If your hot water heater element keeps burning out, it is typically caused by sediment buildup, a "dry fire" (air in the tank), electrical malfunctions, or high water pressure.
Water heater elements typically last between 3 to 10 years, with 6 years being the average. Their exact lifespan heavily depends on your water quality (hard water causes mineral buildup), your usage frequency, and whether you routinely flush the tank to prevent sediment buildup.
Water heater elements typically fail because of sediment buildup, corrosion, or "dry firing." Minerals in hard water insulate the element and cause it to overheat, while dry firing (turning the power on before the tank is full) burns out the element instantly.
Type of Repair
Water heaters have a few different parts; based on data from HomeGuide, here are some average prices to replace common components: Dip Tube: $100 to $300. Heating Element: $100 to $350.
Heating element replacement makes sense for units under 10 years old. Electric water heaters have two heating elements, and replacing a burned-out element restores full heating capacity without replacing the entire unit. Pressure relief valve replacement should always be done immediately regardless of unit age.
To replace a water heater element without draining, shut off the power and the water supply. Open a hot water faucet to relieve system pressure and close it to create a vacuum. Quickly unscrew the old element and immediately swap it with the new one to minimize water spillage.
Traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models typically last 15 to 20 years. Lifespans vary greatly depending on water quality, unit design, and whether you perform regular maintenance like flushing the tank and checking the anode rod.
To test if your electric water heater element is bad, you will need a multimeter. The most reliable way to tell is by testing the element's resistance (ohms) while the power is completely off.
Depending on your selection, the average cost for standard tank installation is generally between $1,600 to $2,400. Tankless installation can range from $2,400 to $5,400. Read below for detailed pricing information so you can feel confident when selecting the water heater that is the best fit for your home and budget.
Some of the most reliable tank water heater brands in 2026 include Rheem, A.O. Smith, and Bradford White. These manufacturers have long histories of producing durable, efficient heaters with strong warranty coverage. Rheem is known for overall dependability and wide availability, A.O.
In most residential water heaters, the heating element lasts between 6 to 12 years. However, this can vary based on several factors, including the type of water heater, water quality, maintenance habits, and overall usage.
If hot water runs out too soon, maybe the heater's too small, or it's slow to reheat, or there's buildup inside. You might notice water getting colder faster, or weaker pressure. There are ways to keep your supply steady, but let's look at some common questions.
A: Traditional tank water heaters usually last 8–12 years, while tankless units often last 15–20+ years. Q: Should I replace my water heater if it's over 10 years old? A: Often yes. Even if it still works, the risk of leaks and sudden failure increases significantly after 10 years.
When a water heater element goes bad, it usually fails in one of two ways: "open," meaning it stops working completely, or "shorted," meaning it allows excess electrical current to flow. Because standard electric water heaters contain two elements (upper and lower), the exact symptoms will depend on which one fails and how.
There are three types: screw in, bolt in and clamp in. They all have different wattage ratings and can work on either 120 or 240 voltage. Check your state and local codes before starting any project.
We recommend going with Rheem, specifically for the Professional Series with 8 Year Warranty.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Bradford White water heaters are widely regarded as some of the most durable on the market. They come with an array of well-thought-out features that enable them to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear that results from regular use. Overall, they have a longer service life than Rheem water heaters.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Drawbacks of Tankless Water Heaters
As discussed above, the biggest downside of owning a tankless water heater is its higher cost. The initial installation and unit costs are more expensive than a traditional storage-tank water heater.
Replace your water heater if it is leaking from the tank, shows visible rust, or is over 8–12 years old. You should also consider replacement if you notice rumbling/banging noises, a drop in hot water capacity, or require frequent, costly repairs on an aging unit.
Yes, you can absolutely check a water heater element without draining the tank. Draining is only necessary if you actually need to replace a faulty part.
Measuring for Fit: Before purchasing, compare the dimensions listed with your current element. Pay attention to the length, width, and the spacing between the terminals. Ensuring these measurements match is crucial for a proper fit and seamless replacement.
Common Signs of a Failing Heating Element