Water heater cold at 120v

[Paul Hacker]

My 6-year-old electric hot water heater suddenly went cold a couple of months ago, and my boyfriend replaced both upper and lower elements. All was okay until yesterday when it stopped heating water again. Once more, my boyfriend replaced both elements, but this time it did no good. He said both legs of 120v are hot where they connect to the heater, but there is only 120v going to the elements. Shouldnt there be 240v running through the elements? What could the problem be? Thanks very much for your help.

[Beverly]

Yes approximately 240 volts. It seems to me that if 240 is coming into the heater but not getting to the elements, then either the thermostat has gone bad or the reset button on (or near) the thermostat needs to be pressed. Hope that helps.

[Author]

Posts