How To Tell If Your Water Heater Element Is Bad

[@rdalemd76]

When you verify voltage is present at your element, Amp draw is also an excellent test of element functioning. Also after draining tank and removing lower element, this is a good time to see if tank needs a cleaning.

[@rodspringfield9249]

you are right about the current. i would check with amp probe first

[@MH-rh3ni]

I always test for amperage draw never test for continuity the element can be out and still have continuity

[@JonathanCox2006]

We had a storm knock out our power and when the lights came back on, we had no hot water. I pulled out the elements and they were covered in little white rocks. They were still testing good for continuity but I replaced them anyway. Still no hot water. Tested EVERY contact and EVERYTHING was testing good and I couldn’t figure out what the problem was so I started watching troubleshooting videos on KZbin and they all just kept repeating the same steps to test each terminal. I finally found this video and it offered a a test haven’t heard on any of the other videos, (checking both inputs together to verify that they added up to 240v)! Sure enough, one input wire was getting 120v (and since I had continuity every contact also read 120v) and the other read 0v. It was the Square D double 30 breaker. One side was good holding the other in the ON position, so it wasn’t tripped. Traded it out for a new breaker and I got 240v and hot water!! I just wanted to say thank you for including this test because you are the ONLY person who suggested it!

[@VaughnMalecki]

Nice. Mine is doing the same thing after I replaced both thermostats and elements and tested all the terminals. Over and over again as everyone kept suggesting. Hopefully I can find the problem in this video like you have.

[@DWBJosh]

The damn water company was doing some work on a house a couple yards down from me and no joke ever since they started I have had no hot water…. Don’t know if it was just shity timing or if somehow they screwed up my water too… they are never there when I’m off work so I’m kinda screwed lol

[@1mikewalsh]

Thank you, 25 years electrician and never was shown how to test one. Just reasoned it out. I was right!

[@AntoinettePalermo-xs6it]

@Walsh; YOU must think that I am an idiot. Your comment was not 11 months ago, it was more like 11 seconds ago, Mr so-called Langley/ NASA Scientific radio controlled “Researcher”!

[@miasworld87]

Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work. I’m a level 2 plumber and this video is part of the curriculum in Canada.

[@santiagolima1263]

Great video. No stupid music on background, went step by step explaining everything clearly. Straight to the point and making some good comments along the way. The ONLY thing I would like to see a little better is the setting symbols on your multimeter (I know, I can watch a video on how to use a multimeter). Thank you !!!

[@bluev3nom]

Yeah me too. People who do videos need to understand peoples learning curve is all different and assume we are dumb sheep learning this for the first time. Because I am. I don't even know the settings all mean on my multimeter. The video did not focus well on the settings. Was too far out. Great video. Be careful of nonchalantly speeding through things like this. I noticed saying things important that could seriously harm someone because it was said casually or context was not from A to B. 11:18 is a good example of this. The way in which you said it, a literal person would disconnect the leads, and then cut the power. So someone would disconnect the leads before turning the power off. Because that is the way you said it and they are imitating everything you do. Why? Because they are sheep. In fact, when you say Cut.. don't be surprised if they actually CUT it. I've taught many classes before. Assume everyone are idiots.

[@watchmego4it1]

Very well explained. Love the video !! Its not a "hot water heater" If you had hot water you wouldn't need the heater. Literally everyone calls it this. 😅

[@rickrandazzo]

Had to skip all the way to 12:30 to find what I needed. Disconnect before testing continuity. Exactly what I needed. Been a long time since I had to muck with this. Thanks...

[@meteor1237]

Be nice if someone would show/explain removal of element that burned and one side was severed from the other. That's what happened to me and when pulling out the element without draining the tank, water went everywhere. If a continuity test showed no continuity, then you might be ready with a screwdriver? to hold down the broken element as it was pulled out of the tank? We had no idea the element could be broken in two. We did remove it and get the new element in, but like so many of these DIY YT videos, they always seem to show the perfect circumstance; never what might go wrong. And, the heating elements alternate function from the thermostat setting; we thought the lower unit had a problem until we check it again fir a few minutes. Your clip is one of the best for this. I never knew anything about it before we DIY. Thanks!

[@giannobong6778]

It is completely your fault for not following instructions to drain the tank before removing the heating element. The gushing water had nothing to do with your element being broken and everything to do with you not draining the tank before trying to remove the element.

[@Ben-xp1qb]

Should have called a service guy if water went everywhere. 100% your fault man. Goofball

[@rauljaar5236]

Best explanation on KZbin yet. This was awesome. Thank you.

[@TheDurbinCompound]

I really appreciate that comment! Thanks!

[@francisjolin7174]

thanks for the video, im a carpenter/roofer.... i hate wires!!!!... but now i know why my heater only gives 30min of hot water

[@chadriddle3517]

Thank you so much for this video!! I thought I had a bottom bad element because it wasn’t getting to 240v after I flushed my water tank

[@Dav3523]

Great video, but your troubleshooting may not work in some cases. If it's winter, and you're upper element failed, and your tank has been sitting a while (ie cooled down), you won't be able to turn down the upper element enough to allow the bottom element to turn on. Our incoming water is cold, and the upper thermostat's minimum temp is 90F, 32C. If the upper element has failed, the water wont warm, so the thermostat won't send power to the lower thermostat.

[@meteor1237]

Great information! Didn't know how to continuity test before. My element was bad and had shorted out and burned in two. Only discovered when I pulled the element out due to getting no hot water. Thanks!

[@jwthefencer]

Yep,..my problem exactly with the water heater,..thanks for the video,..very clear on what to do. Thanks

[@bobbyjonson2944]

Thanks man I was getting lots over a blown out element in the tank

[@SSJB-CAN]

Very good tutorial sir. 👍🏿

[@edsonmoses21]

You broke this down so dang good.

[@subhashjoshi5987]

good explanation, clear, and easy to understand. good video.

[@kellieorozco343]

This really helped me! Very clear, detailed and understandable.Thank you for what you do!!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

I really appreciate your comment! Thanks for watching. Hope to see you around the channel!

[@themark462]

Thank you! You helped me identify a bad heating element on my water heater

[@mrgruffy4499]

Be sure to turn OFF the power from your main breaker box to the water heater before removing the wires on the heating element. One thing that some of these videos didn't mention is the mineral coating on the elements inside the water heater. The elements will still work. But it will take more time to heat the water when the heat from the element must go through the mineral deposits which act as an insulator that slow down the heat transfer from element to cold water.

[@rahvisionproductionz2929]

Exactly, which also means that the water heater has to be drained/flush not always the case but I would drain it first & then changed the element to be on the safe side.

[@fdhall]

My man...you just saved me some money for the time being👍🏾 Turned out to be both heating elements were shot. Even though I'm still considering doing tankless but now I can take my time

[@musterseeds1778]

THank you, this vedeo so clear on troubleshooting.. Is there any reason why there 2 type of heating element ?....

[@jeffthompson8663]

Good information and explanation. 👍☘ oh, one idea, show the settings on the multimeter when testing.

[@Engineer_Eric_59]

Thank you for the video. What would cause that reset button breaker to pop? My panel breakers are fine.

[@sammylw7694]

The best take away is that both elements will not be on at the same time. Never knew this. Thanks!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Yes!

[@queena3517]

This was super helpful. Talk about a life saver. Thank you so much!

[@aaronanderson7838]

Nice job at explaining very clearly!

[@erinmilligan3211]

Thank you! Helping me troubleshoot my research project!

[@tonterolol]

New follower! I work as a service tech, I can learn a lot from you. Thank you!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

I will start making more videos of troubleshooting in the field. I’ve been slacking

[@tonterolol]

@@TheDurbinCompound yeah man you need to for you and for us.

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Hey Edwin, if you could provide some things you’d like to see videos on as a tech, shoot me some of your ideas. I’m a remodeling contractor so I have such a narrow focus a lot and “writers block”

[@tonterolol]

@@TheDurbinCompound whoooo ofcurse definitely it will be fun

[@tonterolol]

@@TheDurbinCompound if you can I think you should make one fixing dryers basics like changing timers coils or thermostat and how to read the meter and what yo look for also

[@robertcorrea8161]

Great job explaining how the element work on a electric water heater thank

[@TheDurbinCompound]

I appreciate your comment! Thanks

[@papalilburn]

Best "how to" on this subject! Thanks!

[@juliocastillo5181]

Impressed with such of a very detailed explanation, and easy to understand, thank you

[@diysimpleartsncrafts5617]

Hi, Thank you for sharing this video... It is soooo helpful..

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Glad I could help

[@Dennismininal]

Sweet video

[@itsgmani]

Gonna try this this weekend at the cottage. Thanks

[@Murpie2u]

Wow! Very thorough! Thank you!!

[@leonardrymer]

very good in explaining info.

[@fourftr]

Very well explained

[@pyronymph-868]

Elements can also be tested by turning off the power, then testing the resistance across the element. A good element should read between 10-16 ohms. My good element read at 13 ohms, but my bad lower element read at .59M ohms (basically open). Safer to test with the power off.

[@snowyowl9132]

What if both elements read at 13 Ohms, thermostats look good visually and power is being supplied but still no hot water? Could one of the thermostats be bad or voltage be incorrect?

[@rb-today]

@@snowyowl9132 Did you isolate each element by removing at least one wire from each one? You might be "back feeding" and reading the same element through the t-stat.

[@aloofbit338]

thank you for making this video it was much helpful!

[@vince_only_way_is_up]

Great explanations, you a great teacher.

[@bowfishingfalcon1162]

I agree with other comments, best explained video on KZbin, I'm subbed brother

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Awesome! That’s what the channel is all about!

[@e.m.tanner179]

This seems like a very thorough explanation on trouble shooting a hot water tank. Unfortunately, I just don't understand much about electrical things. My hot water started coming out scalding hot and rather brown-ish the other day, so I knew something was wrong. But I don't know how to test these components. What if I just buy 2 new elements and 2 new thermostats? I'm pretty sure I can install them myself. Would that fix my problem?

[@TheDurbinCompound]

This would be a good place to start. Draining the tank and flushing it out, should take care of your brownish color. However I wouldn’t change the elements out. You know they work well! It came out hot hot! Just replace the thermostats which seem to have malfunctioned. You can get the thermostat and element kits and save the elements for later.

[@e.m.tanner179]

@@TheDurbinCompound - Thank you so much for that advice! I will definitely follow thru.

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[@loveone4life361]

A good video. Good sound video and instruction. Thanks!

[@williambranham6249]

Excellent. Thanks for your time!

[@domingonieves3809]

Thanks for the video

[@SheikShak]

Very good explanation….thank u

[@tehrodg]

Thank you for your video! Best I found while problem solving my electric water heater!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Well I appreciate that comment! Thanks!

[@bob_frazier]

I found a shortcut, or did I? Turn a thermostat up, hear it click on then hear water heating in the tank. Seemed to be an easy shortcut. Great video, thank you!

[@ocsrc]

I just changed the element in my tank and it was all swollen and crusted and there's all these white chunks of stuff inside the water in the tank I'm not sure what they are or how they got there and I don't know if opening the drain valve will drain out those clumps that look almost like big huge pieces of salt but I'm pretty sure it's not salt

[@TheDurbinCompound]

It’s calcium deposits. Definitely a must to flush the tank yearly

[@generfeld]

Great video, good explanations with the multimeter. Old apartment had a Rheem 30 gallon from the 1990s...was probably never even touched. Hot water sucked, about 5 mins then lukewarm, and handle had to be ALL the way on full hot. If you moved it a HAIR, the water went cool. One time the heater went out totally- the thermostat RESET button restored it back to its "normal" crap performance. It finally busted a leak and was done for this year. Wish I knew this info before- could have at least drained/flushed sediment, and tested/replaced the elements. The anode was fucked and it was going to bust a hole anyway, but at least I couldve not dealt with lukewarm crappy showers for years. Thx for the info

[@markcherrington8778]

very good video thank you

[@bcavallaro44]

Thanks very helpful. Also love and appreciate the angst with the camera - I get the same issue when I’m videoing carpentry work cuz I don’t script or plan the video ahead. 👍🏼 Also as others have mentioned, I’ve reviewed a few on this topic and there’s a lot of great ones, but this was detailed and explained quite clearly and the troubleshooting aspect is spot on. Thnx again.

[@geneballay9590]

thank you for sharing

[@artderamo8053]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@abdielmoises]

Amazing explanation! Thank you so much!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Awesome! That’s what this channel is all about! Hope to see you around!

[@oi3827]

Excelente explanation! Thank you very much!!!.

[@rhondacromer1474]

Good info.

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you great video, I hope all the rookie maintenance watch your video.till then keep smiling with lol politely and healthy safely maintain knowledge

[@stuartspern]

Question - Does the thermostat 180F limit red reset button on upper thermostat only act on top info present at upper thermostat, or does the lower thermostat send signals that can can pop it? I'm guessing no, but wanted to make sure. Reason I'm asking is that (i) I have "hard" well water and (ii) my reset button keeps popping (even after replacing both thermostats), so my working theory is that the elements are coated with minerals, which raises their internal temp to operate and thus setting off the thermostat limit reset (presumably at the upper thermostat?).

[@TheDurbinCompound]

No signal sent between. I’d agree with your theory

[@MikelJay]

Recently used your method to find the reset button had tripped. Left covers and insulation off for about a week waiting to see if reset would trip again. No problems during that week. 24 hrs after reinstalling insulation and covers, thermostat reset tripped again. What would cause reset to trip? Would changing thermostat be best solution? Thanks

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Might be an over temp problem. Putting covers back on made the thermostats get hot and pop. I’d try changing them out and see what happens! It’s a relatively cheap fix. If it doesn’t fix them, you can always return them!

[@kenroberts9943]

I measured the voltage with my meter at the top of the thermostat the way you show at 6:08. It shows no voltage. Yet my pen tester shows voltage present at both the thermostat and the heating element. I can't figure that out. The meter correctly shows voltage at a standard 120 volt outlet.

[@americanmade422]

Check the amps, check all the legs withs volt metter. If one leg is low or inconsistent with the others, you got a bad element

[@azremodeling8392]

Thanks for your very, very great video

[@iluxionxz]

Great video ❤

[@roosterd4331]

So it works on a hot water heater. What about on a cold water heater🤷‍♂️ 🤔 🤣🤣 just picking on you man, good video and break down🤙

[@tejas_1953]

I was considering asking why waste money heating hot water... ;)

[@riptide10x60]

HD didn't have one of those double back elements so I bought two straight ones of the proper wattage, it works but will that make a difference in the energy use or efficiency?

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Only wattage matters. If you bought the proper wattage, it will use the same amount of energy.

[@bubbatime]

The straight elements have a one year warranty. The double back ones have a 3 or 5 year warranty. They are longer, so they input the same wattage, into more metal. I guess that makes them last longer...

[@jts4248]

Great job

[@robthomas5488]

Question: have a Rheem 20 gallon 120v electric heater replaced last summer 7/12/22. Drained after used for 1 month only. Came back 7/14/23 and filled, purged air, however the 20amp breaker tripped as soon as I fired up the cabin. I've tried hitting reset, and the 20amp breaker keeps tripping. Could the element have gone bad while not in use? The unit was NOT on during the year off. I cannot test due too breaker tripping as soon as engaged, so I can't test element. Could the element have gone bad?

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Is the breaker a ground fault breaker? Was this in a possible freeze? I assume it was winterized?

[@TheDurbinCompound]

A bad element will not trip the breaker usually. It will just burn out and not work. I would be amazed if it could have even gone bad without use. Is it possible, that you drained the tank with it still on? That heating element out of water for a split second would burn it up.

[@robthomas5488]

@TheDurbinCompound First, thank you for your speedy reply. I tested the element with my multimeter by disconnecting wires, touching element screws, no beep, touch screw and tank, again, no beep. Any suggestions?

[@robthomas5488]

@@TheDurbinCompound standard single pile 20 amp breaker

[@robthomas5488]

Pole

[@manliffcoggan5954]

So helpful, thanks

[@tymom9313]

Do you have video for replacing element?

[@joeblk76]

Great video, but I was a little confused as to the top thermostat and the bottom was showing power. I thought that was not suppose to happen. Even though the bottom was drawing any current but power shouldn't have gotten that far with the top running correct?

[@troyboy1063]

Extremely affective and so informative 👏 , thank you so much sir, spectacular job!!

[@shayperry1631]

Does it matter how you hook up the wire leads to the element?

[@dennisdebow4766]

My son replaced both upper element and both thermostats. Bottom element still not going on! any ideas would be greatly appreciated,Thanks

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Thermostats

[@dennisdebow4766]

@@TheDurbinCompound He replaced both thermostats and elements but bottom still not coming on just top. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[@dennisdebow4766]

@@TheDurbinCompound He replaced both thermostats and both elements but bottom element still not turning on,help!! thanks. He is ready to get a new water heater! help!Please !!

[@darrellnicholson2165]

Great video one question I have no power at the bottom thermostat or the lower heating element at 125 degrees but I have power on both of them at 150 degrees they both read around 235 when it's turned up to 150 degrees any suggestions

[@TheDurbinCompound]

I would say that is operating correctly. The bottom thermostat is only coming on when necessary. If you’re still not getting hot water, then you most likely have a bad heating element.

[@darrellnicholson2165]

Ok that helps me out do you think the bottom thermostat is bad I only have one on mine there is only a heating element on top behind the cover and I leave the water at 125 degrees and after one shower the water is Luke warm

[@athleticmistud]

Hey buddy you measure the ohms wrong on the element. It SHOULD NOT BE 77ohms! A 3,500-watt element should register 16 ohms, a 4,500-watt element should register between 12 and 13 ohms, and a 5,500-watt element should register between 10 and 11 ohms

[@Lyricyst28]

correct NK

[@shanesmaineshop]

very helpful video.

[@jasonsteele9580]

Question, when you drain the tank to replace the element, what’s the best way to clean it out?

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Usually, I use the feed water pressure to stir the bottom. The cold inlet water is fed to the bottom of the tank so it can stir up the sediment after you’ve completely drained. Also have used the garden hose and a piece of rebar in the bottom element hole to break stuff up

[@su5119]

Did I hear around 12:24 " hot water heater right here..." ?

[@derekanderson4940]

thank you for your video awesome brother👍

[@mehlenberger4300]

I've seen on other videos it says to turn the water heater off at main breaker. Before touching all those screws with the voltage checker, are we supposed to turn off the main circuit breaker first?

[@bubbatime]

How are you supposed to troubleshoot and check voltage with your multimeter if the main power is off?

[@frankvaldez2769]

The hot water runs out quick after like 5-7 minutes while taking a shower. It's an electric water heater brand new, I've only had it for a month now. Any suggestions??? Thanks!

[@bobwelch5056]

Great video thank you

[@jimtinter4397]

Nice video. Thanks for so much helpful info. BTW, when trying to add humor...be careful about saying to "wet your finger, etc." You never know when someone takes you literally. Also, not sure if anyone has ever pointed out how often you say "ah" or "um." A common speaking habit which detracts from the quality of your presentation.

[@mikeekim242]

Can a bad heating element cause a voltage drop? The line in reads 120 volts until you connect it up to the water heater, then it drops to 13.5 volts. (120 v water heater)

[@TheDurbinCompound]

This issue sounds like a loose neutral wire or a damaged wire somewhere. Will show good voltage when no load but when loaded with resistance, it drops to almost nothing. A bad element would still receive 120V, just wouldn’t work.

[@mikeekim242]

@@TheDurbinCompound Thank you

[@auralfury]

great tip but, too bad 38-40gal wh's only last 5-6yrs if your lucky, with hard water. Replaced thermostats and both elements when the hot water wasn't lasting as long as it should and got maybe 2 more months out of it when it started leaking in between both thermostat panels. Luckily only paid $45 for the element kit...but shouldn't of bothered

[@tonydoe877]

Did u do part 2?

[@andrewocel6256]

That goodman dependable 92 should be checked for big cracks in the collector box!!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Yep I’ve kept an eye on that old girl. She has been outstanding!

[@TwoTall1988]

3:10 as long as you're only touching one power line you're only getting hit with up to 130-ish volts depending on where live and how much voltage drop you have in the line from the breaker. You get a 240v line by having two 120v lines, you get 360v by having three 120v lines, and you get 480v (some electric cars charge with this) by having four 120v lines.

[@VINTAGE-AMERICANA]

Regularly flushed 13-year-old electric hot water heater sputters with air in the line and black specs and industrial smell when I use the hot water. Any suggestions before I dig in? Any comments or help is greatly appreciated!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

Black specs usually are a sign that your anode rod is shot and either needs replaced or removed. As for the air, it has to be getting in somehow, usually after you flush; but you know this from your flushing experience.

[@VINTAGE-AMERICANA]

@@TheDurbinCompound any guess on how the air might be getting in? However, a few days later, now I see a little trickle of water underneath it. So I guess there's no way to save it now? I learned an important lesson about replacing that anode, I never knew about that before. I really appreciate your response! All the best to you in the new year!

[@TheDurbinCompound]

If it’s leaking from the tank, there is no way to save it! Ugghh

[@VINTAGE-AMERICANA]

@@TheDurbinCompound I think I learned an important lesson about replacing the anode. Thank you for your video and thank you so much for responding.

[@legitprojectjdm625]

Where the second video to replace it great video !

[@bennylarussa8010]

Very wel explain good job

[@TechnicalEnglish101]

Great video , buddy!

[@normanrankin9428]

Wasn't the top thermostat providing power to the top, as you tested it, when you turned the temp setting up, and went right to the bottom, and got power there too. I never heard of it switching the power to one element at a time.

[@JJBpilot]

Only one element at a time is powered always

[@AmericanOne9621]

Both elements have 120 volts on one wire at ALL times. The OTHER 120 volt wire is switched back and forth between the two elements thru their thermostats. The top thermostat MUST be satisfied before switching and sending the 120 volts is was using down to the bottom thermostat to use to complete the other side of the 240 volts. That being said if the top thermostat goes bad it can never be satisfied, the top element will never heat thus never sending power to the bottom element. So..... your left with a full tank of cold water.....even if the bottom element is good...

[@alexg3030]

Good job

[@afonsomendes92]

So if the heating element is burnt, it would show the right resistance but not continuity? Mine is doing that...

[@jamesg2485]

Will your breaker keep throwing if elements are bad

[@TheDurbinCompound]

More than likely, yes

[@jamesg2485]

@@TheDurbinCompound thank u..my maintenance man passed away and I'm trying to learn things with my mobile home park..thanks 4 your time

[@rickyparr8001]

will a bad lower heating element cause my upper thermostat to trip because i have to keep resetting my upper thermostat,i know my lower heating element is bad,but should i replace my upper thermostat because i have to keep resetting it.