I have a 40 gal electric water heater, but have insufficient hot water. The cold water intake pipe on top of the heater is very hot but when I turn on a hot water tap, it gets cold quickly. replaced dip tube it was OK, how do I determain if an element is not working?
Water Heaters - Reliance - RELIANCE ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
Answers & Comments
You will need an amp meter. I suspect that the lower heating element is out or the thermostat.
Most water heater have a upper and lower element. The bottom is the main work horse.
Take the lower access door off and you can get to the wires to use a clamp on Amp meter. You should get a reading of 10 + amp if it is working. You can check the thermostat with the volt meter also to make sure you are getting voltage to the element . You should have 220 volts across the two wire attached to the element. The elements are not to hard to change. You will need to shut the power Off and the Cold Water off. Drain the tank to get below the bottom element and you will need to get a special wrench to unscrew the old element out of the tank. Hope this Helps
The element may be fine. There is a small door with screws, inside there is like a small wheel or witch, it is the internal thermostat. Many people turn them down to save energy.
If you household has grown or the weather is very cold then you need to move this thermostat higher. When you open the access door you will see the indicators in Fahrenheit degrees.
As usual be careful, unplug electricity before doing anything and if you feel not comfortable call an electrician.
If the element is broken, you will not have any hot water.