Tankless Water Heater

5 Responses to “Why does the lower element in my electric hot water heater keep going out?”

1. Jay B
   December 8th, 2011 @ 9:57 pm

   Have you cleaned out your tank through the bottom valve, sometimes calcium can build up depending on your water, I would try that if you have not.

2. life_loverfl
   December 8th, 2011 @ 9:57 pm

   The heater is probably old and calcium and sediments settle to the bottom of the tank over time. It’s probably compacted too so draining the water won’t be of much help. You can try draining it and sticking an air hose into the valve to try and break it up. Sometimes it works, but I’m afraid you’re looking at a new heater in order to solve the problem.

3. Petrusclavus
   December 8th, 2011 @ 10:07 pm

   Yup I agree – crap in the tank makes elements burn out. Probsblly cheaper to replace than dismantle/clean and discover it is thin anyway.

4. goodnused
   December 8th, 2011 @ 10:30 pm

   Well, Lots of good ideas here. I would flush the system and replace the Element with the proper application, rather then a one size fits all. I would also do a voltage check to make sure you are getting proper voltage at the hot water heater and each element as well. Roughly 120 or 240 volts.
   Also, make sure you have a good ground Green wire going to your electric panel as well. Mostly just check the simple things. After that if it is still working..and if it is over 10 years old…I would be shopping for a New water heater on sale only. Never buy the top of the line, buy one step down from that. And the new water heater may cut down on your energy costs as well. Good Luck.

5. SolidAxle
   December 8th, 2011 @ 11:03 pm

   The lower element does 80% of the water heating work. Also, like the others have said, sediment is your enemy.

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