How to Know if the Heating Element is Going Out in Your Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, providing hot water for bathing, cleaning, and daily household tasks. However, when the heating element starts to fail, it can leave you with lukewarm water or no hot water at all. Understanding the signs that your water heater's heating element is going out, and knowing when to replace it or the entire water heater, is essential to avoid the frustration of cold showers and inefficient water heating.
What Is a Water Heater Heating Element?
Most electric water heaters contain two heating elements: one at the top and one at the bottom of the tank. These elements heat the water inside the tank by converting electrical energy into heat. When one or both of these elements fail, the water heater can no longer heat the water efficiently, leading to a variety of issues. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, use a burner to heat the water and do not contain electric heating elements, so this article specifically addresses electric water heaters.
Signs Your Water Heater Heating Element Is Going Out
If your water heater's heating element is on its way out, you’ll notice several telltale signs. Here are some of the most common indications that your heating element may need attention:
Lukewarm Water
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a failing heating element is that the water coming from your faucets and shower is lukewarm instead of hot. This typically happens when one of the two elements in the water heater has failed, reducing the appliance’s ability to heat water to the desired temperature. If the lower element fails, your tank may only heat half of the water, leaving you with shorter hot water cycles.
No Hot Water at All
If both heating elements have gone out, or if there’s a more severe electrical issue within the water heater, you may find yourself without any hot water. While this can also be caused by other issues, such as a blown fuse or thermostat failure, a failed heating element is a common culprit.
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
If your hot water supply runs out faster than usual, it may indicate that one of the heating elements is malfunctioning. The remaining working element may be struggling to keep up with the demand, leaving you with hot water that doesn’t last as long as it should.
Water Takes Longer to Heat
A healthy water heater should be able to heat water relatively quickly. If you notice that your water heater is taking longer than usual to bring the water up to temperature, a failing heating element may be to blame. This could be due to an element that is no longer generating enough heat to efficiently warm the water.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
When a heating element goes bad, it can sometimes short-circuit or overheat, causing the circuit breaker to trip. If you find that your water heater's breaker keeps tripping, it could indicate an electrical issue with one or both of the heating elements.
Sediment Build-Up
Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This buildup can insulate the lower heating element, reducing its effectiveness or causing it to overheat and fail. If you’ve noticed a decrease in water heating performance and haven’t flushed your tank in a while, sediment buildup may be contributing to the problem.
Unusual Noises
A failing heating element can sometimes cause strange noises, such as popping or sizzling, inside the water heater. These sounds often result from water coming into contact with a malfunctioning or overheating element. If you hear unusual noises from your water heater, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional.
How to Test a Water Heater Heating Element
Before deciding whether to replace the heating element, it’s important to test it to confirm that it’s the source of the problem. While we suggest you call Sanders Plumbing HVAC to have an expert look at your water heater, here’s a basic step-by-step guide to testing a water heater element using a multimeter:
Turn off the power to the water heater by flipping the circuit breaker.
Remove the access panel on the side of the water heater to expose the heating element. There may be one or two panels, depending on your model.
Check the voltage using the multimeter to ensure that the power is off.
Disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals.
Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting and touch the probes to the heating element terminals. A reading between 10 and 30 ohms typically indicates a functioning element. If you get no reading or an infinite reading, the element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Replacing the Heating Element vs. Replacing the Water Heater
Once you’ve determined that the heating element is failing, you may wonder whether to replace the element itself or opt for a new water heater altogether. Several factors can help guide your decision:
Age of the Water Heater
Most water heaters have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. If your water heater is relatively new (less than 7-8 years old), replacing the heating element is often a cost-effective solution. However, if your water heater is approaching the end of its lifespan, replacing the entire unit may be a better investment.
Cost of the Repair
Replacing a heating element is generally an inexpensive repair, costing between $100 and $200, including parts and labor. If the water heater is otherwise in good condition, replacing the element may be all you need to restore it to full function. However, if your water heater has other issues, such as a failing thermostat, tank corrosion, or significant sediment buildup, these additional problems can make replacement more economical in the long run.
Frequency of Repairs
If you’ve had to repair your water heater multiple times in the past few years, it might be time to replace the entire unit. Constant repairs can add up and indicate that the appliance is nearing the end of its useful life.
Energy Efficiency
Older water heaters tend to be less energy-efficient than newer models. If your water heater is old and inefficient, replacing the entire unit with a modern, energy-efficient model can save you money on utility bills in the long term.
When to Call a Professional
While replacing a water heater element can be a DIY project for those with electrical experience, it’s often best to call a professional. A licensed plumber can accurately diagnose the issue, ensure that the correct part is installed, and verify that your water heater is functioning safely.
Additionally, if you decide to replace the entire water heater, a professional can help you choose the best model for your home and handle the installation.
Knowing the signs of a failing heating element in your water heater can save you from the inconvenience of running out of hot water. If you notice lukewarm water, longer heating times, or strange noises, it’s time to inspect and test the heating element. While replacing the element is a straightforward and affordable fix, there are situations when replacing the entire water heater is the smarter choice, especially if your unit is aging or inefficient.
At Sanders Plumbing HVAC, we offer expert water heater repair and replacement services. Whether you need a new heating element or a full water heater upgrade, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 501-374-0117 to schedule a service and ensure your home always has hot water when you need it.