How to change an electric water heater element.?

Question

It looks eazy but never done it befor,,how do you change the element in an electric water heater?

Answer 1

Turn off power , make sure the thermostat isn't tripped. Some of them have a red button to reset them. The best way to test for a bad element is to use an ohms meter if you have one. You can buy a cheap socket for turning the element out at local hardware. It does make it easier. DRAIN the water heater before removing the element....Should have a bib to connect the hose to down low. After draining heater , turn the element out and make sure the heater doesn't have a bunch of crap laying in the bottom of it. If it does you need to flush it out. I use a shop vac with a smaller hose that fits into the element hole. I also root around with a stick to break the crap loose. After you get it cleaned out , put a little dope on the threads of the new element and thread into heater. Connect wires and FILL WITH WATER before you turn the power on. If you turn the power on with no water in it the element may burn itself out. Good luck...Some heaters have two elements.. The bottom one goes bad first , most of the time.

Answer 2

You could drain the heater if you have the time or do it the quick way with a rag.If you do it the quick way you make sure the water is off and open the hot water faucet nearest the tank to relieve the pressure. Either way you do it would be ok. You just need to make sure your power is off first. Just snug up the heater element ,over-tightening it will make it leak so check for leaks and adjust that before rewiring the element. You need to be darn sure you have no air in that tank at all before turning the power back on. Why? The elements are powered by 240 volts and they are engineered to work while submerged in water. If you power up the heater first and air is in the tank the glowing heater element will come into contact with water when the faucet is turned on. As a result the element will rupture and fail quickly. To be sure no air is in the tank turn on the hot water faucet nearest to the tank, open the water supply to the tank till their is a steady stream and no sputtering or spitting. Then close the hot water faucet and power up the beast. The bottom element will kick in first, when that thermostat is satisfied, the top element will kick in, (both elements don't come on at the same time or the breaker would be overwhelmed) when the top element is satified you will hear an audible click. Break out the bubble bath and light some scented candles. It's bath time baby!

Answer 3

Some have 1 element some have 2,however just 1 or both could be bad.The water heater should have a door or 2 doors on the side.First shut off power to the water heater and if your not sure which breaker shut off all power..then remove the doors.You must also drain the water heater before you take out the elements.The elements should be behind these doors with 2 or three wires unplug these first but be sure you know which one goes where when you put in the new ones even if you have to mark them..After this remove the elements they may screw in or have screws holding it in deepending on the type of water heater..Whichever 1 is bad will probally be burnt into when you remove it..My suggestion is to go ahead and replace both while your at it.1 more thing you will need to shut your water off to before you get started.....Hope this helps..

Answer 4

Woodsy~ got it covered best so far. After your successful replacement I suggest you obtain yet another pair of new elements. I keep mine right on top of the water heater. These guys know when it's Sunday or other inconvenient time to croak, and the stores are closed!

Answer 5

Switch off the electricity, note down the connection (colors), disconnect. Take out the old element and replace with the new one, reconnect the wiring, switch power back on and go take a shower!

Answer 6

first turn of the power then drain the water then open up front should have second panet to open for heater replace and reverse procedure.