Winter can be tough on your home, especially when your water heater isn’t performing like it should. If you’ve noticed lukewarm showers or longer wait times for hot water, your electric water heater might be struggling with a failing heating element. Understanding the warning signs early can save you from a full water heater breakdown and costly repairs.
Common Signs of a Failing Heating Element
Electric water heaters rely on one or two heating elements to warm your water efficiently. When these elements start to fail, your water heater may show one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lukewarm or Inconsistent Water: One of the most noticeable signs is a drop in water temperature. You might notice that your showers are only mildly warm, or hot water runs out much faster than usual.
- Longer Heating Times: If your water heater is taking longer than usual to heat water, it could indicate that one of the elements is partially failing or working intermittently.
- Tripped Circuit Breakers: A damaged heating element can cause electrical issues, including tripping your breaker. This is a warning sign that requires immediate attention.
- Unusual Noises: Popping, hissing, or crackling noises coming from your water heater often indicate sediment buildup around a failing element. This reduces efficiency and can eventually lead to a complete element failure.
- Discolored or Smelly Water: While less common, a failing element can interact with sediment and corrosion in your tank, causing rusty or foul-smelling water.
How Electric Water Heaters Work
Understanding the basics of how your water heater works can help you spot problems early. Electric water heaters use one or two metal heating elements inside the tank to heat water. These elements are controlled by thermostats that turn the electricity on and off as needed. Over time, mineral buildup, corrosion, or simple wear and tear can cause the elements to fail. When this happens, your water may not get hot enough, or it may run out quickly.
Diagnosing a Failing Heating Element Yourself
While we always recommend calling a professional, there are a few things homeowners can check safely:
- Check your thermostat settings: Make sure your water heater is set to 120–140°F.
- Look for obvious leaks or corrosion: Water around the base or on fittings may indicate a larger issue.
- Listen for unusual noises: Popping or sizzling sounds may indicate sediment buildup around the element.
Testing or replacing elements involves electricity and water. Only attempt if you are comfortable with electrical safety, otherwise call a licensed plumber.
Why Winter Makes It Worse
Cold winter water entering your water heater means the heating elements have to work harder to reach your desired temperature. If an element is already weakened, you’ll notice lukewarm water more quickly during the colder months.
What to Do if You Suspect a Failing Element
Diagnosing and replacing a water heater element requires safety precautions and some technical knowledge. While homeowners can sometimes test elements with a multimeter, the best course of action is to call a licensed Virginia Beach plumber like Blessings Plumbing. Our team can:
- Inspect your electric water heater safely
- Test and replace faulty heating elements
- Flush your tank to remove sediment buildup
- Ensure your water heater is running efficiently, even in winter
Ignoring a failing element can lead to complete water heater failure, higher electricity bills due to inefficiency, water damage from leaks or tank bursts, and cold showers during winter.
Preventative Tips
To reduce the risk of heating element failure:
- Schedule regular water heater maintenance
- Flush your tank at least once a year to remove sediment
- Monitor your water temperature and efficiency
- Address any leaks or corrosion promptly
Stay Warm This Winter with a Reliable Water Heater
Don’t let a failing heating element ruin your winter comfort. If your electric water heater is producing lukewarm water or struggling to keep up with your household needs, contact Blessings Plumbing in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Suffolk today at 757-425-7790. Our expert plumbers can quickly diagnose and repair your water heater, keeping your hot water flowing all season long.
