Replacing a faulty heating element in your electric hot water heater can restore hot water flow and improve efficiency. The process involves several key steps, focusing on safety and proper procedure.
Replacing a hot water heater element primarily involves turning off the power supply, draining the tank, physically replacing the old element with a new one, refilling the tank, and restoring power.
Here's a breakdown of the process based on common steps:
Understanding the Need to Replace an Element
Over time, heating elements can burn out or become encrusted with mineral deposits, leading to reduced hot water output, strange noises, or even no hot water at all. Replacing the element is often a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire unit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Hot Water Heater Element
The process requires careful attention, particularly regarding electrical safety and water management. Always ensure you have the correct replacement element for your specific water heater model.
1. Turn Off the Power
This is the most critical safety step.
- Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box that controls the power to your water heater.
- Switch the corresponding breaker to the "OFF" position or remove the fuse.
- Crucially: Use a voltage tester to confirm that the power supply wires connected to the heater are indeed dead before proceeding further.
2. Access Heating Element
Heating elements are typically located on the side of the water heater tank, often behind removable panels.
- Locate the access panels (usually one or two, depending on the heater's design and number of elements).
- Remove the screws holding the access panels in place.
- You'll likely find insulation which may need to be gently moved aside. Behind it is a protective plate covering the element wiring. Remove this plate.
3. Test the Heating Element
Before draining and removing the element, it's wise to confirm it's the source of the problem.
- With the power OFF (verified in Step 1), disconnect one of the wires from the element's terminals. This isolates the element for testing.
- Use a multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms).
- Touch the multimeter probes to the two terminals of the element.
- A healthy element should show a specific resistance reading (check your heater's manual or the new element's packaging for the expected range, often between 10 and 30 ohms). A reading of infinity or zero ohms typically indicates a faulty element.
4. Drain the Water Heater
To prevent spills and work safely, the tank needs to be drained, at least below the level of the element being replaced.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Run the other end of the hose to a suitable drain or outside area where hot water won't cause damage.
- Open a hot water faucet in your house to prevent a vacuum from forming and allow the tank to drain faster.
- Open the drain valve on the water heater.
- Allow the water to drain until the level is below the element you are replacing. This may take 15-30 minutes or longer depending on the tank size.
5. Remove the Heating Element
The old element can now be safely removed.
- Disconnect the remaining wires from the element terminals. Make a note or take a photo of how they were connected.
- Use a specialized water heater element wrench or a large socket wrench (typically 1 1/2 inches) to unscrew the element.
- Be prepared for some residual water to leak out as the element is removed. Have a bucket or towels ready.
- Carefully pull the old element straight out of the tank.
6. Install New Heating Element
Insert the new element correctly.
- Ensure the new element is the correct wattage and voltage for your heater.
- Inspect the element's rubber gasket or use Teflon tape on the threads if recommended by the manufacturer to ensure a watertight seal.
- Insert the new element into the opening.
- Hand-tighten the element first to ensure it's threaded correctly.
- Use the element wrench or socket wrench to tighten it securely. Do not overtighten, but ensure it's snug enough to prevent leaks.
7. Refill Water Heater
The tank must be full of water before restoring power to prevent the new element from burning out instantly.
- Close the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Disconnect the garden hose.
- Close the hot water faucet you opened earlier (or leave one open initially to help purge air).
- Turn the main cold water supply valve back ON to begin refilling the tank.
- Once the tank is full, let water run from a hot water faucet until all air is purged and water flows smoothly. Check the new element connection for any leaks.
8. Reconnect Wires
The final step is restoring the electrical connections.
- Reconnect the wires to the terminals of the new heating element according to how they were originally connected.
- Ensure connections are secure.
- Replace the protective plate and the access panels.
- Go back to the circuit breaker or fuse box and turn the power back ON to the water heater.
The water heater will now begin heating the water. It may take some time (an hour or more) for the water to reach the desired temperature.
Here's a simple table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turn Off Power | Locate and flip breaker/remove fuse. | Verify with voltage tester. |
| 2. Access Element | Remove access panels and protective plate. | Identify element location. |
| 3. Test Element | Disconnect wire, use multimeter. | Diagnose if element is fault. |
| 4. Drain Heater | Connect hose, open valve & faucet. | Drain below element level. |
| 5. Remove Element | Disconnect wires, unscrew element. | Prepare for some water. |
| 6. Install New | Apply sealant, insert, tighten. | Use correct element & tools. |
| 7. Refill Heater | Close valve, open supply & faucet. | Purge air, check for leaks. |
| 8. Reconnect Wires | Reconnect wires, replace panels. | Ensure secure connections. |
Following these steps carefully will help ensure a safe and successful replacement of your hot water heater element. If you are uncomfortable working with electricity or plumbing, it is always best to consult a qualified plumber or electrician.
