A heating element turns electrical energy into heat in a deliberately resistive conductor. Think of a filament in an old lamp: the resistance is the working part, not an obstacle to remove.

In many appliances the conductor sits inside an insulated metal tube. The electrical path through the conductor and the insulation separating it from the tube do different jobs. A check of one does not establish the condition of the other.

Limescale can affect heat transfer and operating temperature. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions; the water area's hardness alone cannot predict an element's remaining life.