![]() Remember, heating elements have to work around the clock to heat the water. It largely depends on how well the unit is maintained. It’s difficult to determine exactly how long water heater elements will last. Dry-fire happens most frequently in newer models. As mentioned previously, the elements will burn through their casing.Ī dry-fired element can fail within 30 seconds. If the tank is empty or only contains a small amount of water, the elements can dry-fire. Water heater elements are designed to heat while submerged in water. It can also result in arcing or allowing a wire to ground through the metal tank, which is very dangerous. For example, a wire can come loose from the terminal - this will stop the element from working. If the connection is bad or damaged, it can cause problems. Heavy gauge wires deliver electricity to the heating elements. As it tries to heat, it will quickly burn through its casing, resulting in the element failing. If there are large air pockets at the top of the tank, the upper heating element will be exposed. They can also occur if the tank is not filled properly.Ī water heater element can burn through its copper casing in less than a minute if it isn’t immersed in water. AirĪs the water heater heats the water, air pockets sometimes occur. This can happen when there’s a power surge from your electrical supplier, or even during lightning storms. If the voltage exceeds this rating, the element will likely burn out. Heating elements have a specific voltage rating. Regular flushing of the tank can get rid of sediment and other buildup. This can cause the element to burn out or simply stop working. When sediment gathers around the element, it insulates it, forcing it to work harder. ![]() They also settle around the heating elements, primarily affecting the lower ones. As the cold water is heated, the minerals dissolve and settle inside the tank. The minerals won’t harm you or your family but they can damage your water heater. Water with higher mineral content is known as “hard water” (2). Mineral Buildupĭepending on the quality of your local water, it could have a significant amount of minerals in it, usually calcium or magnesium. Some can be fixed by cleaning, but others will require a replacement. There are several issues that can impede a water heater element. ![]() What Causes Water Heater Elements to Stop Working? The cost of running an electric water heater is also usually greater than gas units, due to higher electrical bills compared to natural gas. Models with an R-value between R-12 and R-25 are recommended by experts (1). A high R-value means less standby heat loss. When buying a new electric water heater, look for its thermal resistance rating (R-value). There is also a significant amount of standby heat loss, though improved insulation technology has reduced this on modern heaters. The upper element is only required when demand is high.Įlectric water heaters tend to be less energy efficient than gas-powered units and take a little longer to heat. The lower element is the one that does most of the work, heating the water as it enters the tank. There are normally two heating elements in a tank: the upper and lower. Each element is controlled by a thermostat. Most elements are made of steel wire with copper casing, and they are heated as an electrical current passes through them.Įlements will generally be heated to two degrees warmer than the water, to keep it at the chosen temperature. How Much Is a New Water Heater Element?Įlectric water heaters use electric heating elements, whereas gas-powered units have gas burners.How Do You Get a Stuck Water Heater Element Out?.How Can You Tell If a Heating Element Is Bad?.What Causes Water Heater Elements to Stop Working?.
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