How do you replace the elements on an electric water heater?

by Water Heaters on July 26, 2010

My water heater keeps having to be reset. The water heater is under 8 years old so I’m assuming it just needs new elements. Can someone give me the steps into going about replacing the elements? Thanks!


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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

scott_kel July 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm

Usually when the water heater reset trips it is a thermostat that is malfunctioning and not an element.It should be checked to find the problem first before changing parts that are not malfunctioning.If you have a simple multi-meter it is easy to check the elements.Set multi-meter to the continuity setting[ohm's] turn electricity off to the water heater and remove the wires from the elements place multi-meter leads on the two terminals and there should be continuity,now check each terminal to the tank there should not be continuity.If either of these reading are not correct then it is an element that is faulty.If they are correct then it is a thermostat that is faulty.Thermostats are relatively inexpensive so I usually just change both.These can also be checked if the water heater is up to temperature check across the wires that you removed from the elements there should be no continuity there if there is the switch is not opening and that is why the reset is tripping.

Samham July 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm

Turn off breaker in the main electrical panel.Drain tank. Detach wires. Unscrew elements. Screw in new elements. Reattach wires. Refill tank. Turn breaker back on. You’re done.

Kelly L July 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm

Have you been draining it at least once a year to remove calcium deposits? If not your going to have a hard time at it. Other than that, if you have follow Sam’s directions.

alvarz July 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm

turn off the circuit breaker going to the water heater. Turn off the water main for the house…drain all the water out of the water heater.
The rest you can see in front of you. Just take off the elements and replace them.

Benedict V Z July 26, 2010 at 2:49 pm

You may need an element wrench, It looks like a large socket.They are fairly cheap to purchase, will make the job easier.Make sure power is off to the heater!!!! Use teflon tape around the new element threads.

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