3 Easy Ways to Check a Water Heater Element

3 Easy Ways to Check a Water Heater Element

Your water heater is without doubt one of the most necessary home equipment in your house, offering you with scorching water for bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However what occurs when your water heater stops working? One of the crucial frequent causes of water heater failure is a defective heating aspect. For those who’re experiencing issues along with your water heater, it is necessary to verify the heating aspect to see if it must be changed.

Checking a water heater aspect is a comparatively easy course of that may be executed in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take security precautions earlier than you start. First, flip off the ability to the water heater on the circuit breaker panel. Then, flip off the fuel provide to the water heater. As soon as the water heater is turned off, you’ll be able to start checking the heating aspect.

To verify the heating aspect, you will want a multimeter. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance. To make use of a multimeter to verify a water heater aspect, first set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, contact the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating aspect. If the heating aspect is sweet, the multimeter will learn between 10 and 20 ohms. If the heating aspect is unhealthy, the multimeter will learn infinity.

Figuring out the Water Heater Ingredient

Finding the Water Heater

Step one in checking a water heater aspect is to find your water heater. Most residential water heaters are present in a utility room, basement, or storage. As soon as you’ve got discovered your water heater, determine the kind of gasoline it makes use of: fuel or electrical. Pure fuel and propane water heaters usually have a combustion chamber and a burner, whereas electrical water heaters have heating components positioned within the decrease portion of the tank.

Accessing the Water Heater Ingredient

For fuel water heaters, you will have to take away the entrance panel to entry the burner and combustion chamber. Electrical water heaters, alternatively, usually have a decrease entry panel that may be eliminated to show the heating components.

Gas Kind Entry Technique
Gasoline Take away entrance panel
Electrical Take away decrease entry panel

Figuring out the Heating Ingredient

Upon getting entry to the heating components, you’ll be able to determine them by their cylindrical form and {the electrical} terminals related to them. In electrical water heaters, there are normally two components: an higher aspect and a decrease aspect. In fuel water heaters, the burner is positioned above the combustion chamber and is related to a fuel provide line.

Security Precautions

1. Flip Off Energy and Gasoline

Disconnect the water heater from its energy supply by turning off the circuit breaker or fuse. In case your water heater is gas-powered, flip off the fuel provide on the shutoff valve.

2. Drain the Water Heater

Open the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and permit all of the water to empty out. This may stop scalding and make it simpler to work on the water heater. You should use a bucket or hose to empty the water into an acceptable location.

Suggestions for draining the water heater:

Tip Particulars
Use warning when opening the drain valve Scorching water might come out all of a sudden, so open the valve slowly and punctiliously.
Place a bucket or hose below the drain valve This may assist to direct the water away from the work space.
Flush the water heater completely As soon as the vast majority of the water has drained out, flush the water heater by turning on the chilly water provide and permitting it to run by the drain valve for a couple of minutes.

Disconnecting the Energy

Earlier than you begin working in your water heater, it is necessary to disconnect the ability. This may assist stop you from getting shocked or injured.

For electrical water heaters:

  • Flip off the ability on the circuit breaker or fuse field.
  • Unplug the water heater from the outlet.

For fuel water heaters:

  • Flip off the fuel provide on the fuel valve.
  • Disconnect the fuel line from the water heater.

As soon as the ability is disconnected, you can begin engaged on the water heater aspect.

Listed below are some further suggestions for disconnecting the ability:

Tip Description
Make certain the water heater is turned off earlier than you begin engaged on it. This may assist stop you from getting shocked or injured.
Use a voltage tester to verify the ability is off earlier than you contact any wires. This may assist stop you from getting shocked.
If you’re not comfy working with electrical energy, it’s best to name a professional electrician. This may assist be certain that the job is finished safely and appropriately.

Draining the Water Heater

Earlier than you start, collect your instruments: a bucket, a hose, a wrench, and a screwdriver. Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater and the chilly water provide line. Join a hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and place the opposite finish of the hose in a bucket. Open the drain valve and permit the water to empty. As soon as the water has stopped draining, take away the hose and shut the drain valve.

Turning Off the Energy

Find {the electrical} panel and switch off the ability to the water heater. This may usually be a circuit breaker or a fuse. As soon as the ability is off, you’ll be able to take away the entry panel to the water heater.

Eradicating the Heating Ingredient

Utilizing a wrench, take away the nuts that maintain the heating aspect in place. As soon as the nuts are eliminated, you’ll be able to pull the heating aspect out of the water heater. Examine the heating aspect for any injury. If the heating aspect is broken, it should have to be changed.

Changing the Heating Ingredient

Insert the brand new heating aspect into the water heater and tighten the nuts that maintain it in place. Flip the ability again on to the water heater and activate the fuel provide. Open a scorching water faucet to permit the water to move by the water heater. Examine for any leaks and ensure the water is heating up.

Eradicating the Water Heater Cowl

1. Flip off the water heater’s electrical energy or fuel provide. In case your water heater is electrical, flip the breaker off or unscrew the fuse. In case your water heater is gas-powered, flip the fuel valve to the “off” place.

2. Flip off the chilly water provide to the water heater. This may stop water from leaking out whenever you take away the duvet.

3. Open a scorching water faucet someplace in your home. This may relieve strain within the water heater, making it simpler to take away the duvet.

4. Find the entry panel on the entrance of the water heater. On most fashions, it is a rectangular panel held in place by screws.

5. Take away the entry panel. This may increasingly require a screwdriver or a wrench. As soon as the panel is eliminated, you should have entry to the water heater’s heating aspect.

Water Heater Kind Entry Panel Location
Electrical Backside of the tank
Gasoline Entrance or aspect of the tank
Tankless Not relevant

Finding the Ingredient

The water heater aspect is usually positioned on the backside of the tank, submerged within the water. To find the aspect, comply with these steps:

1. Shut off the ability and water provide to the water heater.

2. Drain the water from the tank.

3. Take away the entry panel on the backside of the tank.

4. Find the aspect. It will likely be a metallic tube with two wires hooked up to it.

5. Disconnect the wires from the aspect.

6. Unscrew the aspect from the tank. Watch out to not injury the gasket that seals the aspect in place.

If you’re having hassle finding the aspect, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s guide or contact a professional electrician.

Extra Suggestions for Finding the Ingredient

Listed below are some further suggestions for finding the aspect:

  • If in case you have a fuel water heater, the aspect could also be positioned contained in the combustion chamber. To entry the combustion chamber, you will want to take away the entrance panel of the water heater.
  • If in case you have an electrical water heater, the aspect could also be positioned in a separate compartment. To entry this compartment, you will want to take away the entry panel on the backside of the tank.
  • If you’re nonetheless unable to find the aspect, seek the advice of your water heater’s proprietor’s guide or contact a professional electrician.

Testing the Ingredient with a Multimeter

Find the 2 terminals on the water heater aspect. One terminal might be positioned on the prime of the aspect, and the opposite might be positioned on the backside.

Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. This setting is usually denoted by the image Ω.

Contact one of many multimeter probes to the highest terminal of the water heater aspect and the opposite probe to the underside terminal.

If the multimeter reads infinity (∞), then the water heater aspect is blown and must be changed.

If the multimeter reads a resistance worth between 10 and 50 ohms, then the water heater aspect is sweet.

Desk of Resistance Values for Water Heater Components:

Resistance Worth (ohms) Ingredient Situation
0 Shorted
10-50 Good
Blown

If the multimeter reads a resistance worth that isn’t inside the vary of 10-50 ohms, then the water heater aspect is more likely to be defective and ought to be changed.

Changing the Ingredient

1. **Flip off the ability and water provide to the water heater.** That is normally executed by flipping the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the water heater and turning off the water provide valve on the prime of the water heater.

2. **Drain the water from the water heater.** To do that, connect a backyard hose to the drain valve on the backside of the water heater and open the valve. Permit the water to empty right into a bucket or sink.

3. **Take away the entry panel.** The entry panel is normally positioned on the backside of the water heater. It’s held in place by a number of screws. Take away the screws and punctiliously elevate off the entry panel.

4. **Disconnect the wires from the aspect.** The aspect is related to the water heater by two wires. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place after which pull the wires off of the aspect.

5. **Unscrew the aspect.** The aspect is screwed into the water heater tank. Use a wrench to loosen the aspect after which rigorously take away it from the tank.

6. **Clear the tank.** Earlier than putting in the brand new aspect, you will need to clear the tank. Use a wire brush to take away any scale or sediment from the tank.

7. **Set up the brand new aspect.** Screw the brand new aspect into the tank. Make it possible for the aspect is seated correctly after which tighten the aspect with a wrench.

8. **Join the wires to the aspect.** Join the wires to the aspect terminals after which tighten the screws that maintain the wires in place. Use a multimeter to verify that the aspect is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the aspect and the water heater tank. A continuity studying of 0 ohms signifies that there’s a good connection between the aspect and the tank.

Software Description
Multimeter A multimeter is a tool that may measure voltage, present, and resistance. It’s used to verify that the aspect is correctly related and that there’s continuity between the aspect and the water heater tank.
Wrench A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the aspect.
Screwdriver A screwdriver is used to loosen the screws that maintain the wires in place.
Wire brush A wire brush is used to wash the tank.

Reassembling the Water Heater

As soon as the brand new aspect is put in, it is time to reassemble the water heater. Listed below are the steps to comply with:

1. Thread the New Ingredient into the Tank

Fastidiously thread the brand new aspect into the tank till it reaches the underside. Keep away from overtightening it.

2. Set up the Gasket and Flange

Place the brand new gasket onto the flange and align it with the tank opening. Then, screw the flange into the tank by hand, making certain it is cosy however not overtightened.

3. Add Insulation

Wrap insulation across the flange and tank to stop warmth loss. Use foil-faced insulation for added effectiveness.

4. Re-wire the Electrical Connections

Join the wires from the brand new aspect to the terminals within the terminal field. Use wire nuts to safe the connections.

5. Seal the Terminal Field

Apply silicone sealant across the edges of the terminal field to create a watertight seal.

6. Fill the Tank

Activate the chilly water provide and permit the tank to fill utterly.

7. Open the Scorching Water Faucet

Open a scorching water faucet to purge air from the tank and pipes.

8. Energy On

As soon as the water is flowing by the recent water faucet, activate the ability to the water heater.

9. Take a look at the Water Heater

After a number of hours, verify the recent water temperature. It ought to attain between 120°F and 140°F. If it would not, there could also be a problem with the brand new aspect or one other a part of the system.

If all goes nicely, the water heater ought to now be functioning correctly with the brand new heating aspect.

Verifying Circuit Breaker or Fuse

Examine the house’s electrical panel or fuse field to make sure the circuit breaker or fuse related to the water heater will not be tripped or blown. Whether it is, reset the breaker or change the fuse.

Checking Gasoline Provide

If the water heater makes use of pure fuel or propane, make sure the fuel provide is turned on and accessible. Confirm that the fuel valve on the water heater is open.

Inspecting the Thermostat

Find the thermostat on the water heater and visually examine it for any seen injury or corrosion. If the thermostat seems defective, change it with a brand new one.

Checking the Stress Aid Valve

The strain reduction valve is a security gadget that forestalls the water heater from exploding as a consequence of extreme strain. Raise the lever on the valve to make sure it strikes freely and releases water when depressed.

Testing the Pilot Mild (Gasoline Water Heaters)

If the water heater is gas-powered, find the pilot mild and guarantee it’s lit. If not, mild it in response to the producer’s directions.

Restoring Energy and Testing the Water Heater

As soon as the mandatory repairs have been made, carry out the next steps to revive energy and take a look at the water heater:

Restoring Energy

Flip the breaker again on or change the fuse to revive energy to the water heater.

Ready for Heating

Permit the water heater ample time to warmth up. This may increasingly take a number of hours, relying on the water heater’s measurement and temperature setting.

Testing Scorching Water

Run scorching water from a faucet close to the water heater. If the water will not be scorching, verify the thermostat and strain reduction valve once more.

Confirming Correct Operation

If the water is scorching and the water heater is working with out leaks or uncommon noises, it’s possible functioning appropriately.

Monitoring Power Utilization

To make sure the water heater is working effectively, monitor its vitality utilization by monitoring electrical energy or fuel consumption. If the consumption appears extreme, take into account changing the water heater with a extra energy-efficient mannequin.

How To Examine A Water Heater Ingredient

A water heater aspect is an important part liable for heating water in electrical water heaters. For those who suspect your water heater aspect could also be malfunctioning, it is important to examine and take a look at it promptly to make sure the environment friendly and protected operation of your water heater.

This is a step-by-step information on methods to verify a water heater aspect:

  1. Security Precautions: Earlier than continuing, guarantee to close off the ability to the water heater on the electrical panel and shut the water provide valve to the unit.
  2. Drain the Water: Drain the water from the water heater by opening the drain valve on the backside of the tank. Wait till the water has drained utterly.
  3. Take away the Ingredient: Find the entry panel on the aspect or backside of the water heater and take away it. Inside, you will discover the water heater aspect, usually held in place by a nut or bolts. Fastidiously take away the aspect.
  4. Visible Inspection: Look at the aspect for any seen injury, reminiscent of cracks, breaks, or corrosion. If there are any indicators of injury, the aspect possible must be changed.
  5. Ohmmeter Take a look at: Use an ohmmeter to check the aspect’s continuity. Join one probe to every terminal on the aspect. If the ohmmeter reads near 0, the aspect is probably going good. A studying of infinity or very excessive resistance signifies an open circuit and a defective aspect.

Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Examine A Water Heater Ingredient

Do I would like to interchange the anode rod when altering the aspect?

Sure, it is usually advisable to interchange the anode rod concurrently changing the water heater aspect. The anode rod helps to guard the water heater tank from corrosion.

Can I exploit any sort of multimeter to check a water heater aspect?

Any multimeter with an ohms vary can be utilized to check a water heater aspect. Nevertheless, it is necessary to notice that some multimeters might not be capable of measure excessive resistance values precisely.

How typically ought to I verify my water heater aspect?

It is usually advisable to verify your water heater aspect each 2-3 years, particularly when you have arduous water or discover any points with the water heater’s efficiency.