An element on our hot water heater is not working properly. Can it be fixed?

Question

There are two elements and one is not working properly. Is it possible to just replace an element instead of the whole hot water heater? If so, I am assuming this would be more economical, but is it safe? In my township, they want to charge an $85 permit just to put a hot water heater in, which is just plain ridiculous, so we were wondering if fixing the element is an option (while the other option of no hot water is not an option I care to think about)!

Answer 1

If you're getting any hot water at all, then the top element is working, at least somewhat. In all two element units, the elements never work simaltaneously. That would be a huge wattage drain on the electrical system. Instead, the top element comes on, heats the water in the top of the tank to a specified temp, then the thermostat shifts the electical current to the lower element. That in turn heats the water in the lower half of the tank. A couple of the previous answers are quite accurate as to how to go about changing the elements, one or both, but I've not seen anyone mention the fact that if you have any sort of lime, calcium content in your water, you'll most likely have a fair amount of sediment in the bottom of the tank to deal with once you've removed the lower element. It does very little good to change an element if you're going to simply stuff the new one into the bed of lime that's laying in the bottom of the tank, as it will burn out in a fairly short time. You should be prepared with a wet/dry vac., with a piece of 3/4" rigid copper taped into the end of the hose, to suck out most of the lime sediment. You can use it like a prod to bust up large chunks and drag them out, and a lot of the smaller stuff will just be pulled out thru the hose. You could be amazed at how much of this stuff will come out of a water heater. Once the bottom is comparatively clean then it's safe to reinstall the element. It's not a lot of fun, but if you or someone you know is comparatively handy, you can save yourself a $100 - $150.

Answer 2

If the water heater is under warranty, you should consider having it replaced. Many of the newer units have 5 and 7 year warranty cycles on the elements.
Most plumbers will try to get you to put in a new hot water heater. It is extremely difficult and tedious to change an element in those older heaters as you have to drain the water, open the heater, disconnect the gas or electric, unsolder or remove the old element and then resolder or bolt on the new element.
The $85.00 charge is pretty steep, but that's about what most cities charge for a new permit.
Unless the hot water is under warranty, I would replace the whole unit. A plumber is going to charge a few hundred dollars in labor to replace the element.
Question: Is the water heater body still sound? There aren't any leaks?

Answer 3

I have done this for 25 years. New elements are $6 to $12 each. Frankly I'd change both while you are draining the tank. Most all screw in, and most have screws for the wires.

Matter of fact, I keep two spares in a Ziplock bag on top of mine. As they seem to know when it is Sunday or some other inconvenient time to burn out!

It can be done in about 20 minutes. Your first time might be an hour to hour and a half.

Shut off electric. Shut off cold water inlet to tank. Open a hot water tap somewhere so that air can come in, letting the water drain. Connect a garden hose to the drain and feed it outside, into a toilet, whatever is the lowest point - otherwise you need to pump it. When drained, remove the wires and unscrew the elements. Screw in the new ones, and re-attach the wiring. (Don't put the safety covers on yet, you want to look for leaks first!) Turn the water backl on, and screw that open tap almost shut so that it won't splash when the water finally makes it back up. If no leaks are present replace the electric covers and turn on the power. You should be good to go for severl more years!

Note: Since air was in the lines, some of your other hot taps will burp when first used - no problem, just FYI.

Answer 4

I can tell you that if it is an electric hot water heater , the elements are replaceable. (Not familiar enough with gas to give instruction) Turn the power off to the heater. Drain the tank. Disconnect the wires from the element. ( put them back the same way and place when you re-install) The element will either be bolted in or it will have a hex nut on the outside you unscrew the element out of tank. Clean sealing surface that gasket seals against. Re-install and wire up.

Answer 5

It can be replaced, but ... if you tank is more than 5 years old you;d be better off to replace it as the new tanks are soooooo much more efficient & will save you money in the long run. Make sure you check it's label to make sure you get the most energy efficient one available -- check several brands & get at least a 40 gallon.
If you replace it make sure you compare the age of your heater to replacing it and see what the maximum charge will be for parts & labor, compare that to a new one & remember to include the $$$ you'll save on electric with a new one. Good luck !!!

Answer 6

Yes you can just replace the element.you should be able to get them at any hardware store.You will probably have to drain the hot water heater then disconnect the power to the heater.Remove the electrical leads and remove the lock nut that holds it in place.It should just slide out,sometimes if there is a lot of lime build up it will be a little more difficult to get out.It is best if you have the old one out first when you go get the new one because there are different sizes of elements.Hope this helps.Price range is usually about 20.00 bucks I think.

Answer 7

The only completely safe approach would be to shut off both the water supply AND heat source to the heater, then refilling and restarting to use. Meantime, this already bad leak will get worse to where it could totally fail and wet the area with the contents of the tank - or flood it if the water supply is on. So if there's anything on the floor in that area, get it out of there. Big exception would be a nearby furnace, which is not worth the risk.

Answer 8

Yes, you can replace the element. Yes, I have done a couple of times. Helped my dad do several times for family members.
Does your water have one or two? If two you need to check both.

Answer 9

Yes the element can be just replaced. it would be overkill to have to replace a whole tank. The element just unbolts and a new one put in but make sure the seal is water tight.

Answer 10

Usually the element will screw out and a new one is screwed in. Can be tricky as the stick with limescale - get a handyman rather than a plumber.