Sooner or later they may need replacement.
As a DIY project, this expense can range from $10 to $60 and be more cost-effective.
Here’s how to replace a water heater element if it appears yours is down properly.
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What is a Water Heater Element?
The water heater element is the component of the water heater that physically heats the water.
Each of the heating elements is controlled by a separate thermostat.
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This is not a project for DIYers who don’t understand circuits or how to use electrical testing tools.
You’ll be working with wires carrying high voltage, which comes with inherent risks.
Some manufacturers sell heating elements in repair kits that include both heating elements, as well asthermostats.
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Wait for the water in the tank to cool; this can take two hours or more.
Open a hot water faucet and trigger the water to verify it is cool.
Fold the insulation outward and away from the heating element.
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This will expose the screw terminals where the circuit wires are connected to the heating element.
Use anon-contact circuit testerto test the wires for power.
This indicates that the heating element is faulty and needs replacement.
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If youdoget an ohm resistance value using the multi-tester, then the heating element itself is not faulty.
The problem may be with the other heating element or in the upper or lower heating element thermostat.
Turn off the cold water supply delivering water to the water heater.
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Fold the insulation outward and away from the heater element.
Test to see to it the power is off, using a non-contact circuit tester.
If necessary, remove the thermostat cover from the thermostat.
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check that to disengage the attachment point linking the thermostat to the heating element.
Loosen the screws holding the wires to each of the two terminal screws and disconnect the circuit wires.
launch the drain valve and drain water from the water heater tank.
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Some repair kits come with a socket that fits the heating element.
Remove the gasket that seals the heating element to the water heater tank.
Remove aflange-typeheating element by removing the four screws holding the element in place.
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With the mounting screws and gasket removed, extract the heating element from the water heater tank.
Check Specifications
ensure the replacement element has the correct voltage and wattage rating for your water heater.
Position the new gasket on the heating element and insert the assembly into the water heater tank.
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For flange-throw in heating elements, insert the four mounting screws and tighten them down securely.
Refill the Water Heater Tank
wrap up the drain valve on the water heater.
Open both the cold water inlet valve and the nearest hot water faucet.
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Keep the hot water faucet open for three minutes after obtaining a constant flow of water.
This will purge the lines of any excess air and sediment.
Check for leaks around the heating element.
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It makes no difference which wire is attached to which screw terminal.
Tighten the screws down completely, then tug on the wires to double-check they are tight.
Let the water heat up for several hours, then test the temperature of the water.
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Make any thermostat adjustments that are necessary.
There are a few indicators that can help you identify whether your water heater element is faulty.
Look closely at the element currently installed and find out the voltage and the wattage.
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This information can usually be found printed on a label affixed to the tank.
Match these numbers to your new heating element.
Then, the bottom element turns on and heats the remaining water in the tank.
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater?HomeAdvisor.
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