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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Hi there, without some type of meter how would you know which to change (the element or therm) if water is taking 24 hour to heat up and lasts about 5 to 8 mins shorter than did before. Showing current to all. (did have that kind of meter) Does the thermostat need the element to work for it to work and/or does the element need the the thermostat to work? Cant both be showing power but just going bad or is that what the meter is for to show you how bad not just whether its working or not.
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Author:
Royboysc (SC)
You will need an amp meter.
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Author:
SMSPlumbing (PA)
You can do an Ohm test. You have to turn the power off and disconnect the wires from the elements. Then ohm out the element. If you hear the bell tone, and the readings are near 12.4 or so, then you can rule out the element.
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Thank you for responding.
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Author:
hj
I am not about to tell you HOW to test the system because you might electrocute yourself, but having power TO the elements is not enough, you have to determine if it is USING the power.
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Without the right test equipment it's hard to diagnose every single heater malfunction. Bad elements can still draw current and heat some.
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Thank ypu. I would assume same with bad therms? They could draw current and still heat some?
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Also thanks for being concerned about harming myself. So the meter to check current and ohm reader are two different things? See, I'm just trying to know more this time. 15 years ago on another heater a guy charged 90 dollars to change upper therm. Its only now I know that was way over charging.
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Oh and I do turn power off before working with heater because the meters work without power on anyways, right?
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Author:
Royboysc (SC)
I still like the amprobe because it will tell you exactly the watts being used. Take the amp reading and mutiply it by the volt reading to give you the watts being used. The wattage stamped on the element will tell you its rating so you can compare numbers. The watts being used dictates the speed of the water heating.
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Author:
hj
Thermostats do NOT draw current. They are simple switches the turn the power on or off. When they go bad they do NOT do it at the proper times.
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Author:
hj
quote; 15 years ago on another heater a guy charged 90 dollars to change upper therm. Its only now I know that was way over charging.
And HOW do you know that was "over charging"? Are you sure that was what he did? Thermostats are usually the LEAST likely parts if a heater to need changing. I have only replaced a "handful" of them is 60 years. Today, it would cost more than $90.00 just to get to your house, and the cost of the thermostat, and the other parts, would be additional.
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Author:
hj
The only accurate tests require that the power be ON, which is why I said I would not tell you what tests to make.
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Ok. Both therms and elements changed, its 40 gallon tank and 20 mins no hot water. Does it take longer?
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
Can hear noise in upper now that couldnt hear before just thought id have hot water sooner. No?
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
I know he only did the therm cause receipt said "replaced upper t-stat = $88.00"
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Author:
littlefoot (AZ)
I was able to use a multimeter with ohms on it and everything read ok except showing no power to heater (breaker checked out ok too) it was something in the wiring in the wall. Have two new therms two new elements and HOT WATER. Thanks for your help. btw hj I was the one to check everything with the meter and even with the power on. I'm not as dumn as I write I guess. Home depot coached me over the phone. And I'm female.
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Author:
hj
quote; btw hj I was the one to check everything with the meter and even with the power on.
IF you were going to replace ALL the components, why did you bother testing? And if there was no power to the heater, then did you REALLY test with the power ON? Why didn't it have power? was the "reset" button tripped/popped out?
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Author:
dlh (TX)
you replaced everything and then found a problem in the wiring to the heater? if so then that means you spent a lot of time and replaced a lot of things that had no effect in getting your hot water working again
- - - - - - -
PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
hj
Who said anything about a water heater? I was installing the piping for an outdoor patio sink, and the wires were inside the cabinet, near the pipes. I DO NOT waste my time doing unnecessary repairs. You are the first person in many years who has told me I do NOT know what I am doing.
Edited 1 times.
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