This is so whether testing upper or lower heating element.
Checking heating element water heater.
Remove the rectangular shaped cover plate running up the front of the heater to get access the.
If the water heater is hot run hot water in the building with the water heater electrical power off until water flows lukewarm or colder.
This is important especially as open and grounded heating elements result in inaccurate tests.
Take 1 of the wires off of a water heater element.
Each of a hot water heater s elements has 2 electrical wires running to screws that hold the element in place.
If it has a disconnectable plug unplug it.
You will also need to check the water heater thermostat with digital multimeter tools.
How to check heating elements in hot water heaters.
Testing a water heater heating element 1.
To look for faults you will need to use a screwdriver.
The reading on the multimeter should be zero.
All the tests that you will perform will be done with the power turned off.
Turn off the breaker switch to the hot water heater at the breaker box.
Locate the water valve at the bottom of the water heater.
If you want to test a thermostat on an electric water heater you will also need to check the heating element.
Wait for the.
Disconnect the electrical wires at the heating element terminals.
If the heater is an electric unit.
Place the remaining probe against the metal base attached to the element where it enters the water heater.
Leave the upper thermostat in the lowest setting and test the lower thermostat.
Attach a garden hose.
Choose which heater element you d like to test first.
Disconnect the water heater from power source.
Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the hot water heater.
The lower thermostat has only two terminals.
Use the screwdriver to set the lower thermostat to the highest setting.
The element is bad and must be replaced if the needle on the face of the multimeter moves.
Determine which of the two heating elements in your water heater could be the problem by turning on the water at.
How to check a heating element in a water heater step 1.
Remove 1 wire it doesn t matter which one by finding its loose end and unraveling it from around the metal element.