How to Test Water Heater Elements – Is It Broken or Just Installed Wrong?

Struggling to keep your water hot? Are your breakers constantly getting tripped? These are common signs that your water heater might be malfunctioning, especially due to issues with the heating element. In this guide, we’ll explain how to test water heater elements to determine the cause of the problem and help get your hot water running again.

What Is a Water Heater Element?

A water heater element is a metal component, usually shaped like a coil, that converts electricity into heat through Joule heating. These elements are typically located inside the water heater tank. The purpose of the element is to heat the water in your tank, allowing your home to have a consistent supply of hot water.

How to Test Water Heater Elements

To determine if your water heater’s element is working correctly, you’ll need to test it with the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Non-contact voltage detector
• Multimeter

Step 1: Turn Off the Breakers

Before you start, ensure your water heater is disconnected from power. Go to your breaker panel and turn off all circuits connected to the water heater. This is crucial for your safety when handling electrical components.

Step 2: Access the Water Heater’s Thermostat and Elements

Next, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the metal plate covering the thermostat, usually found near the bottom of the tank. You may also need to remove insulation and a plastic cover that protect the thermostat and heating elements.

Step 3: Test the Power

Use a non-contact voltage detector to ensure the water heater is not receiving any electricity. If the voltage detector lights up, recheck the breakers. Once you’ve confirmed the power is off, you can proceed safely.

Step 4: Locate the Heating Element and Disconnect Wires

While the heating element itself is inside the tank, you should be able to see its connection points in the panel. Carefully disconnect the wires attached to the element to prepare for testing.

Step 5: Test the Heating Element with a Multimeter

Set your multimeter to the lowest setting for ohm resistance, then place the multimeter prongs on the two screws connected to the element. A functioning water heater element will show a reading between 10-30 ohms. If the multimeter shows no reading or 0, the element may be faulty.

How Do Water Heater Elements Fail?

There are several reasons your water heater element might fail:

1. Mineral Buildup

Hard water contains minerals that can coat the element, forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This excess strain can eventually cause the element to burn out.

2. Loose Wiring

The problem might not be with the element itself, but with the wiring. Loose or faulty wiring can prevent the element from receiving the necessary electrical current.

3. Thermostat Issues

A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the element from heating correctly. If the thermostat is faulty, it may need to be reset or replaced.

4. Power Surges

Power surges can damage the element by exceeding its voltage rating, leading to overheating or burnout.

5. Air in the Tank

Water heater elements are designed to operate when fully submerged in water. If air pockets form in the tank, the element may overheat and fail.

What to Do if the Element Fails

If the water heater element is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This can involve draining the water heater and replacing the damaged part with a new element. If you’re unsure about performing these tasks yourself, or if it seems like a lot of work, don’t worry — Economy Plumbing Service, LLC can help!

Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC for Water Heater Repairs

If your water heater isn’t working correctly and you’re unsure how to fix it, contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC. Our team specializes in water heater repairs and replacements throughout Tucson, AZ, and nearby areas such as Oro Valley, Rita Ranch, and Vail. We’ll assess the issue and have your water heater back in working order quickly and efficiently.

Call us today at 520-885-3510 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!

If Water Goes Through It Or To It, We Do It!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »