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Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Water heaters play a crucial role in ensuring we have access to hot water for various household uses.

May 05, 2026
Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Water heaters play a crucial role in ensuring we have access to hot water for various household uses. However, these appliances are prone to damage, and it is up to you to ensure that the signs are detected before things get out of hand. Electric water heaters rely on many components both inside and outside the tank to heat water, and if one fails, it compromises the efficiency and performance of your unit. Whether it’s little or no hot water, Mr. Rooter Plumber of New Jersey provides quality water heater repair and maintenance services.

How to Test a Heating Component in a Water Heater

Mode electric water heaters comprise two heating elements: One at the top and the other at the bottom, but small or old appliances tend to have only one heating element, usually located at the bottom. The elements in a water heater tend to wear out fast, hence the need to test them to prevent severe deterioration regularly. We can help you with the pertinent information needed to safely test your electric water heater, but if you prefer a more hands-off approach, our expert plumber can get it done. Here is a troubleshooting guide to help you when your appliance malfunctions.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Over time, several problems will likely plague your water heater, forcing everything in your household that requires hot water to a standstill. If you use a gas water heater and detect signs of malfunction, try checking the pilot light since they rely on natural gas to heat water. Regardless of the type of water heater you are using, hiring a professional plumber for water heater repair is essential.

Find the Water Heater Elements

Start by locating the breaker that supplies power to the water heater and tu off the power for safety purposes. Gently remove the metal panel that’s usually at the side of the water heater for better access to the interior. Mode water heaters have a single panel per heating element, so it is advisable to wear rubber gloves before attempting to remove the insulation from inside the panel. Once you detect a hexagonal object approximately an inch in diameter and is attached to two screws- that’s the heating element.

Test the Water Heater Using a Multimeter

Please tu on your multimeter and set it to the lowest ohms setting as possible, allowing you to measure the amount of resistance in your heating element. Choose any of the two screws on the heating element and loosen it so that you can detach the wire. Use one of the probes on the multimeter to touch the face of the heating element.

If there are two elements in your water heater, check the other in the same manner. If the heating element is functioning as expected, the reading on the multimeter should be between 10 to 30 ohms. Any lower reading is a sign that you need to replace the heating element. If everything is in order and you still don’t get hot water, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey for exceptional water heater repair at a pocket-friendly rate.

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