How to Replace the Heating Element on a Thermostat for a Water Heater?

Quite often your entire water heater does not necessarily have to be replaced when you find yourself with little or no hot water. You usually need to just replace the heating element. A build-up of mineral deposits can cause heating elements to corrode and eventually fail. Replacing the heating element is much cheaper than replacing the entire unit, and can also prolong the life of your water heater.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pipe wrench
• Element wrench (optional)

1. Turn off the power to your water heater.

2. Turn off the water going into your heater either by turning the valve above the heater or turning the water off at the main.

3. Drain the water from the heater.

4. Remove the heating element. Water heaters have one of two types of elements, either a four-bolt type or a screw-in type. If you have a four-bolt type, take the two wires and bend them back out of your way. Use the pipe wrench to simply remove the bolts and then the heating element. If you have a screw-in type, purchase a special element wrench from your local home improvement or plumbing supply store. The wrench is usually inexpensive and comes in just one size that will work for all screw-in type heating elements. Use your element wrench to remove the screws, then remove the element.

5. Take the element to your local home improvement or plumbing supply store to make sure that you purchase the correct replacement part.

6. Install the new element by reversing the order of how you removed it.

7. Turn on the water and allow your heater to refill.

8. Turn on the power after the heater is full. After you have allowed some time for your water to heat, test for hot water.

Tips & Warnings

• Most water heaters have two elements, one at the top and one at the bottom. You will probably want to replace both while you have your heater drained. If you do not have hot water after replacing the elements, replace the thermostat. You need a special gauge to determine if it is the heating element or the thermostat before replacing the element. If you do not have such a gauge, however, remember that you have prolonged the life of your water heater by replacing the heating element, which means that you neither wasted time nor money.
• Be sure that the power is off to the heater before working on the element. When removing the element, make sure the old gasket located at the back of the element comes off with the element. When replacing the element, be sure not to over-tighten the bolts or the screws. If you have any problems, be sure to contact a licensed and professional plumber.

References

• Fixing an Electric Water Heater