Broken Heating Element In Hot Water Heater

First check the water heater s circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn t tripped.

Broken heating element in hot water heater. You should shut it down to prevent serious accidents including explosion. Locate the broken electric heating element and make access by removing the insulation and cover. When this happens the element can overheat. Sometimes your water will slowly start to cool down and this could be because the element has burned out.

Before you begin any work on your water heater turn it off on the circuit breaker box and gas supply. Heating elements can break over time because they continuously heat up and cool. If the heater element is stuck there are three ways to proceed. Replace the thermostat if it doesn t activate the heating element.

Minerals in the water may build up on the element s surface. Refill the tank partially so the tank doesn t move when trying to twist the element. Heat the element with a propane torch and see if that loosens it. If you hear sounds like boiling from your water heater it can indicate the water inside is too hot.

A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power or it may have a tripped limit switch or one or more failed heating elements. Our no hot water troubleshooting video can help you figure out which part to replace in an electric water heater that s not heating. If an electric water heater element doesn t heat when activated replace the heating element. If you have an electric water heater the heating elements inside the tank can break and lead to a loss of hot water.

This is a common problem and can be diagnosed by dismantling your boiler and using a multimeter to check the resistance of the element. Other reasons your water might not be hot cause 1. Shut off the water supply and drain water below the broken element. Make sure that the power is off by measuring the voltage on the thermostat terminals which powers the element.

Hot water heaters are an important home appliance that heat water for use in your sinks dishwasher washing machine and shower. Quite often the reason you won t be able to get any hot water is because of a broken hot water heater element. Heaters for water have a heating element inside of them. Turn the water heater off on the electric service panel.

Only electric hot water heaters use elements to warm water.