How To Change Hot Water Heater Element

Tired of chilly night baths because of your faulty water heaters? Check this article and find out how to replace a h2o heater element!

Taking a nice warm bath is probably the best way to end a long rough twenty-four hours. To feel the trickling h2o from the shower is what I consider the perfect relaxation. But there is 1 common trouble I ordinarily take to face – accepting the cold water supply on my peel when my heating element starts acting up. 🥶

Similar me, you might also experience this and experience betrayed. Nonetheless, the good news is that yous don't have to blitz into replacing the h2o heater just however. About of the time, it is the heating element that is to blame. 😲

If this happens, you lot are in luck because you can become your water heater up and running in no time past simply replacing the water heater element. Doing so will save you both coin and free energy! Read this article to understand how to identify if your heating elements are faulty and how to properly replace them.

Signs Your H2o Heater Chemical element Needs Replacement

Water heater elements prove some tell-tale signs that point they demand to exist replaced. But these problems won't be showing all at once. I sign is already enough for it to be changed.

If one of the signs starts showing, it is better to consider checking your heating element if information technology already needs a replacement element.

Bereft Warm Water

Generally speaking, you will discover that your water heating chemical element is broken if you observe that the water is slow to rut upwards, or ends up cooling afterward a while. The worst part is when yous can't get a drib of hot h2o, even when you're sure you opened the hot water faucet. 😖

Noticeable Differences in Temperature

An electrical water heater has two heating elements inside it – the upper heating element and the lower heating element. If 1 of these heating elements is broken, the h2o won't be heating properly and will be at a different temperature.

You should know that the upper chemical element is faulty if you have a consistent lukewarm water supply from your hot water faucet. Contrary to this, your lower element is at fault if you experience a short supply of fully heated water.

Age of the Water Heater

Usually, heaters have a vi to 10-twelvemonth life span. One time your water heater reaches this number of years, one or both of the heating elements will likely kickoff collapsing slowly. If your water heater falls into this age range, it is recommended to merely supervene upon the heating elements simply one time or but buy a new water heater to avert actress expenses for frequent repairs.

Types of H2o Heater Elements

If yous are considering buying a new element, information technology is of import you kickoff know the dissimilar types and in which condition they are well-nigh fit. Choosing the best blazon of heating chemical element volition help you lot lessen possible expenses. Have a look at this variety of water heating elements to know farther. 🧐

High Watt Density Heating Chemical element

When information technology comes to practicality, the loftier watt density water heating element comes in the first place. Since this blazon is the most common and most affordable, finding the perfect fit for your water heater is easier. The only problem with this type is its short life span because it is prone to having corrosion build-upward. This is because the high wattage tends to oestrus the water heating element itself. Due to it heating upwards, it attracts limescale once it is exposed to hard water.

Depression Watt Density Heating Element

Unlike the loftier watt density heating chemical element, the low watt density heating element is the best option for areas with hard water. Likewise, practice not doubt this blazon because of its name. Depression wattage doesn't mean that the quality will be lowered equally well.

The reason for its low wattage requirement is to reduce the chance of limescale build-up. This is a good way to prolong the lifespan of your heating element, simply it also means that it is more expensive than the previous type. 💸

Lime Life Element

Now, here comes the about expensive type of heating element! 🤑

The lime life chemical element has the well-nigh tolerance when it comes to limescale build-up. Bated from the fact that it requires an ultra-low watt density, information technology is likewise made of high-quality nickel and stainless steel. These materials take resistance to corrosion build-upwardly as well. So, if you are looking for a new element and want the highest quality, this should be a proficient choice.

Steps to Replace the Water Heater Element

Replacing your heating element might seem complicated at first glance, but don't worry! With this helpful guide, y'all can successfully perform these steps like a pro. These are the materials that y'all need to set up:

Multimeter or voltmeter
Garden hose
Replacement element
Water heater element wrench

With these major materials, we tin can already start with the action! 😎

Step ane: Do a Voltage Examination

Before jumping into the actual installation of your new chemical element, we must showtime call back about condom. In this step, y'all will demand the multimeter to check for electrical current passes. We want to make certain that there is no electricity flow, and that the circuit breaker is condom from water.

Plow the heater'due south ability off as well as the excursion breaker.
Wipe all the wet areas to prevent grounding.
Use the multimeter to check if in that location is withal a current period.

If you meet that the multimeter is pointing at infinitely loftier resistance, we tin can now motility on to removing your faulty heating elements!

Pace 2: Drain the Valve

Next, we'll exist working with the drain valve. Keep in listen that we will only drain the valve and not the tank! 💡

Firstly, attach the garden hose to the drain valve.
Make certain the hose is secured.
Open the valve.

After ensuring that the water heater element valve is fully drained, nosotros tin can remove the old chemical element.

Step 3: Remove the Faulty H2o Heater Element

There are ii styles of heating elements, and their big difference is the way they are fastened to the heater. Let'south start with the screw-in blazon.

Apply the water heater chemical element wrench to remove the screw.
Turn the water heater chemical element wrench counterclockwise to loosen.
Remove the rubber gasket that connects the h2o centre element to the water heater itself.

The next one will exist the flange-type.

Remove the four bolts holding the water heater element.
Take out the rubber gasket.
Carefully remove the water heater element.

Now, hither comes the fun part!

Pace four: Install the New Heating Chemical element

Starting time things first! Before installing the water heater chemical element, brand sure that it has the same wattage and voltage as the water heater. During the installation procedure, these are the important steps that you must follow:

Carefully have out the water heater element from the plastic safety cover and dry it to prevent grounding.
Place the new water heater element properly in its slot. Make sure that it fits perfectly.
If you are using a screw-in type, make sure to tighten it well by turning it in a clockwise direction. Otherwise, secure the four screws that volition hold it in identify.

Past completing these steps, we're getting closer to completing the replacement of your water heater element.

Step 5: Final Steps

Finally, it's time to refill the valve and finish the entire replacement process.

Close the bleed valve of the heating element.
Cheque if in that location are any leaks. If and so, check if the heating element is in the right position. Secure the screws as well.
Wait until the tank fills up.
Add the new thermostat, admission console encompass, and insulating material.
This time, you can finally turn on the circuit breaker and the water heater's power.

And that sums up the simplified steps on how to easily modify your faulty and bad element at abode without the presence of a professional or a local plumber.

You lot May Ask

Should I change both of my water heater elements at in one case?

There's no demand to modify both elements if the other is not faulty. The 2 elements piece of work differently and their life bridge doesn't depend on each other. It is simply necessary to exercise replacements if the onetime heating chemical element is already broken.

How much does information technology toll to buy a new heating element?

Buying a dissever water heater element ordinarily costs around $20 to $50. The only expensive office of changing a h2o heater element is the labor fee which volition cost you lot an estimated amount of $300 all in all.

How frequently should I supercede my water heater chemical element?

At that place is no exact record of how often y'all should change your water heater chemical element. Changing it will be just necessary if the previous element is already showing some bad signs. But lower heating elements are usually the first to break than the summit element.

Determination

Now that you know how to properly replace and select a h2o heater element for yous, you don't have to endure every droplet of common cold water. We hope that you fully understood everything in this article. If you notwithstanding have any questions, feel free to permit u.s. know in the comment section beneath. 😉