Static from electric water heater

[tom baker]

Former co worker (accountant) who has asked me for advice. His niece can feel static when running hot water (electric water heater). I don’t know what he means by static…he tests with a radio shack DVM set on AC reads 80 volts with WH off on 0 with WH on, from water stream to groundThe water was installed in 1995 and recently blew a fuse.
I think the issue is with his high impedance DVM, but I have 0 experience with electric water heaters
My recommendation was to replace the water heater

 

[retirede]

Bad element, but since it’s almost 30 years old, I agree, replace the thing.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

It's an open ground. Even if the heater had failed, a properly grounded system should prevent any stray voltage at a faucet.

 

[qcroanoke]

It's an open ground. Even if the heater had failed, a properly grounded system should prevent any stray voltage at a faucet.

Got a lecture from my cousin the plumber about making sure water heater ground was connected. According to him it will cause early element failure if not done. Not to mention dangerous.