Hot Water Heater Element

[cofee_iv]

It's been *year* since I posted on here, so I hope it's "as usual" still. 

 

I think I need to change out an element in my hot water heater. The hot water is't lasting as long when we wash dishes or bathe.

Is there any way to figure out if I need to change out the lower or the upper before ordering parts? 

 

Thanks!

[evaappliance]

most likely the lower one , if it were the top one there would be no heated water at all.   can also be a thermostat , so make sure bottom element is getting power to it

[LearningTech]

They can also be  covered in hard water and the unit may just need cleaning

[certified tech group 51]

My rule of thumb is I ask the customer....Do you run out of hot water quickly  or do you get  real hot water and then warm water...........Running out of hot water , I check the lower element first....Real hot water , then warm, I look at the lower thermostat.....You can check the elements by continuity.......Test the lower thermostat (with  good element ).  Put a clamp-on meter around one  the element wire...Turn the lower thermostat to a higher setting, upper thermostat to a lower setting...... the lower element should be energized....  Reverse the test to test the upper element...meter on the upper element and  lower t stat to a  lower setting and the upper T stat to a higher setting....Most of the time these tests work, but some times the water temps will mess up the tests, ( still too hot  water ) ..........To replace the lower element, , Turn water supply off, release the system pressure of the tank.....Leave a HOT  valve open close by (  a sink )....Get your new element ready, loosen the old element and get it almost out..Quickly remove the old element and install the new one,, If done right . only about a cup or two of water will come out..... ...  ..