in a bucket or container to collect the draining water. 3. Carefully Open the Drain ValveSlowly open the drain valve to allow water to flow out. Avoid opening it fully at once, as this can cause a sudden and forceful release of water and damage the tank. 4. Monitor Water FlowKeep an eye on the water flow from the drain valve. If it slows down or stops, close the valve immediately and check for any obstructions. 5. Removing Mineral Buildup
Removing the Heating Element1. **Disconnect the power.** Before you begin, turn off the power to the water heater at the breaker panel. This will prevent any electrical shock hazards. 2. **Drain the water from the tank.** Open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater to release the water. Allow the water to drain completely. 3. **Locate the heating element.** The heating element is usually located at the bottom of the water heater tank. It is attached to the tank with a flange. 4. **Disconnect the wires.** Use a screwdriver to disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals. Be careful not to touch the bare wires. 5. **Unscrew the flange bolts.** Using a wrench, unscrew the bolts that hold the heating element flange in place. The flange is the metal plate that connects the heating element to the water heater tank. 6. **Pull the heating element out of the tank.** Once the flange is removed, you can pull the heating element out of the tank. Use caution as the heating element may be heavy.
Inspecting the Element for DamageBefore replacing the heating element, it’s important to inspect it for any signs of damage. Here are some steps to follow: 1. Remove the PowerTurn off the power supply to the water heater at the circuit breaker or fuse box. 2. Drain the WaterClose the cold water inlet valve and open the hot water faucet at the highest point in the house to drain the water out of the tank. 3. Remove the Access PanelLocate the access panel on the side of the water heater, remove the screws, and detach the panel. 4. Disconnect the ElementUse a wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the wires to the element terminals. Pull the element straight out of the tank. 5. Examine the ElementThoroughly inspect the element for any visible damage, such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion. Also, check the terminals for any loose connections or signs of overheating.
6. Test for ContinuityUsing a multimeter set to the ohms setting, touch one probe to each terminal of the element. A reading of 0 ohms indicates continuity, while an infinite reading indicates an open circuit and a faulty element. 7. Check for Ground FaultsPlace the multimeter in the resistance mode and measure between one terminal of the element and the tank. A reading of 0 ohms indicates that the element is grounding out and needs to be replaced. Using a Multimeter to Test Continuity1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply* Shut off the circuit breaker or fuse that supplies power to the water heater. 2. Drain the Water Heater* Open a hot water faucet to relieve pressure. 3. Remove the Access Panel* Locate the access panel on the side of the water heater. 4. Test Element Terminals* Use a multimeter set to the ohms or continuity setting. 5. Observe Multimeter Reading* If the element is continuous, the multimeter will display a low resistance or a “beep” sound. 6. Test Grounding Rod* Touch one probe to the grounding rod located near the bottom of the heater. 7. Inspect Element for Damage* If the element test fails, visually inspect it for any physical damage, such as cracks or burned areas. 8. Troubleshooting No Continuity* Check Wires and ConnectionsMake sure all wires are securely connected to the element terminals and the control panel. * Replace Circuit Breaker or FuseIf the circuit breaker or fuse tripped, reset or replace it. * Inspect Wiring for BreaksUse a multimeter to check for any breaks in the wiring. * Tighten Loose Terminal ScrewsLoose terminal screws can cause poor electrical contact. * Clean Corrosion from TerminalsCorrosion can prevent electrical flow. Clean the terminals with a wire brush or sandpaper. Interpreting the Test ResultsThe results of your hot water heater element test will fall into one of three categories: 1. No ReadingIf your multimeter displays “0” or “OL” (open loop), it means that there is no continuity between the element’s terminals. This indicates that the element is blown or has malfunctioned, and it will need to be replaced. 2. Reading of “1”A reading of “1” indicates that there is direct continuity between the element’s terminals, which means that the element is shorted out. A shorted element will prevent the water heater from working properly and will need to be replaced. 3. Reading Between 10 and 20 OhmsIf your multimeter reading falls between 10 and 20 ohms, it indicates that the water heater element is functioning properly. However, it is important to check the heater’s thermostat to ensure that it is also working correctly. Additional ConsiderationsIn addition to the readings above, you may also encounter the following situations during testing:
Conclusion and Next StepsNow that you’ve successfully tested your water heater element, you can determine if it needs to be replaced. If the element is faulty, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your water heater or other components in your home. 10. Repair or Replace the ElementIf the element is faulty, it will need to be replaced. To replace the element, you will need to purchase a new element that is compatible with your water heater. Once you have the new element, you can follow the steps below to replace the old one:
Once you have replaced the element, you can test it to make sure it is working properly. To test the element, simply turn on your water heater and wait for the water to heat up. If the water heats up quickly, then the element is working properly.
If you are still having problems with your water heater after replacing the element, it is possible that there is another issue with the water heater. In this case, you should contact a qualified electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. How To Test A Hot Water Heater ElementThe heating element in an electric water heater is used to produce hot water for your home. It is a relatively simple device, but it can be difficult to troubleshoot if it malfunctions. If you think your water heater element may be faulty, you can test it with a multimeter. Here are the steps on how to do it:
If you are not comfortable testing the heating element yourself, you can call an electrician to do it for you. People Also Ask About How To Test A Hot Water Heater ElementWhat are the symptoms of a bad water heater element?The symptoms of a bad water heater element include:
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. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for the part and between $50 and $100 for labor. Can I replace a water heater element myself?Yes, you can replace a water heater element yourself if you are comfortable working with electrical wiring. However, if you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to call an electrician to do it for you. |
