How to Test a Water Heater Element Without a Multimeter (DIY)
Tools and Tips

How to Test a Water Heater Element Without a Multimeter (DIY)

18.02.2023 /

Is your electric water heater not heating well, running out of hot water, or not producing hot water at all? Checking the heating element will help you diagnose the problem.

However, you might think that this is not possible without a multimeter. You are mistaken, because in this guide I will teach you the DIY (DIY) process of checking the heating element without a multimeter.

Reasons why water does not heat up

There are other reasons for the lack of hot water. Before checking the elements, make sure that the circuit breaker is turned on and has not tripped.

Also, directly above the higher thermostat, press the reset button on the high cutoff. You can fix the problem by resetting the circuit breaker or high temperature trip device, but it could be an electrical problem as the root cause in the first place.

Check the water heater elements if they work again.

Heating element testing: two processes

Necessary materials

  • Non-contact voltage tester
  • Pliers with long jaws
  • Screwdriver
  • A heating element
  • Heating element key
  • Continuity Tester

Setting

Before moving on to the kinds of processes on how to check the elements of a water heater without a multimeter, let's first examine the electric water heater we will be working on for safety:

Linings must be removed

  • Switch off the electricity on the machine.
  • To access the thermostats and elements, remove the metal covers.
  • Verify that the power is off by touching the electrical connections with a non-contact voltage tester.

Inspect the wires

  • Inspect the cables leading to the water heater.
  • First you need to remove the metal cover with a screwdriver to get through the elements.
  • Remove the insulator and hold the tester close to the wires entering the top of the high temperature switch.
  • Attach the tester to the metal body of the water heater.
  • You can check the elements of the water heater if the tester does not light up.

First Process: Testing Defective Items

Here you will need a continuity tester.

  • The wires must be disconnected from the terminal screws.
  • Connect one of the element screws to the alligator clip.
  • Touch the other screw with the probe of the tester.
  • Replace the heating element if it does not light up.
  • It is not defective if it does not burn.

Second process: short circuit test

  • The crocodile clip should be attached to one of the element's screws.
  • Touch the element's mounting bracket with the test probe.
  • Run a test on all remaining elements.
  • Short circuit if the tester indicator lights up; at this point, it becomes necessary to replace the water heater element.

Note: After you've tested your water heater elements and found them to be in great shape, your thermostat or switch is probably the source of the problem. Replacing both will solve the problem. But if it is defective, here is a guide to replacing the water heater element:

Replacing a defective element

Step 1: Get rid of the bad element

  • Close the cold water inlet valve.
  • Turn on the hot water faucet in the kitchen.
  • Connect the water hose to the drain valve and open it to drain the water from the tank.
  • Use the key for the heating element to unscrew the old element.
  • To turn the socket, you will need a long and strong screwdriver.
  • Loosen the threads with a cold chisel and hammer if it won't come off.

Step 2: Installing the new element in place

  • Place the new element into the electric water heater with the heating element wrench and tighten it.
  • Connect the wires, making sure they are securely connected.
  • The insulation and metal coatings should be replaced. And everything is ready!

F.A.Q.

Are all elements of an electric water heater the same?

The top and bottom heating elements are similar, and the top and bottom thermostats and the high limit device control the temperature. The size of electric water heater elements varies, but the most common is 12″. (300 mm). (1)

What happens when a heating element fails?

The heating elements in an electric water heater break down, resulting in a loss of hot water. Your water may start to cool down gradually because the water heater element has burnt out. You will only get cold water if the second element of the water heater fails. (2)

What does the reset button do?

Your electric water heater's reset button is a safety feature that turns off power to your water heater when the temperature inside it reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The reset button is also known as a kill switch.

Some of the other multimeter learning guides we have listed below you can check out or bookmark for future reference.

  • How to test a capacitor with a multimeter
  • How to check fuses with a multimeter
  • How to check Christmas garlands with a multimeter

Recommendations

(1) temperature – https://www.britannica.com/science/temperature

(2) heating – https://www.britannica.com/technology/heating-process-or-system

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