How to replace water heating elements

Have you ever ran out of hot water in the middle of a shower ... or come home to find there isn't any? If you have an electric water heater, the odds are that you have a bad lower heating element. Ninety-nine out of a hundred times this is the problem. If you are fairly mechanical and have some degree of common sense, you can fix this problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• phillips and straight screwdriver
• socket and ratchet to fit element.
• volt/ohm meter
• new heating element
• garden hose(for draining)

1. You can test the element for continuity with a volt/ohm meter. After turning off the electricity at the breaker panel, disconnect the wires from the lower element. Test for continuity through the screw terminals where the wires were connected. If you have no continuity or very little, chances are you have a bad element.
   
   If you don't have a meter, and dont understand how to check continuity, you can still change the element, and probably solve your problem.
2. Start by draining the water tank, but only after you are certain the electricity is off ! There should be a drain valve at the bottom of the tank designed to accept a garden hose. Connect the hose and run it outside the house. Open the valve BEFORE you turn off the water, to blow any sediment or blockage out.
   
   After you have a good stream going, turn off the water and open hot water faucets in the house to allow air into the tank and speed drainage. This will take some time, you can go to the hardware store at this time.
3. bolt-in element There are two types of elements, one screws into the tank, and the other has four bolts holding it in. After determining which one you have, go and buy a new one. When the tank is through draining, remove the element. If you have a lot of sediment in the bottom of the tank, rake it out the best you can. You can do this with a piece of bent wire used as a rake.
4. Replace the element and be sure to use the new gasket that comes with it. Re-attach the electric wires, close drain valve, and remove hose. Leave the faucets open as you fill the tank, until there is no more air coming from the faucets.
   
   After the tank is full, turn the breaker back on. Hopefully you will have hot water in half an hour or so. If not, you may need to call the plumber, but chances are you fixed your first water heater.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain you remove the old rubber gasket before installing the new element ... these can stick to the water heater and elude inexperienced plumbers.
• Always be respectful of electricity, and make certain the power is off before attempting any repairs.