🔧RepairItFree

Generic Water Heaters Electric Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water: How to Fix It Yourself

Electric water heaters have two heating elements and two thermostats (upper and lower). When you have zero hot water, the most common fix is pressing the reset button on the upper thermostat. If that does not work, one of the heating elements or thermostats may have failed.

⚡ Difficulty: Medium⏱ 30-60 minutes💰 Parts cost: $0–$30🔧 Tools: Flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Multimeter, Non-contact voltage tester

⚠️ Safety First

  • DANGER: Electric water heaters operate on 240 volts, which can kill you. Turn off the breaker before doing ANY work.
  • Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify the power is off before touching any wires.
  • Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Dry your hands and the area before working on electrical components.
  • If you are not experienced with electrical work, please call a professional. This is not a beginner-level repair.

Parts You May Need

Water Heater Heating Element (if element is burned out)

~$10–$20

AmazoneBay

Thermostat (upper or lower)

~$8–$15

AmazoneBay

Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Step-by-Step Repair

  1. 1

    Turn off the breaker

    Go to your electrical panel and turn off the breaker labeled for the water heater. It will be a double-pole breaker (takes up two slots). Use a non-contact voltage tester at the water heater to confirm the power is truly off. Do not skip this step.

  2. 2

    Press the reset button

    Remove the upper access panel on the water heater (usually held by two screws). Pull back the insulation to reveal the thermostat. Look for a red button on the upper thermostat — this is the high-temperature reset button. Press it firmly. You should hear or feel a click. Replace the insulation and panel, turn the breaker back on, and wait 30–60 minutes. If you get hot water, you are done. If the reset trips again, keep reading.

  3. 3

    Test the heating elements with a multimeter

    Turn the breaker off again. Remove both access panels. Disconnect one wire from each heating element. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the two screws on the element. A good element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. If it reads infinity (OL) or zero, the element is bad and needs to be replaced.

  4. 4

    Test the thermostats

    With the power still off, set your multimeter to continuity. Test across the thermostat terminals as described in your water heater's wiring diagram (usually on a sticker on the tank). If a thermostat does not pass the continuity test, it needs to be replaced. Thermostats are inexpensive and clip onto the tank — no draining required.

  5. 5

    Replace the faulty part and test

    If you found a bad element, you will need to drain the tank partially (below the element level), unscrew the old element, and screw in the new one. Refill the tank completely before turning the power back on — running a dry element will burn it out instantly. If you replaced a thermostat, just reconnect the wires, set the temperature to 120°F, and turn the breaker on. Wait an hour and check for hot water.

If That Didn't Work

  • Both elements failed (rare, but possible in older units)
  • Tripped breaker that will not stay on (wiring issue or element short)
  • Dip tube broken (hot water mixes with cold in the tank)
  • Tank is undersized for household demand

When to Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable working with 240-volt wiring, call a plumber or electrician. This is a high-voltage appliance and mistakes can be fatal. Also call a pro if the breaker keeps tripping — this could mean a short in the element or wiring. A typical service call runs $100–$250 plus parts.

Related Repairs

Generic — Gas Water Heater Not Producing Hot Water

Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$25

Generic — Water Heater Leaking From Bottom

Medium · 30-60 minutes · $0–$15

Generic — Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

Medium · 20-45 minutes · $0–$15

Generic — Water Heater Making Popping or Rumbling Noise

Easy · 30-60 minutes · $0–$10

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.

If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.

See our full Terms of Service for complete legal details.