Hello, I am trying to replace an element on a electric water heater, it is the screw in type with one 1 1/2 inch bolt, i have it unbolted and disconnected but it wont pull out of the tank, it seems to catch, i cant turn it, and if I pull the element down i can work it out a liittle farther but not all the way, it seems as if there's an interior bracket or its attached to some sort of weight or something... any experience or info is greatly appreciated.
2007-05-26 09:00:49 · 3 answers · asked by Eric B 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The problem you are experiencing is the effects of the disintegration of the element itself. If you have alsready tried tugging on it you may have bent it a little. There are no internal brackets or any other device keeping the element from being removed. You may have to use the old "if it don't fit, force it" method. The problem is that the element is probably falling apart and it should not be too difficult to just simply try to bend, twist, or otherwise keep pulling until it straightens out a little and you can get it out. If you have the new element you should be able to see that it is kind of a "U" shape, this is what is catching inside the tank. If it is a single element unit it is most likely a 5500 watt element and if it is a dual element it is most likely a 4500 watt element.
2007-05-26 10:42:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
some elements go in curve back and forth inside the tank and when they blow they spread out and will not fir through hole anymore look at this element on this website
http://www.bobvila.com/images/ArticleImages/FIG_ElectricWater_01_large.gif
you will have to force it through the hole
e-mail me if you like will talk to you about it
if in the us you can call me 256-466-4382 Alabama
2007-05-26 09:31:18 · answer #2 · answered by paradise.plumbing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes the element is curved and to take it out or put in you have to turn it at an angle to do it.
2007-05-26 09:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by george 2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋