Replacing Heating Element In Water Heater

Shut off cold water supply to water heater open hot water faucet attach hose to drain valve open drain valve on water heater and drain water.

Replacing heating element in water heater.

Regular maintenance will extend the life of your water heater and some repairs such as replacing a pressure relief valve or heating element are pretty simple. Replacing a water heater heating element is a relatively simple task. Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the heating element in kenmore state rheem a. Refill the tank partially so the tank doesn t move when trying to twist the element.

Electric water heaters have one or more heating elements that look very much like one of those heaters you put in a cup of cold water to make an instant cup of hot tea. Replace a broken heating element with the manufacturer approved replacement part. However if you have a leak if your water heater is older than 8 12 years or you just wish to upgrade and cut your energy expense it is time for a new heater. Water heater elements can and do wear out and replacing a bad one is a job you can do yourself.

Shut off electric power to water heater. If you do not feel comfortable you should contact a qualified plumber. Replacing a hot water heater element is probably faster and easier than you thought and is only a fraction of what a new water heater costs the steps required are nearly identical for the flange and screw in models but screw in types are more common and will require the use of a special tool called a water heater element wrench. Only electric hot water heaters use heating elements to warm the water inside the tank and provide hot water to the home.

If the heater element is stuck there are three ways to proceed. Remove access cover and fold back insulation. Be sure to use the same wattage voltage and flange style as your previous element. A broken heating element produces no heat causing the water heater to produce very little hot water or to run out of hot water quickly.

Remove plastic terminal protector. Replacing a heating element. Gas fired models have a burner at the base of the heater that warms water.