Quick answer
Most electric tank water heaters have two heating elements. A failed lower element gives a short burst of hot water; a failed upper element or thermostat gives little or none. With the breaker off and wires disconnected, a good element reads roughly 10 to 17 ohms across its terminals for common 3,500 to 5,500 watt sizes, and no continuity to the tank. To replace it, drain or isolate the tank, unscrew the element with an element wrench, fit the matching wattage and voltage, and refill the tank before restoring power. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Electric tank water heaters heat water with resistance elements that screw through the tank wall, one near the top and one near the bottom. Elements are among the most commonly replaced water heater parts.
Which One Failed?
| Symptom | Likely part |
|---|---|
| No hot water | Upper element or upper thermostat |
| Hot water runs out quickly | Lower element or lower thermostat |
| Reset button tripped | Thermostat or element; see electric water heater reset button |
| Breaker trips | Element shorted; see water heater keeps tripping the breaker |
Test It
- 1Turn off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a non-contact tester.
- 2Remove the access panel and insulation.
- 3Disconnect one wire from the element.
- 4Measure across the two terminals. Common 3,500 to 5,500 watt elements at 240 volts read roughly 10 to 17 ohms. No reading means it is open.
- 5Measure from each terminal to the tank. Any continuity means it is shorted.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Replace It
- 1Close the cold supply and open a hot tap.
- 2Drain the tank below the element through the drain valve with a hose.
- 3Unscrew the element with an element wrench.
- 4Fit the new element with a new gasket. It must match the voltage and wattage on the heater's label.
- 5Refill the tank with a hot tap open until water runs steadily, then replace the insulation and panel, and turn the breaker on.
Safety
Never power a dry element. Work on a dead circuit only. If the threads or tank opening are badly corroded, the heater may be near the end of its life; see water heater repair or replace.
The Call
Call when you would rather not work on a 240-volt circuit, or the element will not come out. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which water heater element is bad?
NoHot water often points to the upper element or thermostat; a short burst of hot water points to the lower element. Testing each element with a multimeter confirms it.
Can I replace a water heater element without draining the tank?
Some people do with the cold supply closed and a hot tap open to hold a vacuum, but it is messier. Draining below the element level is the standard method.
What happens if you turn on a water heater element without water?
The element burns out within seconds. Always refill the tank fully, with a hot tap running steadily, before turning the breaker on.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.