A failed water heater heating element is one of the most common causes of no hot water or hot water that runs out too quickly in an electric water heater.
Quick Answer
Symptoms of a Bad Heating Element
Upper vs. Lower Element Problems
Element vs. Thermostat Problems
How Heating Elements Work
How to Test a Heating Element
What Causes Heating Elements to Fail?
When Replacement Is Needed
When to Call a Pro
FAQs
If your electric water heater is producing little or no hot water, a failed heating element is often the culprit. This guide explains how to identify heating element problems, test an element safely, and determine whether replacement is needed.
Quick Answer
A bad water heater heating element can cause symptoms like no hot water, lukewarm water, or hot water that runs out quickly. You can usually diagnose the problem by testing the element with a multimeter for continuity and checking for a short to ground (explained below).
Bottom Line: If the element fails a continuity or ground-fault test, it usually needs to be replaced.
Symptoms of a Bad Heating Element
Heating element problems usually create very specific symptoms:
- No hot water: The upper element may have failed
- Hot water runs out quickly: The lower element may have failed
- Water not hot enough: Weak element or thermostat problem
- Breaker trips repeatedly: Element may be shorted
- Long recovery time: Element may be partially failing
See:
Upper vs. Lower Element Problems
Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements that operate independently.
- Upper element failure: Often results in no hot water at all
- Lower element failure: Usually allows some hot water, but it runs out quickly
The upper element heats the top portion of the tank first. Once that water reaches temperature, the system switches power to the lower element to heat the rest of the tank.
Element vs. Thermostat Problems
Heating element symptoms can sometimes resemble thermostat failure.
- Failed element: No continuity or visible damage
- Bad thermostat: Element tests good but does not receive power
- Dry-fired element: Burned out after power was restored before tank refilled
See: Water Heater Thermostat Problems
How Heating Elements Work
Heating elements are electric resistance coils installed directly into the side of the water heater tank.
- Electric current passes through the element
- The element heats up
- Heat transfers directly into the surrounding water
Most residential electric water heaters use two 240-volt screw-in heating elements.
How to Test a Water Heater Heating Element
Testing a heating element requires a multimeter and careful attention to safety.
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the water heater’s double-pole breaker in the main electrical panel.
Do not rely on labels alone—use a non-contact voltage tester or multimeter to confirm the power is actually off at the water heater before proceeding.
2. Remove the Access Panels
Most electric water heaters have two metal access panels on the side of the tank—one covering the upper heating element and thermostat and one covering the lower set.
Remove the screws holding the access cover in place. Pull back the insulation and any plastic safety shield to expose the heating element terminals and thermostat.
3. Identify the Heating Element Terminals
The heating element is mounted horizontally through the side of the tank. You’ll see two screws or terminal posts where wires attach to the element.
These are the terminals you’ll test.
4. Disconnect the Wires
Loosen the terminal screws (counterclockwise) and pull the wires away from the heating element terminals.
Move the wires aside so they do not touch each other or the tank during testing.
5. Test for Continuity (Resistance Test)
This test determines whether the element is still electrically intact.
- Set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms/Ω) setting
- Touch one probe to one terminal screw
- Touch the other probe to the second terminal screw
A functioning element usually shows some resistance—commonly around 10 to 20 ohms depending on the element’s wattage.
- Normal resistance reading: Element is probably good
- No reading or infinite resistance: Element has likely burned out internally
Repeat the test on both the upper and lower heating elements.
6. Test for a Short to Ground
This test checks whether the element has shorted against the metal tank.
- Keep the multimeter on the resistance setting
- Touch one probe to a heating element terminal
- Touch the other probe to the bare metal tank
Repeat for the second terminal.
- No reading: Normal
- Any resistance reading: The element may be shorted and should be replaced
7. Reassemble the Water Heater
Reconnect the wires securely to the heating element terminals.
Replace the plastic shield, insulation, and metal access panels before restoring power.
If you replaced a heating element, make absolutely sure the tank is completely full of water before turning the breaker back on. Running an element dry can destroy it almost instantly.
If either heating element fails these tests, replacement is usually required.
What Causes Heating Elements to Fail?
Several issues can shorten heating element life.
- Sediment buildup: Causes overheating
- Hard water minerals: Accelerate corrosion
- Dry firing: Element overheats without water
- Age: Elements naturally wear out over time
- Electrical problems: Voltage fluctuations or shorts
Regular flushing can help extend element life. See: How to Flush a Water Heater
When Replacement Is Needed
If testing confirms the element has failed, replacement is usually straightforward and inexpensive.
See: How to Replace a Water Heater Heating Element
When to Call a Pro
Call a plumber or water heater repair person if:
- Breaker continues to trip
- You are uncertain about electrical testing
- The tank is leaking or corroded
- Wiring appears burned or damaged
If testing or repairs become more than you want to handle yourself, a qualified plumber can diagnose and repair the problem safely. Find a trusted local plumber for professional service.
FAQs
Can a water heater work with one bad element?
Yes. If the lower element fails, the heater may still produce some hot water, but it will run out quickly.
What resistance should a good element show?
Most residential elements show measurable resistance, typically around 10–20 ohms depending on wattage.
What happens if a heating element shorts out?
A shorted element may trip the breaker repeatedly or stop heating altogether.
How long do water heater elements last?
Typically 6–10 years depending on water quality and maintenance.
