Water Heater Repairs

I have a tenant that did not pay his water bill and the service was shut off. I am sure he left the power on and continued to drain water out of the heater for flushing the toilet until it was empty. My question is how to test the elements and thermostats to see if they are working?

If indeed they did drain the WH and leave the power on, the element(s) are burned out.

With a multi meeter you can OHM them and they should read between 12-14

Just call a plumber and have the 2 elements replaced.

The cost of replacing 2 is not much more than 1 and you will be done with the problem. Or If you know how to do it replace them your self.

You can get regular replacement elements for $10.00 ea. or stainless for $15-20.00 ea. at the big box stores.

If the WH is 9-10 yrs old you may want to consider replacement.

heater

If that did happen, then the upper one will be the one that burned out. After the power and water are restored, see if you have any hot water. If not replace the upper element. You do not have to use a stainless steel/nichrome one because the upper one seldom operates during normal usage.