Water Heater Question. PLEASE HELP!

[Cuz]

My water heater is not putting out ANY hot water.
There are two heat elements that screw in. One at the top and one at the bottom. The top one is fine but the bottom one has a rusted out hole on one side of the element. Would one element out make it produce no hot water? About five years ago I replaced the top element but it Seems like I had to do that because the water just wasnt getting very hot.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[DorothyNotKeegan]

Sorry I don't have anything technically spekaing but last week they had to replace my bottom element because it went out. The other one was working fine. When they replaced the bottom work...POOF....hot water again!

[rdkerrville]

yes it will probably be the problem. You can also meter the leads coming into the elements to make sure they are getting power.

[Cuz]

Sorry I don't have anything technically spekaing but last week they had to replace my bottom element because it went out. The other one was working fine. When they replaced the bottom work...POOF....hot water again!

So yours has 2 elements and you were getting NO hot water because one was out?

[Johnny Dangerr]

I would replace both. Use a bunch of anti sieze goo on them....

[Cuz]

yes it will probably be the problem. You can also meter the leads coming into the elements to make sure they are getting power.

So just check voltage on the two contacts at the head of the elements? Should I be getting 220?
Sorry for all my ignorant questions guys. Thanks for the help.

[Goldeneagle]

Check both leads on the element for continuity (sp). remove the wires from it first after you kill the power to it. It will show you if the element is out or not. I believe the bottom element keeps the water in the tank hot and the top is for rapid recovery.

[TX Doc]

The bottom element heats the water and the top one keeps it hot. You could also have a bad thermostat, but if that element looks bad then I think you have found your problem.

[Cam-Mac]

I have had the same problem- and a new bottom element fixed it!

[Cuz]

The bottom element heats the water and the top one keeps it hot. You could also have a bad thermostat, but if that element looks bad then I think you have found your problem.

This is what I was hoping for!

[Cuz]

Check both leads on the element for continuity (sp). remove the wires from it first after you kill the power to it. It will show you if the element is out or not. I believe the bottom element keeps the water in the tank hot and the top is for rapid recovery.

The element is a long U shape. It is for sure bad. One side of the U has a big rusted hole in it. Almost not together anymore.

[Cuz]

What temp do you guys have your hot water set on? Mine is at 160! Thats way to hot right?

[Snakelover]

Physics... heat rises. At the bottom is where the coldest water is that most needs to be heated. That's the one doing most of the work.

[Goldeneagle]

What temp do you guys have your hot water set on? Mine is at 160! Thats way to hot right?

I'll have to check. My wife is state certified in food services and told me what temp so the dish washer will properly sanitize the dishes.

[Cuz]

Wanted to thank all the TBHers that helped me out here!
Replaced both elements and turned the temp down to 130 and its working better than I can remember! Hotter faster and longer!