Electric Hot Water Tank?

Question

A friend of ours is having an issue with their electric hot water tank.

Yesterday they noticed a steady stream of water coming from behind the covering of the top thermostat. When I got there, I removed the electric door over the top thermostat and noticed a steady spray coming from behind the upper thermostat itself. It almost appears to be coming from the element (or through the element washer). The area around it is rusted, however the rust doesn't appear to break the surface of the tank.

My knowledge of hot water tanks is limited (especially with electric ones) however, I'm pretty handy with plumbing as I worked for a contractor for a year or so and did some plumbing.

So my question is: Is this a project that can be done without calling a professional? How easy is it to replace the element or element washer? What is involved with removing the lid of the tank?

**I've asked this question before, but now I have a lil more knowledge on the actual problem and detail*

Yes, I do know to shut the power off to the tank. The original owners of the house were smart enough to give the tank it's own box so I just throw the switch on that.

What's the best way to drain the tank?

Answer 1

Turn off power. Hook up a garden hose to the water drain valve toward the bottom. Run this hose outside to drain>>don"t forget to turn off the cold water supply. Empty the tank below the heater element. Remove the cover plate. Make note on how the wires go==you really will need to take 2 wires off the heat element only. Use a "element wrench" (like a socket) to unscrew the heat element. Inspect for serious rust damage. Clean up using a small wire brush.Replace the gasket and/or heat element.Replace the 2 wires. Refill the tank with water and watch for leaks. Tank replacement may be neccessary if there is serious rust damage to the threads on the tank>>where the element screws in.Check t-stat operation and temp. setting(120F is fine-higher if you want hotter water). Good Luck.

Answer 2

first thing,,,throw the breaker that goes to the water heater, if you dont know which breaker it is use a volt ohm meter and have someone else start throwing breakers till you loose voltage
next drain the water heater
then remove the wires from the element and then using an adjustable wrench unscrew the element from the water heater,,elements are cheap and new ones come with a new gasket
i am not sure what you meant by removing the lid off the tank

Answer 3

I would recommend replacing the tank. Rust only gets worse and starts degrading more rapidly. Chances are you might be able to do a quick temporary fix, but it will come back to haunt you later. By the way, I hope you turned off the electrical since you had a spray of water that could become an electrical hazard....

Answer 4

There's not much future for that heater. Chances are one of the elements is burned out. It's really not worth repairing. The efficiency of the heater is probably gone. If there is no drain valve for the heater, I would loosen the lower element to drain down the tank (just for ease of removal of the heater).

Answer 5

If you see rust or it leaks replace it.They are cheap and fairly easy to replace.What has probably happened is the anode(depending on water type) has been gone and the elements are next(is not already harmed). Which also probably means it is full of calcium(unless drained regularly) So any fixes(depending on age) will be temporary(something else will break on it)

Answer 6

If they have rust around their leak, the chances of actually fixing the heater have dropped to slim. It would be better to just go ahead and bite the bullet and get a new heater installed. You can probably help them to DIY.

Answer 7

hook up garden hose to presure washer how