Heating elements are the unsung heroes of your water heater. Whether you're enjoying a hot shower or washing dishes, that warm water is made possible by a functioning heating element. But when it fails, things can get uncomfortable—fast. From lukewarm water to no heat at all, these problems can disrupt your daily routine and even cause long-term damage to your unit. If you live in Leawood and rely on a steady supply of hot water, knowing how to identify and fix heating element issues is a must. That’s where Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc comes in. Their local expertise in Best Water Heater Repair in Overland Park, Water Heater Replacement, and New Water Heater Installations makes them the go-to solution when you need help the most.

Understand the Job of the Heating Element

In electric water heaters, the heating element is the part that actually warms your water. These metal rods sit inside the tank and heat water using electric current. Most standard water heaters have two—one at the top and one at the bottom. Tankless water heaters work a little differently but still rely on heating elements to provide hot water on demand. When things go wrong—like when you only get hot water for a few minutes or none at all—the element is often to blame. Other symptoms include popping noises, unusually high energy bills, or water that never quite gets hot enough. These are all early warning signs that it might be time for Water Heater Maintenance or even Water Heater Replacement.

Step 1: Always Cut the Power First

Before doing anything else, make safety your top priority. Electric water heaters operate at 240 volts, and you should never inspect or work on one while it’s powered. Head to your breaker box and shut off the electricity to the unit. Once that’s done, remove the access panel and insulation to expose the heating element and thermostat. Use a non-contact voltage tester to double-check that there’s no power. Skipping this step could result in serious injury, so don’t take shortcuts. If you’re ever in doubt or uncomfortable, it’s best to contact professionals who specialize in Professional Water Heater Maintenance in Leawood.

Step 2: Check for Obvious Damage

Once the unit is safe to inspect, take a good look at the heating element itself. Any signs of burning, melting, or scale buildup are red flags. In areas with hard water—like many parts of Leawood—mineral deposits can build up around the heating element, causing it to overheat and wear out faster. If your water has a metallic taste or your hot water has a strange odor, it could be another symptom of mineral buildup. A good cleaning or flushing may extend its life, but in many cases, a full Water Heater Replacement may be the more cost-effective route in the long run.

Step 3: Use a Multimeter to Test It

Sometimes the heating element looks perfectly fine but still doesn’t work. That’s when a multimeter comes in handy. Set it to the lowest ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the element. A healthy reading should fall between 10 and 30 ohms. If the reading is zero or infinite, the element is faulty and needs to be replaced. This test helps pinpoint the issue so you don’t waste time or money on unnecessary parts. Testing both the upper and lower elements gives a complete picture of the problem. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc offers reliable Local tankless hot water heater maintenance services in Kansas City to handle the diagnosis and repairs for you.

Step 4: Drain the Tank Before Replacing Anything

If the heating element needs replacing, the next step is to drain the tank. Shut off the cold water supply and connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure the other end of the hose is in a safe place where the water can flow without causing damage. Once the tank is empty, you can safely remove the old heating element with a wrench. Don’t forget to install a new gasket to prevent leaks. Once the new element is in, close the drain valve and fill the tank back up before turning the power on again. If this process sounds too involved, scheduling Expert Hot Water Heater Maintenance in Leawood ensures your system is handled by experienced professionals.

Step 5: Check the Thermostats Too

Even if your heating elements are working, a faulty thermostat can cause the same symptoms—cold water, tripping breakers, or overheating. Thermostats regulate when the elements turn on and off. If they’re not calibrated correctly or malfunctioning, your system won't operate as it should. Use your multimeter to test for continuity. Replace any faulty thermostats before restoring power. Also, make sure both the upper and lower thermostats are set to the same temperature (ideally around 120°F). Consistent temperature control is a big part of long-term Water Heater Maintenance and can extend the life of your entire system.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Once the new parts are installed, it’s time to reassemble your water heater. Make sure the tank is full before turning the power back on, or you risk burning out your new element. After about 30 minutes, test your hot water supply at a nearby faucet. If everything’s working, congratulations—you’ve just completed a successful repair! If not, it may be time to consider a complete Water Heater Replacement. Regular Water Heater Maintenance from a trusted provider like Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc can keep your system running efficiently and catch issues before they become emergencies.

Step 7: Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

Sometimes, repeated issues with heating elements or thermostats signal that your water heater is simply at the end of its lifespan. Most units last about 8–12 years. If yours is older and starting to have frequent problems, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model may actually save you money in the long run. New Water Heater Installations offer better performance, lower energy costs, and peace of mind. Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc can help you explore options that suit your needs and budget—whether that’s a traditional tank system or a tankless water heater with local maintenance services available when you need them.

Final Thoughts

Troubleshooting a heating element doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, a bit of knowledge, and a commitment to safety, many homeowners can handle minor issues themselves. But for more serious concerns—or if you’d rather skip the hassle—turn to the experts. Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc has helped countless homeowners in Leawood with Water Heater Repair, Water Heater Installation, and Water Heater Maintenance. Whether it’s a simple fix or a full Water Heater Replacement, their friendly, local team is ready to help.

For prompt service and trustworthy solutions, give Joe Lillis Plumbing Inc a call at (913) 451-1991.