Why does my water heater have no power to the bottom element?
No power is provide to the bottom thermostat and bottom element until the top thermostat is satisfied (switches off). Therefore the bottom element doesn’t come on until the top element has heated the water in the top of the tank up to temperature. Since you have power to the top element, the top thermostat must be good.
How does a two element water heater work?
Assuming a standard 240V two element water heater. Power is provided through the thermal over load (reset button) to the top thermostat and then to top element. No power is provide to the bottom thermostat and bottom element until the top thermostat is satisfied (switches off).
Do you need to replace the top element of a water heater?
Since you have power to the top element, the top thermostat must be good. Since you don’t have any hot water, the top element must be defective (burned out). Replace top element.
What should I do if my electric water heater is not working?
Electric water heaters are high-voltage appliances, which means you should take full precautions when working with one. Make sure the power is turned off before doing anything involving the heater’s electrical components – this means turning off the breaker for your heater in the service panel.
How to troubleshoot an electric hot water heater?
1 Turn off the breaker to the water heater’s circuit in the service panel. 2 Remove the access panel for the upper heating element on the water heater. 3 Remove the insulation and the plastic safety guard, being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals.
How do you turn on a 110V water heater?
The secondary 110V switch is a rocker-type that can be pinned in the OFF position with a small cotter pin. On a new trailer, to turn it on the first time, you have to remove the cotter pin and rock the switch to the ON position. You can leave the switch ON permanently.
How does the heating element work in a water heater?
Fresh water fills at the bottom and the lower heating element heats that water. As the water fills to the top, the upper heating element keeps the water hot. Each section has its own heating element and thermostat.
Can a water heater be replaced if there is no water?
If there’s no water, the heating element will burn out very quickly and will have to be replaced. Of course, even if your trailer is in warranty, burning out the electric element is considered user error, which is not covered by the warranty against manufacturing defects.
