Water Heaters - How to check elements?

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dcsbass
02-05-09, 10:24 AM
My (wife says) hot water tank not as hot. I want to check elements. What is best way ? Ohm or what? Also a good and easy way to check T stats? I'm going to check dip tube.
:wall:
Thank You David C Sr

DaveC72
02-07-09, 11:25 AM
If i recall, elements should measure about a coupla hundred ohms with a meter. Of course, kill the power to the unit before you touch the wires ! If the element reads infinity or super high resistance, its gone open and needs to be replaced.
furd
02-08-09, 05:44 PM
Depending on the watt rating of the elements a good element will have a resistance of between ten and fifteen ohms. Be sure to disconnect all wires form the elements before testing. If there are more than two wires (two or more wires on a single screw) be sure to make note of which wires went on what screw.

DaveC72
02-08-09, 08:56 PM
I agree with Furd.. thats much more reasonable ohm readings.. I think I had some cobwebby 'rule' of "under a hundred ohms" that I screwed up in my reply.

Im approaching my mid-40's.. does this cobwebby thing get worse ? hehe Beer 4U2
furd
02-09-09, 08:57 AM
Im approaching my mid-40's.. does this cobwebby thing get worse ?
Unfortunately, yes, it does get worse. ;)