What If Only One Heating Element Is Working In Hot Water Heater?

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Have you ever noticed a hot water heater with one of its heating element working? Most of us take instant hot water for granted and assume it is always readily available from the tap, but have you ever stopped to consider what’s happening inside the tank? In this article, we’ll explain why water heaters have two (or more) elements, and explore the implications of having only one functioning element.

We’ll also discuss the potential consequences of this issue, and what steps you should take if your heating element is not working properly. Read on to learn more about what might happen if only one heating element is functioning in your hot water heater!

What if Only One Heating Element is Working in a Hot Water Heater?

Having only one heating element working in a hot water heater can lead to a lot of frustration, especially when you need hot water urgently.

This can be caused by a variety of issues, including overloading the unit, a defective part, or improper installation. Let’s take a look at what could be causing the issue, and how you can fix it.

What Causes the Issue?

There are several possible causes for this issue, including the following:
  • The unit has been overloaded: If the hot water heater has been overloaded, it can cause the elements to fail. This can happen when too much hot water is used, or too many appliances are connected to the unit.

  • A defective part: It’s possible that a part is defective or broken, and it’s preventing the elements from working as they should.
  • Improper installation: If the water heater was improperly installed, it can cause the element to fail.
  • A power surge: If the hot water heater was exposed to a power surge, it can cause the element to fail.

How to Fix the Issue

If you’re experiencing an issue with only one heating element working in your hot water heater, the first thing you should do is check the circuit breakers to make sure they’re in the “on” position. If they are, you may need to call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue. The professional may need to replace the faulty element or repair the wiring.

Another option is to replace the entire unit. You may want to consider this if the unit is older or is beginning to show signs of wear.

Replacing the unit, however, is a major undertaking and should be done by a professional.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent future issues with a hot water heater, you should ensure that it has a dedicated breaker to avoid overloading, inspect the unit regularly to look for signs of wear and tear, and ensure that it is properly installed by a professional. In conclusion, having only one heating element working in a hot water heater can be a frustrating experience. To fix the issue, you should first inspect the circuit breakers. If they are in the “on” position, you should call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue. Additionally, to prevent future issues, you should ensure that it has a dedicated breaker to avoid overloading, inspect the unit regularly to look for signs of wear and tear, and ensure that it is properly installed by a professional.

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