How to Check a Water Heater Element
An electric hot water heater generally contains two heating elements. One is located near the top of the hot water heater while the other is near the bottom. The heating elements work by heating the water initially and by maintaining the temperature once the water is heated. If one or both heating elements malfunction, you will notice that the hot water does not last long, or may not be present at all. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the breaker that controls the hot water heater at the main breaker box that is located outside of your home. Post a sign on the breaker box warning anyone else not to turn it back on.
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2
Remove the screws holding the access panel on with a screwdriver. Place the screws to the side and remove the panel.
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3
Loosen the screw holding one of the wires connected to the heating element. Remove the wire from the element.
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4
Adjust your multimeter so that it is set to RX1000. On some multimeters this may be listed as resistance x 1000.
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5
Place one probe on the element mounting bolt and then place the other probe to an element terminal screw. You must test each terminal screw individually.
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6
Replace the element if the reading on the multimeter is anything other than open-circuit or infinity. Test both the upper and lower elements the same way.
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7
Replace the access panel and screws and turn the power back on to the hot water heater if both elements are still working.
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Tips & Warnings
Be very careful to ensure there is no power running to the hot water heater before handling the heating element. An electric shock from a large appliance is often fatal.
