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Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide
Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide
4.8 RATING

Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

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

August 08, 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.

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.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

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.

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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