Water Heater Element Replacement (What You Need to Know)

Your Sutherland Shire home’s water heater is a complicated and integral appliance.

It’s advisable to have yearly maintenance performed on this piece of equipment to detect hot water heater element problems, among other potential issues.

Failure to do so can lead to any number of difficulties in the proper functioning of your water heater.

As far as knowing when it’s time for a new heating element, you need to know what are some bad water heating element symptoms.

What Are Some Bad Water Heater Element Symptoms?

When it comes to bad water heater element symptoms, there are a few key things to keep an eye out for.

1. Insufficient hot water

One of the most obvious signs of a problem is if the water isn’t heating properly.

If you’ve set the thermostat to the recommended temperature range (usually between 120-140 degrees), but the hot water you’re receiving isn’t that hot or there’s never enough of it, this could be a sign that the electric water heater heating element is nearing the end of its lifespan and may need to be tested or replaced by a new heating element.

2. Slow heating or no hot water

Another potential symptom of a bad water heater element is if you notice that the water is taking a long time to heat up or if it’s not heating up at all. This could be due to a faulty element that is no longer functioning properly.

If you have a gas water heater, you may notice issues with the gas thermocouple. This is the component that helps to regulate the flow of gas into the burner, so if it’s not working correctly, you may have trouble getting hot water.

Also Read: How Long Does a Hot Water System Last

3. Rusty or discolored water

If you notice that the hot water coming out of your faucets is rusty or discolored, it could be an indication that the water heater element is corroded or failing. When the element corrodes, it can break down and cause rust particles to contaminate the water.

4. Strange noises

If you hear popping, cracking, or hissing noises coming from your water heater, it could be a sign that you need a new heating element. The noises are often caused by mineral buildup on the element, which can cause it to overheat and make unusual sounds. The mineral buildup can also cause the element to vibrate and produce a humming noise. These noises are usually more prominent when the water heater is in use and can be a sign that the heating element needs to be replaced.

5. High energy bills

A faulty heating element can cause your energy bills to spike even if your usage remains the same. When the element is not working properly, it will use more energy to heat the water, which will result in higher energy bills.

If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bills without any corresponding increase in usage, it’s important to investigate the cause. Checking the heating element is a good place to start, as a faulty heating element can often be the culprit behind high energy bills. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the heating element rather than continuing to pay higher energy bills.

6. Smelly water

If your hot water has a foul odor, it could be a sign that bacteria has built up in the tank and that you need a new heating element. This can happen when the water temperature is too low or when the heating element is not working properly. When the water temperature is not high enough, it creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, which can cause a foul odor. If you notice this symptom, it’s important to have your water heater inspected and the heating element checked to make sure it’s working properly.

It’s important to note that bad heater element problems should always be handled by a professional plumber. This is because these appliances involve handling hot water, gas, and electricity, and attempting to fix them yourself could be dangerous. If you suspect that there’s an issue with your water heater element, it’s best to call a professional to come and take a look.

Have Water Heater Element Testing Before Replacement

If you’re interested in testing your water heater element before replacing it, there are some steps you can take. It’s important to note that while you can perform this testing yourself, it’s generally recommended to have a professional handle it to avoid any potential hazards like your best local Sutherland Shire plumber.

To perform water heater element testing yourself, you’ll need a multimeter and a screwdriver.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Begin by turning off the power to the water heater and removing the access panel. Be sure to avoid touching any wires, as water heaters typically use 240 volts of electricity.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button and Test the Multimeter

Next, locate the reset button and place one of the multimeter probes on one of the lines above it. Place the other probe on the outside of the water heater tank.

Step 3: Remove a Wire and Test the Element Screws

Set the multimeter to the RX1K setting and test the meter by touching the probes together. The needle should move all the way over.

Step 4: Determine If the Element Needs to Be Replaced

Remove one of the wires, it doesn’t matter which one, and then take the probes and place them on each element screw. If the meter doesn’t move, this indicates that your heater element is bad and needs to be replaced. If the meter does move, however, the element is still good and you’ll need to look for other potential causes of your water heater issues.

While this testing process can be helpful in determining whether your heater element needs to be replaced, it’s important to keep in mind that working with hot water, gas, and electricity can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable handling this type of water heater repairs on your own, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber to handle it for you.

Expert Hot Water Heater Element Testing and Replacement Services in the Sutherland Shire: Trust Damien McEvoy Plumbing for Your Electric Water Heating Needs

When it comes to your hot water system, one of the most important components is the hot water heater element. If your hot water system is not working efficiently or if you’re experiencing a lack of hot water altogether, the hot water heater element may be the culprit and it may be time for a new heating element.

At Damien McEvoy, we offer reliable and efficient hot water heater element testing and replacement services in the Sutherland Shire area. Our team of highly skilled and experienced plumbing professionals can perform thorough electric water heating element testing to identify any issues and provide timely water heater repairs or replacement element as needed.

We understand that hot water heating element problems can be stressful and disruptive, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that you never have to go without hot water when you need it the most. Our plumbing professionals are available to respond to your hot water emergencies quickly and efficiently, getting your system back up and running in no time.

In addition to water heater heating element testing and replacement, we offer a wide range of plumbing services, including leak detection, drain cleaning, and toilet repairs. No matter what your plumbing needs may be, we have the expertise and resources to get the job done right.

We take pride in delivering excellent plumbing services in the Sutherland Shire area. Our team of plumbing professionals is committed to providing you with high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with customized solutions that meet their unique requirements.

At our company, we believe in transparent pricing and provide our clients with detailed estimates of the costs and timeline for their projects. We offer free consultations to help you find the best solution for your hot water system needs.

So if you’re experiencing hot water element problems in the Sutherland Shire area, don’t hesitate to call us at (02) 8599 4593. We’ll be happy to help you on your hot water heater element replacement and provide you with any plumbing services you may need.