You will also have to remove the underlying insulation between the covering and the heating element. Next, remove the metal covers over the heating element chamber with a Phillips-head screwdriver. If you are unsure which breaker goes to the water heater, just temporarily shut off all the power to your home. To test the element, you will need a multimeter, available at your local hardware store.īefore working on the water heater, turn off the power through the circuit breaker. If you are still not sure about the condition of your heating element, you can directly test it to see whether the resistance and current are at the appropriate levels. So, if your circuit breaker trips every time your water heater kicks on, check the heating element for problems. This could cause your breaker to short circuit, tripping and cutting power to the water heater. If the element is malfunctioning, it might pull too much electricity. Water heater elements draw a significant amount of electricity to generate the necessary heat to heat water in the tank. If the hot water from the tap runs out much faster than normal, there could be a malfunction with the lower heating element in the tank. The bottom water heater element is responsible for maintaining a specific water temperature in the tank while it is waiting to be used. The top heating element ensures the water is at the desired temperature, so if the water can only get so hot, you can likely pinpoint the source accordingly. If water only gets to lukewarm levels, it’s most likely due to a bad upper heating element. In this case, it will need to be replaced. A complete lack of hot water indicates a malfunctioning element if you have a single-element heater. If your water heater can’t produce hot water, the top heating element has most likely burned out. If you are wondering how to tell if your water heater element is burned out, be on the lookout for the following signs, not all of which have the same cause. Signs Your Water Heater Element Is Burned Out Each plays a slightly different role, and you can usually tell which one is broken based on the symptoms. Most modern electric water heaters use two components: one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. Water that won’t heat up is generally a sure sign of a heating element malfunction. When a heating element breaks, it doesn’t conduct electricity as well and won’t be able to heat water. Heating elements must withstand high temperatures, sometimes cracking or burning out under strain. Composite heating elements consist of mixtures of both metals and ceramics.PTC (positive temperature coefficient) elements utilize special ceramic discs that are resistant to starting fires, making them very safe.Metal elements typically use a nickel and chrome alloy with higher resistance than other metals.Modern heating elements mostly consist of three materials: As the electricity runs through the water-submerged element, resistance generates heat, raising the temperature of the surrounding water. Heating elements turn electricity into heat energy by running it through an insulator material. Today, the Works Plumbing team is here with this guide on diagnosing and fixing a burned-out water heater element.Ĭontact Pacifica’s reliable water heater repair experts today for the most reliable service in the Pacifica area! How Does a Water Heater Element Work?Īll electric heaters use a heating element to heat water. Of course, that raises the question of how to tell if your water heater element is burned out. If your water heater is malfunctioning, one of the most likely culprits is the water heater element. Everyone has been there before - you turn on your shower after a long day and…only cold water comes out.
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