bigmarc27 24 Posted September 6, 2007 I have a tiny 40 gallon whirlpool electric hot water heater. Over the weekend I noticed I wasn't getting any hot water. I check the circuit breaker. It wasn't tripped, but I reset the switch anyway and the hot water came back. Fast forward to this morning and the hot water is gone again. I didn't reset the switch since I left for work, but does anyone have an idea what it could be? It's not really cold water, it's just very cool water. I had just the hot water switch turned on and the temperature was never higher than luke-warm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spottedowl 1 Posted September 6, 2007 Could be the lower heating element gone bad. The dip tube draws the water from the bottom of the tank while the upper element still heats... leaving luke warm water. take an OHM meter and check the lower element. Open=bad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigmarc27 24 Posted September 6, 2007 how much would that cost? Is it something I could do myself? I just bought the house in the past 8 months and have a home warranty. It would cost $55 to get them out to the house. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spottedowl 1 Posted September 6, 2007 Without being there and knowing for sure that is the problem...I could talk you through it. First, cut off the circuit breaker, open the access panel, and OHM out the two nuts on the element. If it reads open...drain the water heater, buy an element socket, pull the old one out, go to Lowe's and buy the same watt element, and install. Fill tank and reset breaker. Wait 1 hour and test. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigmarc27 24 Posted September 6, 2007 I actually think I need an electrician. I went home and checked the heating elements - one for sure had electricity running through it... trust me. It wasn't working, though. Then I switched the circuit on and off and I hear it start running again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G-in O-town 0 Posted September 6, 2007 Sounds like lt could be the thermostat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites