How to replace a water heater element

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 4/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS YOU SPEND $75 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 4 HOURS TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • RISK OF INJURY FROM PLUMBER WRENCH HANDLING
BEFORE YOU START
  • Removal of the electric water heater element would require a significant force like for any plumbing fitting that has not been loosened for a long time.
  • The location of the electric water heater would not be of an easy access so avoid attempting this intervention if you suffer from back or shoulder or neck pain.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Symptoms of a failing water heater element

Early symptoms:
  1. More time is required for the water to reach the right temperature
  2. Electric Water Heater emits noise for 10-15 minutes, when started.
Late symptoms:
  1. Water does not reach the required temperature
  2. Electric Water Heater emits noise all the time
  3. Heater element draws normal Amps. Testing the heater with a clamp meter leads to no fault.

Is it worth replacing the water heater element and how easy or hard is it, can it be done without draining the water heater?

It is absolutely normal that you ask all those questions and wonder if you proceed with the water heater element replacement.
The answer is almost yes to all questions:
  • The heater element is the first victim of scale build-up inside the water heater and cannot be descaled or cleaned, reason why it must be replaced
  • There's no use of replacing the heater element if scale is everywhere inside the water heater, a complete water heater cleaning from scale is required in this case
  • Water heater element replacement requires draining the water heater but this is not a difficult task
  • It would be hard to loosen the water heater element as stated above, but it can be done using the largest plumber wrench in your possession, or if needed, by acquiring a new one.

Replacing the electric water heater element

Start by isolating the electric power. Do not just turn off the switch, also make sure to trip down the circuit breaker.
Remove the thermostat.
If your water heater has a drain valve, plug a hose in it and empty it.
If not, dismantle the water supply pipe and insert a hose from up there as shown in the below picture.
Drain all the water inside the heater into the nearest basin.
Use a 15" wrench (or bigger) to loosen the heater element.
Continue unscrewing it with your hand and prepare a plastic bowl to collect the water that you could not remove with the hose.
Make sure then that the heater element turns freely, i.e. that no scale sediment or gravels have formed all around it.
Take the heater element out.
Look from within its hole inside the water heater or take a picture if there is no space to have a direct sight.
Use an old spoon to remove the scale that is left inside, bend and extend the spoon if needed.
Reverse all above steps to refit the new water heater element.
Use Teflon tape on the heater and the plumbing fittings you dismantled.
​Refill your water heater and check for leaks.

See also our other tutorials on home appliances...

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