![]() Put everything back: Reattach the wires to the heating element(s). If your reading is around 14 then you will know your element is functioning properly.*** (Repeat steps 2-6 to test the lower element as well if you have a dual-element water heater.) Test to make sure power is off Disconnect wires from heating element Ohm Test should read ~14ħ. Take the two leads from your tester and touch the two screws on the heating element from which you disconnected the wires. (This setting may have a little horseshoe icon). So, set the meter to the “Continuity/Ohm” setting. We typically suggest running an Ohm test (though you can run an Amp test). Use an electric tester to test the heating element. Disconnect the wires attached to the heating element and push them to the side momentarily.Ħ. Use a voltage test pen to ensure that the power is actually off before testing the element.ĥ. Turn off the power to your water heater Remove the metal cover and insulation If a plastic cover exists, removeĤ. After removing the outer thermostat cover, you may need to remove either insulation and/or a plastic inner cover to actually expose the thermostat and heating element. (If you have two heating elements, you will want to remove both thermostat covers).ģ. Use a screwdriver to remove the outer thermostat cover. Turn off the power to the water heater at your breaker box.Ģ. Water heater element testing is a simple 7-step process.ġ. How to Test a Water Heater Element – Step by Step What tools do I need for water heater element testing? ![]() Once the water has come up to temperature, the thermostat triggers the elements to turn off until the water needs to be warmed again.ĭual-element water heaters typically do not run both elements simultaneously, but rather rely on the upper thermostat to trigger the upper heating element to heat the top half of the tank before sending a signal to the lower thermostat to assess and warm the water at the bottom of the tank. Water heater elements will remain on until the water reaches the temperature specified on the thermostat. A thermostat ensures that the water heater keeps the water within the tank at a certain temperature by signaling its associated element to turn on if the water temperature drops below the thermostat setting (usually 120 °-140 ° Fahrenheit). ![]() So, what is a water heater element? How does a water heater element work? And, how do you go about water heater element testing?Ī water heater element works in conjunction with a water heater thermostat. Conversely, if your water heater element testing reveals that your heating elements are not functioning, you haven’t wasted time addressing your thermostats. If your heating elements prove to be in working order, you can replace your thermostat or thermostats with greater confidence that you have identified the probable problem. In other words, instead of simply assuming that your thermostat is the issue, your best bet is water heater element testing. The main problem in relying solely on this data point, however, is that you may spend time replacing the thermostat only to discover that the heating elements were the problem all along. If your water heater’s thermostat keeps tripping, about 90% of the time the thermostat simply needs to be replaced. If the above diagnostic questions and accompanying solutions don’t reveal the reason for the hot water not working properly, the issue is most likely a broken thermostat or a broken heating element (or elements).Īt this point, it is a process of elimination. Why Perform Water Heater Element Testing?
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