Check the Lower Heating Element

This is a continuation of previous steps. If you started here, please refer to previous steps to ensure you've followed all safety precautions.

Your water heater is equipped with an Energy Cutoff (ECO). The ECO is a safety device designed to cut power to the unit if the water becomes excessively hot. If the ECO has tripped, this is likely an indication of a non-functioning thermostat or a grounded heating element.

WARNING! A non-functioning thermostat or grounded heating element can cause the water heater to produce extremely hot water causing severe injury or death.

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.

Step 1: Remove the Lower Heating Element Cover

Remove the lower heating element cover.

Step 2: Move the Insulation Out of the Way

Move the insulation out of the way.

Step 3: Remove Plastic Protector

Remove plastic protector.

Step 4: Remove Both Wires

Remove both wires.
The lower heating element operates more frequently and will likely fail before the upper heating element does. However, a short in either heating element could cause the ECO to trip.

Step 5: Set Multimeter to Continuity

Set your multi-meter to the continuity (or resistance) setting.

Set your multi-meter to the continuity (or resistance) setting.

Step 6: Test Lower Heating Element

Check for a short between each heating element screw and the inner steel tank.

Check for a short between each heating element screw and the inner steel tank.
If you get any kind of resistance reading or an audible beep, then it means the element is shorted.
If the lower element has a short, you will need to replace the lower heating element.

Lower element was shorted

Lower element was not shorted