What is the most likely symptom of a failed lower element in an electric water heater?

The symptom of some hot water, then warm water at all faucets is a common indication of a failed lower element in an electric water heater. In a typical electric water heater, there are usually two heating elements—an upper and a lower one. The upper element often heats the water at the top of the tank, while the lower element heats the water at the bottom.

When the lower element fails, the hot water supply at the faucets will initially be satisfactory because the upper element can still heat the water located above the lower element, which is why the homeowner might experience hot water for a limited time. However, as more hot water is drawn from the system, there may not be enough heated water available, leading to a drop in temperature and resulting in warm water being delivered instead. This situation contrasts with other symptoms that typically indicate different issues with the water heater. For example, no hot water at any faucets could indicate a problem with both elements or a different issue such as a tripped breaker, while water leaking from the tank is often indicative of tank deterioration or a different form of failure altogether.