I have a lowboy 60 gal water heater having issues. A have very little hot water. This happened about 6 months ago. I replaced both heating elements and upper thermostat. I did a check last night. Shut power off removed the wires to element and did a test. On my tester there should be no "LIGHT ON" from base to connector and there should be continuity between both poles of heating element. Top element is fine but light dimly comes on from base to one side of terminal and same from terminal to terminal. What gives? Bottom heating element bad? I cleaned the in side of the tank when repaired, there was a lot of buildup. Anything else i can check?

Mkingan...

If you have no continuity at the bottom element then the bottom element is shot and needs to be replaced.

Any major mineral deposit can attach to the element and short it out.

If the element after only 6 months then you should probably be draining the heater more frequently, OK?

Here, you attach a hose to the heater drain and open it fully. Leave the water on full power and flush for 5 minutes or so. For fun, I like to run my hose to a tarred driveway so people can see what comes out... ;)

Back to you...

Mark