How To Test A Water Heater Element

Easy quick tutorial video on how to test a hot water heater element using a multi-meter. First turn off the breaker in your main electric panel to the water heater. Electric water heaters usually use 30 amp circuit breakers. Remove both panels attached to the side of the water heater. Remove the insulation and remove the plastic safety covers. The covers just snap on and off the element and thermostat. Test your multi-meter to make sure it's working and DOUBLE check to make sure the power is off to the water heater one last time before testing the heating elements. Set the dial on the multi-meter to lowest ohms. Touch the multi-meter probes to the screws on the face of the element A 3500 watt element should read around 16 ohms a 4500 watt element should read about 12 to 13 ohms a 5500 watt element should read between 10 or 11 ohms. If you don't get a reading on the multi-meter you should remove the heating element and replace it. Once you replace the heating element reconnect the wires to the water heater element. Snap the plastic covers back in place. Reinstall the insulation and put the panels back on the side of the water tank. The LAST thing you do is turn the breaker back on to the water heater. It could take around 60-80 min to have hot water again if everything is working good.
#WaterHeaterRepair


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[kargo]

Old video, still holds true today. Thank you for taking the time to make this. Really helps the mechanically minded do it yourselfer.

[kdc]

I like this guy; he's thorough, but not wordy, and showing what a defective element looks like answered my questions.

[johndunlavey]

Excellent vid, to the point descriptive, thorough and no stupid “opening credits or unnecessary commentary! Cheers!

[srgordon]

Excellent how to video on testing water heater elements. Short, informative, and to the point!

[tiffize]

I'm trying to become more self sufficient. I've never done this before and I felt confident in checking my elements with your help. Thank you so much for the very easy to follow DIY.

[coldfusionacura]

This is a very well done video. Straight to the point with enough detail to understand what is going.

[loveinfo]

The easiest explanation I've seen on how to use tester

[MattTheFlyerFan]

Jamie Thanks for sharing, It's reayly nice when homeowners share knowledge like this. It saves people time and money,

[Vortexjb]

This video was perfect; both because it used the multimeter I own, and the way you clearly explained it in a way that is easy to grasp. Thanks so much man.

[ken]

One of the best amateur DIY videos I've seen. Thanks for putting this together!!

[dadalone]

Here are some general rules:The bottom is usually the first to go as it does most of the work, hot water but runs out fast= top element, warm water that last a while = bottom element. If element is in water, it is possible to get a false reading, especially if water has a high iron content and element tube is split.

[appstate]

Excellent video for the average homeowner that knows nothing about electric or electric water heaters. I think I can tackle the job myself now. Good job!

[KennethHarbin-gs]

Thanks for the great video! Simple explanation for someone who has never tried this before.

[ScoutSniperSully]

Best video I’ve seen so far on how to troubleshoot a faulty water heater. Thanks bro!

[thecubemmman]

You made a great how to vid without all the mess others add in so thank you so much!!

[obediahkarto]

I am a new HVAC Tech just from school, I do appreciate your teaching very excited

[doyleredwine]

thanks for the vid bro. Short and to the point. The way it should be. Not a bunch of unnecessary wordage! . One vid I pulled up was almost 30 minutes long. I chose your 5 minute video over it.

[brittanybishop]

Thank you very much! I am new to using multi-meters and new to fixing hot water heaters. You explained everything so well!

[Rodeo_cowboy]

Thanks to you I was able figure both elements were bad. I replaced them and I got hot water again thank you again!!!

[mikem]

Excellent video. I used your instruction to read my faulty element in a 2002 travel trailer with an Atwood aluminum tank water heater.