How to test if your electric water heater element is failing

Having trouble with your showers getting cold 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.

Symptoms 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.

Reasons why water heater elements fail

• Sediment buildup: Minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, can accumulate on the heating element, causing it to overheat and eventually fail.
• Poor water quality: Hard water or water with high mineral content can accelerate the deterioration of heating elements.
• Corrosion: Over time, exposure to water and minerals can cause the element to corrode, especially if the anode rod in the tank is worn out.
• Dry firing: If the water heater is turned on without sufficient water in the tank, the element may overheat and burn out, known as “dry firing.”
• Electrical faults: Voltage spikes, loose connections, or faulty wiring can cause electrical damage to the heating element.
• Age and wear: Like all parts, heating elements naturally wear out over time, especially in older water heaters.

Read more: How to clean a water heater thermocouple to keep your unit running smoothly

How to test a 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: How to drain your water heater: Easy steps for the best performance

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 replace a hot water heater element

1. Switch off the water heater’s circuit breaker to cut the power supply.
2. Shut off the cold water supply to the heater.
3. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and drain water until the level is below the element.
4. Remove the access panel and insulation to expose the element, then disconnect the wires.
5. Use an element wrench to unscrew the old heating element and remove it.
6. Insert and tighten the new heating element with the wrench.
7. Attach the wires to the new element and ensure secure connections.
8. Close the drain valve and turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank.
9. Inspect the area around the element for any water leaks.
10. Replace the insulation and access panel, then turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.

People also ask

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

Yes, simply turn off the power, remove the access panel, and use a multimeter to check for continuity or resistance across the element’s terminals. Draining is only necessary when replacing the element.

What is the normal ohm reading for a water heater element?

A functioning water heater element typically has a resistance (ohms) reading between 10 and 30 ohms. If the reading is higher or lower than this range, the element is likely damaged and should be replaced.

How long should a water heater element last?

The average lifespan of a water heater element is around 6 to 10 years, depending on water quality and usage. Hard water and lack of regular maintenance, like flushing the tank to remove sediment, can shorten the element’s lifespan.

Can a water heater still work with one bad element?

Yes, a water heater can technically still work if one of the two elements is bad, but it will operate at reduced capacity. You’ll likely notice lower water temperatures and reduced hot water availability. It’s best to replace the faulty element to restore full functionality.

Does a gas water heater have an element? 

No, a gas water heater does not have a heating element like electric water heaters do. Instead, gas water heaters use a gas burner located at the bottom of the tank to heat the water. The burner is ignited by a pilot light or electronic ignition, and the heat rises through a flue in the center of the tank to warm the water.

Read more: Common water heater problems and DIY fixes

Additional information

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