How to Fix Hot Water Problems by Checking Your Heater Element

Having trouble with your hot water running out too quickly? It could be a sign that your water heater element is failing. Don’t worry though, testing and replacing it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. We’re here to walk you through it.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Signs of a failing water heater element

• Inconsistent or no hot water: A broken or faulty element can’t heat the water properly, leading to lukewarm or cold water.
• Slow heating time: If one of the elements (in a dual-element system) is malfunctioning, only one element is trying to heat all the water, slowing the process.
• Tripping circuit breaker: A shorted-out heating element can cause an electrical overload, forcing the breaker to trip as a safety measure.
• Popping, hissing, or sizzling sounds: Sediment buildup on the element can cause it to overheat, creating unusual noises as the element struggles to function.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to start checking your water heater element.

Read more: Where you can and can’t install a water heater

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

How to test the water heater element

1. Switch off the breaker that supplies power to the water heater.
2. Most water heaters have two access panels (upper and lower) on the side of the tank. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the panels.
3. After removing the panels, you’ll find insulation covering the heating element. Peel back the insulation to expose the element and thermostat.
4. You’ll see two electrical terminals on the heating element where the wires connect. Use a screwdriver to carefully loosen and disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals.
5. Adjust your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting (ohms) for testing continuity.
6. Place one multimeter probe on each terminal of the heating element. A good element will typically show a reading between 10 to 30 ohms. A reading outside this range indicates that the element needs to be replaced.
7. Most multimeters have a continuity function (often indicated by a sound wave symbol). This tests whether there’s a ground fault.
8. Place one multimeter probe on either of the heating element’s terminals, and the other probe on the metal body of the water heater (ground).

If there is continuity (beeping or low resistance reading), this means the element has shorted to ground and is faulty. If no continuity (no sound or infinite resistance), the element is not grounded, which is a good sign.

Read more: Common gas water heater problems & how to fix them

People also ask

Can you test a water heater element without draining the tank?

Yes, you can test the water heater element without draining the tank. Simply turn off the power to the heater, remove the access panel, disconnect the wires from the element, and use a multimeter to check for resistance or continuity. Draining is only necessary if you’re replacing the element.

What should the ohm reading be on a water heater element?

A functional water heater element typically has an ohm reading between 10 and 30 ohms. If the reading is outside of this range (either much higher or lower), the element is faulty and should be replaced.

How long does a water heater element last?

On average, a water heater element lasts between 6 and 10 years, depending on factors such as water quality, frequency of use, and regular maintenance (like flushing the tank to prevent sediment buildup).

Can a water heater work with one bad element?

Yes, a water heater can still work if one of its elements is bad, but it will only operate at half capacity. This means you’ll have less hot water, and it may take longer for the water to heat up. For full efficiency, it’s best to replace the faulty element.

Read more: How to Protect Your Appliances in a Power Outage

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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