Water Heater Element Question

[Scoop Sea]

I just purchased a townhome down in Crawfordville and the hot water heater is not working (electric). I've tried everything I know (turning up the heat settings, tripping the breaker at the breaker box, etc) to get it to work with no luck. It's a 2005 model and the place sat empty 2 years, so I suspect it isn't worn out. I was wondering if any of you all had any other suggestions on what might get it back going or if I should just be looking for a new one. In advance, and as always, thanks.

[wevans]

I'm no expert but the first thing I would do is drain it and get all of the "gunk" out of the bottom. Then you can test the elements

[BeachRum1962]

Yes, draining it and replacing the element and thermostat is a relatively cheap fix. If you can run down a manual there are likely some troubleshooting steps you can do with a voltmeter to isolate the issue, but replacing the element(s) and thermo will likely do the trick.

[Scoop Sea]

Thanks fellas. I'd heard that changing the element may be the way to go. I don't know anything about that, but I will youtube it and see what it entails. Thanks again for the quick replies.

[Rhettley]

Some units have a small red push button reset on them.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

WW GRAINGER HAS ELEMENTS TO FIX MOST ALL WATER HEATERS, LOWES ALSO CAN GET THEM FOR YOU.
PA
SEMPER FI

[Scoop Sea]

Thanks Fellas, I will check it out and see if I can't knock it out. Rhettley, I can't remember if I pushed that button or not, I saw it, I will try that first. Thanks again.

[mpa_72001]

All else fails check with jump trout.

[reelhandy]

A multi tester would be a big help in letting you know whats going on before you start replacing parts. If you're not comfortable with checking the connections for power, you can still turn the breaker off and check for continuity at the heating element. With the breaker off set the multi tester on ohm meter and touch the 2 probes to the 2 screws on the heating element. One probe to one screw. If the meter goes to 0 the element is good. If the element is burned out the meter won't show any change or very little change when the screws are touched. Anything less than 0, or full continuity, I would change the element.
It's a pretty easy job. Match the wattages of the elements and you can't go wrong. I also recommend that you get a cheap element wrench from Lowes or Home Depot. It's a big nut in a tight location otherwise.

[wevans]

Something else to consider. If you plan to keep the place for any length of time, you may want to replace it now, before you get settled in. Most tanks have an average lifespan of around 10 years before the bottom starts rusting out of them and on ounce "$$$" of prevention can save you from big problems later

[MarkM]

I'm not trying to be smart, but is the circuit breaker on? Next check the reset button. If it''s tripped than it's probably the bottom element. If it's not the bottom element, replace both elements and thermostats.
Or, as Wevans said, replace the water heater. The time and aggravation spent isn't worth the time and aggravation. If it is the bottom element, that means the mineral deposits are over the element.

[Dubble Trubble]

You said the place was vacant for two years?

If power was on and water was turned off, I am betting elements burned out.


Dubble

[Pangler]

The upper element comes on 1st, when upper t stat is satisfied the lower t stat comes on. Start with upper element since no hot water, if that only gives you partial hot water replace lower. Or replace both while drained but keep in mind the upper t stat has to be satisfied in order for the bottom t stat to work.

[charlie tuna]

Water heaters have a "disconnecting means" -- either a plug connection, or a "pull out" type disconnect. This "pull out " disconnect today is usually a cheap box with a "pull out" handle inside. One way it is "ON" and turn it 180 degrees and it is "OFF". Five years old is like "brand new" for a water heater!!! Also make sure you have 240 volts going into the heater, the possiblitity of the breaker being bad is high than an element ...

[wevans]

Water heaters have a "disconnecting means" -- either a plug connection, or a "pull out" type disconnect. This "pull out " disconnect today is usually a cheap box with a "pull out" handle inside. One way it is "ON" and turn it 180 degrees and it is "OFF". Five years old is like "brand new" for a water heater!!! Also make sure you have 240 volts going into the heater, the possiblitity of the breaker being bad is high than an element ...

If it's a 2005 model, it's 9 years old. And if it was installed during construction, it's the cheapest one they could find! I would change it out now, as opposed to later, but that's just me