Your water heater plays a crucial role in your home’s daily operations, providing hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, and much more. But what happens when your water heater starts malfunctioning? One common issue homeowners face is a burned-out heating element. Whether you’re dealing with lukewarm water or no hot water at all, a broken heating element could be the culprit.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to tell if your water heater element is burned out, signs that point to heating element issues, and what you can do to fix the problem. We’ll also cover when it’s time to call a professional plumber, like those at Pristine Plumbing, to handle the repair or replacement.
Understanding How a Water Heater Works
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s helpful to understand the role of the heating elements in your water heater.
In electric water heaters, there are typically two heating elements: one at the top of the tank and one at the bottom. These elements are responsible for heating the water inside the tank. The top element heats the upper portion of the tank, and the bottom element heats the lower portion. When you use hot water, the cooler water from the bottom of the tank is drawn into the bottom element to be heated, while the top element continues heating the upper portion of the tank.
Both elements work together to ensure that your water stays at a consistent temperature. When one or both of the elements stop working, however, you can face a variety of issues, such as insufficient hot water or no hot water at all.
Signs That Your Water Heater Element Is Burned Out
If you’re experiencing issues with your hot water, the heating element might be the cause. Here are some common signs to look for:
<h3 “>1. Inconsistent Hot Water Temperature
One of the first signs of a malfunctioning heating element is inconsistent water temperature. You may notice that your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, or it fluctuates between hot and cold unexpectedly. This could indicate that the bottom element is no longer working properly, and the top element is having to compensate by doing more of the work.
2. No Hot Water at All
If your water heater isn’t providing hot water at all, it’s likely that one or both heating elements have completely burned out. Without functioning heating elements, your water heater can’t heat the water, which will result in a lack of hot water for your home.
3. Only Lukewarm Water
Sometimes, the water heater might still produce lukewarm water, but the water never gets hot enough for a comfortable shower or proper cleaning. This could be a sign that one of the heating elements is working intermittently or inefficiently. Often, this occurs when one element is partially burned out and struggling to heat the water.
4. Water Takes Longer to Heat Up
If your water heater is taking longer than usual to heat the water, it could be a sign that the heating element is no longer functioning at full capacity. This happens when the element still heats water but at a slower rate than before, requiring more time to reach the desired temperature.
5. Foul Smells or Strange Noises
If your water heater is making bubbling or cracking noises, it’s usually a sign that there’s sediment buildup around the heating elements. This can cause the elements to overheat and eventually burn out. Additionally, if the elements are damaged, they might cause the water to develop an unpleasant odor, often described as a “rotten egg” smell. This could be due to the heating element’s exposure to debris or corrosion inside the tank.
How to Troubleshoot a Burned-Out Water Heater Element
If you suspect your water heater’s element is burned out, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. However, it’s essential to note that some steps may require a professional plumber, especially if you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
1. Turn Off the Power Supply
Before you start working with the water heater, make sure the power is turned off to prevent any electrical accidents. For electric water heaters, this means switching off the circuit breaker that controls the water heater. It’s important to make sure that the power is completely off before you proceed with further troubleshooting.
2. Test the Water Temperature
If you’re experiencing lukewarm or no hot water at all, check the thermostat on your water heater. It should be set at around 120°F. If it’s set correctly and the water is still not heating properly, it’s likely that one of the heating elements is malfunctioning.
3. Inspect the Heating Elements
To determine which element is burned out, you’ll need to test both the top and bottom heating elements. Here’s how:
- Remove the access panel on the side of the water heater to expose the heating elements. You’ll typically find one at the top and one at the bottom.
- Use a multimeter to test the resistance of each heating element. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting (Ω) and touch one probe to the terminal on the element and the other probe to the ground. If the reading shows zero resistance, the element is working fine. A lack of resistance indicates that the element is burned out and needs to be replaced.
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with using a multimeter, or if the multimeter shows that both elements are working but you’re still having issues, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to avoid further damage.
4. Check for Sediment Buildup
If you hear rumbling noises from the tank, there could be sediment buildup around the heating elements. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can cause the heating elements to overheat, which may lead to burnouts.
To fix this:
- Drain the tank: Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and empty the water. This will help flush out the sediment and debris.
- Flush the tank: After draining the tank, fill it back up and let the water run for a few minutes to further flush out the sediment.
5. Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod inside the tank helps prevent rust and corrosion by attracting minerals. If the anode rod is worn out or corroded, it can affect the performance of the heating elements and cause long-term damage. Replacing a faulty anode rod can help extend the lifespan of the water heater and improve performance.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While troubleshooting your water heater’s elements is possible, some issues require a professional touch. If you’re unsure about how to test or replace a heating element, or if your water heater is still not working after troubleshooting, it’s time to call a plumber. Here are a few scenarios where you should seek professional help:
- You’re unsure how to properly test or replace the element.
- There’s a major leak coming from the water heater or a leak around the heating elements.
- You’re dealing with constant sediment buildup or strange noises after flushing the tank.
- The unit is older (over 10-15 years) and may need a full replacement rather than a repair.
At Pristine Plumbing, our experienced technicians are ready to assist with diagnosing and repairing your water heater issues. We provide thorough inspections, quick repairs, and replacements to ensure your water heater operates efficiently.
Conclusion
Dealing with a burned-out water heater element can be a headache, but recognizing the signs early and troubleshooting the issue can help you determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary. If you’re unsure about handling the problem yourself or if the issue persists, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage.
At Pristine Plumbing, we offer expert water heater repair services in the Treasure Valley area. Whether you’re dealing with a burned-out element, inconsistent water temperatures, or other water heater issues, we can help you get your system back to working order in no time.