Heating Element Bad? How to Spot It and What to Do Next

If your kettle, oven, or water heater isn’t getting hot, the culprit is often a faulty heating element. It’s one of those problems that sounds scary, but you can usually figure it out with a few simple checks. Below we’ll walk you through the signs of a bad element, quick tests you can do at home, and when it’s time to call a professional.

How to Spot a Bad Heating Element

First, notice the symptoms. A heater that only blows warm water, an oven that never reaches the set temperature, or a dryer that hums but stays cool are classic clues. Look for any strange smells (like a burnt odor) or visible cracks on the element itself. If a breaker trips every time you turn the appliance on, that’s another red flag.

Most modern appliances also have error codes on the display. For water heaters, a flashing LED often points to an element issue. In ovens, a “E” code combined with a temperature that stays low usually means the element needs attention.

Simple Steps to Test and Replace the Element

Before you get your toolbox, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Safety first – you don’t want a shock while you’re trying to fix a shock.

1. **Remove the element** – Unscrew the mounting brackets and disconnect the wires. Take a photo of the wiring so you can reconnect it correctly later.

2. **Check continuity** – Set a multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting. Touch the probes to the element’s terminals. A reading between 10‑30 Ω usually means the element is good. If you get “OL” (open loop) or a reading far outside that range, the element is broken.

3. **Look for physical damage** – Even if the continuity test passes, cracks, black spots, or severe corrosion indicate the element should be swapped out.

4. **Replace it** – Grab the exact replacement part (model number matters). Install it the same way you removed the old one, reconnect the wires, and secure the brackets.

5. **Power up and test** – Turn the breaker back on and run the appliance. You should see temperature rise or water heat up within a few minutes. If the problem persists, there might be a wiring issue or a thermostat that needs checking.

If you’re dealing with a water heater, many homeowners forget to bleed air from the tank after replacing the element. Open a hot water tap for a minute to let any trapped air escape – it helps the new element work efficiently.

When you’re not comfortable handling electricity, or the appliance still won’t heat after a new element, give Bridgewater Appliance Fixers a call. Our certified technicians can diagnose hidden problems, replace parts quickly, and ensure everything is up to code.

Bottom line: a bad heating element is usually easy to identify and often inexpensive to replace. With a multimeter, a screwdriver, and a little patience, you can save both time and money. Keep an eye on the symptoms, follow the safety steps, and you’ll have hot water or a hot oven again in no time.