Electric water heaters have two heating elements. One of these is mounted near the bottom of the heater. The other sits at the approximate midpoint of the heater. Replacement is needed when your water heater fails to heat the water as quickly as it has in the past. This is a good repair for a homeowner as it requires little time and no special tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shut the electricity to the water heater off. If you cannot determine which circuit breaker controls that circuit, shut the power off at the main breaker.
2. Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater.
3. Drain the water heater.
4. Remove the access cover screws and remove the cover.
5. Determine the type of element your water heater uses. A screw-in element has a large hex. A flange mount has four bolts per element on a square retaining plate.
6. Check the data plate for the watt rating of the elements. You must purchase replacement elements with the same rating.
7. Use the test light and make certain there is no power to the elements.
8. Loosen the screws holding the wires to the element and remove them.
9. Remove the element from the water heater.
10. Clean the flange area or threads of the water heater.
11. Wrap the threads of your new screw-in element with teflon tape and install the element. With flange mount elements, install a new gasket and replace any damaged screws. Tighten the screws securely to install the element.
12. Connect the heater wires to the elements.
13. Turn the cold water supply back on and check carefully for leaks.
14. Replace the access cover.
15. Restore the power to the water heater.
Tags: water heater, water heater, your water heater, access cover, cold water, cold water supply, flange mount