On home water heaters there is an upper and lower thermostat and the upper one diverts power to the lower one when the water at the top of the tank reaches the correct temperature.
Whirlpool hot water heater lower element not heating.
It is also possible that sediment in the pipes or a faulty dip tube can cool the water.
The hot water heater is one of the most important appliances in the modern home.
The lower element is probably not working correctly or the temperature is accidentally set too low on the thermostat itself.
If the voltage tester shows power but the element is not heating then the element is bad.
A water heater must be completely full of water before electric power is applied or the upper heating element will burn out this is called dry fire.
Check the power running to the upper element.
Important read and follow the printed installation instructions that came with your water heater.
Not enough hot water.
If your hot water temperature changes between hot and cold unpredictably you may need to test the lower hot water heater element.
A total water heater replacement may not be necessary.
Troubleshoot water heaters that put out cold water.
The printed instructions and product labels contain model specific information important warnings and safety notices.
Lower thermostat checks ok.
This is a common problem with whirlpool heaters.
Upper element come on for demand but connection 4 that feeds lower thermostat tests open.
The installation instructions require that a hot water faucet be opened and the hot water allowed to run full for at least three minutes before turning the power on.
If you lack the necessary skills to install troubleshoot or repair the water heater get help from a qualified person.
Both thermostats are set at 130f.