How to Replace the Element in a Water Heater

Hot showers beat cold ones any day

Few things are more frustrating than preparing to take a hot bath or shower and finding that there is no hot water. Your water heater's heating element is a metal rod that heats the water stored in the tank, and when there is no hot water in the house, the heating element is a frequent culprit. Replacing the heating element is a simple do-it-yourself job requiring no special tools or skills. In fact, the hardest part of the job is probably kneeling and stooping to make the change.

Things You'll Need

• Voltage meter
• Garden hose
• Phillips or flat-head screwdriver
• Water pump pliers

Instructions

1. Cut off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker in the main panel box. Test for power at the water heater with the voltage meter.

2. Shut off the water flow to the heater at the supply valves located just above the tank. Attach the garden hose to the heater's drain valve, and stick the other end in a floor drain or outside if no drain is available. Open the drain valve to empty the tank. Emptying the heater takes a few minutes

3. Remove the access panel located near the bottom of the heater with your hand, and disconnect the two wires going to the heating element with a screwdriver. The heating element is the six-sided metal object.

4. Unscrew the element using the water-pump pliers, and remove it with your hand.

5. Screw the new heating element into the heater, tighten it with the pliers and reattach the two wires securely. Replace the access cover.

6. Turn on the supply valves, and turn on the power at the panel. Press the reset button to restart the water heater.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check for electricity with a voltage meter before beginning work on any electrical appliance.

• Do not turn on the heater without it being full of water; it will destroy the heating element.

References

• "Plumbing 1-2-3"; The Home Depot; 2001