Maintaining hot water in your home is essential, especially during the chilly Canadian winters. If your water heater isn’t performing as it should, it might be time to check the water heater element. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to test water heater element, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to tackle this task.

What is a Water Heater Element?

A water heater element is a crucial component of electric water heaters. These cylindrical rods heat the water in your tank, typically about a foot long. Most electric water heaters have either one or two heating elements. If your heater has two elements, one heats the water at the top of the tank, while the other heats the bottom. This design helps ensure that the water is heated evenly throughout the tank. When these elements fail, you may experience inconsistent hot water or even no hot water at all.

Understanding how these elements work is important because they directly impact your hot water supply. If you notice that your hot water is running out quickly or not heating up at all, it could indicate an issue with one of your heating elements. Regular testing can help you catch problems before they escalate.

Why Perform Water Heater Element Testing?

Testing the water heater element is essential for several reasons. If you notice your water heater’s thermostat keeps tripping, it could mean there’s a problem with the heater element rather than the thermostat itself. Many people assume the thermostat is the issue and replace it, only to find out later that the heating elements were faulty all along.

You can save time and money by testing the water heater element first. If the test shows that the heating elements are functioning properly, you can then focus on replacing the thermostat with more confidence. On the other hand, if the elements are faulty, you can address that issue directly without unnecessary replacements. This proactive approach can prevent further damage and ensure that your hot water supply remains consistent.

What Tools Do I Need for Water Heater Element Testing?

Before you start testing your water heater element, gather the following tools:

• Multimeter: This device measures electrical resistance (ohms) and checks for continuity in the heating element.
• Screwdriver: We needed to remove the access panels on the water heater.
• Socket Wrench: Useful for removing the heating element if it needs replacement.
• Garden Hose: This is used to drain the water heater tank safely.
• Voltage Tester: Ensures the power is off before you begin any work on the heater.

Having these tools ready will make the process smoother and safer.

How to Test a Water Heater Element

Testing a water heater element involves several steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results:

Turn Off Power

The first step is to switch the power off to the circuit breaker’s water heater. This is crucial for your safety. Working with electricity can be dangerous, so ensure that the power is completely off before proceeding.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, shut off the water supply to the heater. This will prevent any water from entering the tank while you’re testing the elements. It’s an important step to avoid any potential leaks or spills during the process.

Drain the Tank

After turning off the water supply, it’s time to drain the tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct the water to a suitable drainage area. This step is necessary to avoid electrical hazards when you access the heating elements.

Remove Access Panel

Once the tank is drained, locate the access panel on your water heater. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and take off the panel. This will allow you to access the heating elements for testing.

Disconnect Wires

Carefully disconnect the wires from the heating element. Take note of where each wire connects, as you’ll need to reconnect them later. It’s helpful to take a photo for reference if you’re unsure.

Set Multimeter

Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting. This setting will allow you to measure the electrical resistance of the heating element.

Test Element

Now, touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the heating element. A reading between 10-16 ohms indicates that the element is functioning properly. If you get a significantly lower reading or an open circuit (OL), this means the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Inspect Visually

In addition to using the multimeter, visually inspect the heating element for any signs of damage or corrosion. Look for discoloration, breaks, or signs of wear. A visual check can provide additional clues about the element’s condition.

Reassemble

Once you’ve completed the test and inspection, reconnect the wires to the heating element as they were. Replace the access panel and ensure it is securely fastened.

Turn the Power Back On

Finally, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Allow the water heater some time to refill and heat the water before testing the hot water at your taps.

Need Professional Help?

If your water heater elements test as functional, but you’re still having hot water issues, it may be time to call a professional. A licensed plumber can help identify any underlying problems that could be affecting your water heater’s performance. 

In British Columbia, you can contact TaskPro for reliable plumbing and heating services. We’re here to help with any plumbing needs in Surrey, Langley, Richmond, and surrounding areas.

FAQs

How do you check if a water heater element is bad?

To determine if a water heater element is faulty, measure its resistance. Set your multimeter to the resistance setting and place the probes on the two screws of the element. A functioning heating element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. If the reading is 1 or 0, the element is broken.

How Do I Know If My Water Heater Needs a New Element?

The most obvious sign of a broken water heater element is a lack of hot water from your faucets. If you experience only short bursts of hot water before it turns cold again, this is another indication of a faulty element. In either case, it’s likely that you need to replace the heating element.

What Causes Water Heater Element Failure?

Water heater element failure can often be attributed to mineral buildup from hard water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in the tank, particularly at the bottom, where they prevent effective heat transfer. As the heating elements work harder to heat the water, they become strained and eventually may burn out.