Electric water heater was empty, can it be broken?

Question

Some people shut off the water and I was wondering if it got broken because of no water in it, even though it worked the day before and i was thinking there should have been still some water in it.

Answer 1

if there was no water in the water heater,

the elements within it can surely overheat and burn out

you will probably need to replace the elements

Answer 2

First turn off the electricity to the heating elements.  If they turn on with no water they will burn out.  Now look for a leak or valve that has been closed.  once the tank has been filled, then it is safe to turn on the breakers to the heating elements.

Answer 3

if the valve above your heater was shut off and without knowning it you emptied it then yes the elements in the heater may be burned.

in order to find out  you can fill the heater, wait an hour or two and see if you have hot water. if you do you still may have one of the two elements working.if you run out of hot water faster than usual then you will know.

or have it check by a professional before filling it up.worst case it will cost you 2 elements at about 20 to 35 $ each + the plumber.I don't think the thermostat will be affected by this.

good luck

Answer 4

The components on an electric that normally get replaced are the thermostat and the element.  If the heater has been heating up with no water in it they could both be broken.  Also people may have emptied the heater because it was leaking.  I'm not sure where you live but if you need a new heater make sure you check your prices.  Best place to check a price if you are in Sydney is Thrifty Discounts at Granville as they have new and 2nd heaters and are the cheapest I have found so far.  

Answer 5

Maybe they shut of the water because the heater was leaking?

Shutting off the water shouldn't drain the heater.

There's something else wrong. Find it.