How To Tell if Your Water Heater Element Is Burned Out

Say you go to take a nice hot shower after a long day at work. You open the curtains, turn the faucet, and…only cold water comes out. What’s going on?

If your shower and other faucets can’t produce hot water, your water heater element is most likely broken. The team at Premier Systems is here with this quick guide on how to tell if your water heater element is burned out and what to do about it. 

Call us today to speak to Bozeman’s water heater services team!

What Is a Water Heater Element?

The heating element is a coil or cylinder submerged in the heater tank that heats the water. The water heater runs electricity through the metal, making it hot and causing it to heat the surrounding water. Most heating elements in electric water heaters consist of iron and nickel to make them heat most effectively. 

Heating elements connect to a thermostat device that lets the owner set the appropriate temperature. When temperatures fall below set levels, the heater runs electricity through the element, heating the water back to appropriate levels. 

Problems with your water heater element have two main causes: sediment buildup and mechanical failure. Over time, hard water deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, can build up on the heating element, reducing its effectiveness. 

Signs You Have a Bad Water Heater Element

Below are some of the most common signs of how to tell if your water heater element is burned out.

No Hot Water

The most obvious sign you have a broken water heater element is that you aren’t getting hot water through your faucets. Alternatively, you might only get hot water for a short period before it goes cold again. In either case, the problem is most likely a faulty water heater element. 

Water Won’t Reach the Set Temperature

Another common sign your water heater element is burned out is that hot water won’t reach the temperature you set it to. Constant lukewarm water is a sign of electrical failure causing the heating element not to heat properly or causing sediment buildup that is impeding the heating process. 

Circuit Breaker Trips

If your circuit breaker trips every time your water heater kicks on, the problem is probably a faulty heating element. Electrical malfunctions can cause the heating element to draw more electrical current than it should, causing a power surge and tripping breakers. 

Testing the Heating Element

If you’re unsure whether your heating element is still working, below is a quick guide on how to test it. You will need a set of rubber gloves and a handheld multimeter. 

• First, turn off the electricity to your water heater. It should have a separate circuit breaker. If you can’t find the specific breaker, turn off the power to your entire house. 
• Next, remove the metal cover on your water heater to access the internal components. There should be a layer of insulation between the interior metal and the coil.
• After opening the heater, locate the heating element. It should look like a rectangle or cylinder with wires and screws on either side. 
• After locating the heating element, test the element’s electrical resistance with a multimeter. A working heating element should have a resistance between ten and 32 ohms.
• After testing the water heater element, reassemble the unit. If the heating element is faulty, you should call a contractor to fix the issue. 

Benefits of Repairing a Water Heater Element

Aside from the fact that you can now get hot water, below are some of the main benefits of fixing a broken water heater element. 

Better Performance

Replacing an old element should give you better water heater performance than before. Old heating elements have imperfections in the metal that make them heat unevenly. A new heating element is structurally sound and should give better performance than your old heating element before it broke. 

Better Water Quality

Replacing your heating element will also improve water quality. Old heating elements can leach oxidation and other materials in your water, making it discolored and giving it a metallic taste. A new water heater element will improve water quality, preventing mineral buildup. 

Prolonged Heater Lifespan

Finally, replacing the heating element can extend your water heater’s lifespan. Running a faulty heating element can strain your system unnecessarily, causing more breakdowns over its lifespan. 

How Often Do I Need To Replace My Water Heater?

The average tank water heater has a lifespan of about 15 years, while tankless heaters last about 20 years. If your water heater is more than ten years old, you should consider calling an expert to discuss water heater replacement. 

If your old heater is still in good condition, it can be worth the cost to replace it anyway. Replacing an old water heater with a newer, more energy-efficient model can drastically lower monthly utility bills. 

Can I Replace My Water Heater Element on My Own?

Yes, changing your water heater element on your own is possible. However, we would not recommend it. Electric water heaters draw a significant amount of current, and accidentally leaving the power on while trying to change the element puts you at risk of an electric shock. Although not likely to be fatal, a shock from a malfunctioning electric heater can cause injury. 

Instead, call a professional water heater contractor like the team at Premier Systems. A professional knows how to tell if your water heater element is burned out and can ensure you get the appropriate water heating element replacement installed safely and quickly. 

Heating and Cooling in Bozeman

As a family-owned business, we are used to providing an intimate and personalized level of service. We offer free estimates in addition to our honest and upfront pricing. Our experienced and educated technicians can extend your water heater lifespan with our repair and maintenance services. Contact Premier Systems online or call us today at (406) 708-4601 to schedule an appointment for heating and cooling services in Bozeman, MT!