Replacing Hot Water Heater Element

An electric water heater may stop working because of some common problems, for example, a faulty heating element. Heating element is the most essential part of the water heater. It is an important component which actually heats the water. You don't have to replace the hot water heater if it's not working. Sometimes, it may happen because of the hard water, which contains mineral salts such as calcium and magnesium ions that limit the formation of lather with soap. Hard water reduces the efficiency of the heating element. Usually, the lower element has a much greater build-up of calcium carbonate and other salts than the upper element. Removing the old heating element and replacing it with a new one is an easy job.

In most water heaters, there are two heating elements, one in the top and other one at the bottom of the heater. These elements never work simultaneously, because it would create an enormous drain on the electric supply. The heating element, which is on the top, heats the water in the upper tank to a specified temperature, usually, around 120-149 degrees F. Then, the thermostat shifts the electric current to the lower heating element, which heats the water in the lower half of the tank. Whenever your water heater stops working, switch it off first. Inspect the breaker box. Check if the heater is not working because of the faulty heating element. To do this, attach the bulldog clip of the tester to one of the electric terminals of the heating element and then probe to the other terminal. If the tester does not spark, there must be a broken wire or a faulty heating element.

Make sure that the electric power supply is switched off and nobody will switch it on while you are working on it. Also stop the water supply to the heater. Drain the water tank completely. Open the drain valve to remove the deposition or blockage if any. Follow the steps given below.

• Remove the access panel and the cover panel. Use a screwdriver to expose the heating element, unscrew it in anti-clockwise direction.
• To check the working status of the heating element, test the resistance of both the elements by multimeter. Set the multimeter reading at X1000. Attach one lead to one of the screw terminals and the other one to the heating element mounting screw. Usually, for the element, which is in a working condition, the reading comes as infinity. If the reading is anything other than infinity, you need to replace the heating element. Test the other element in the same manner, to determine if it needs to be replaced.
• Unscrew the element terminals and unbolt the element from the heater. You need to remove both the elements. Keep all the terminal screws and mounting bolts in a safe place, otherwise you might lose them.
• Replace the heating elements in the reverse order. You should also replace the o-ring, as it prevents leakage. Screw it in clockwise direction.
• Check if the drain valve is closed, before removing the hose. Now open the water inlet valve again. Refill the water tank of the heater with water. Turn on the electricity only after refilling the tank with water.
• Replace the access panel over the two heating elements. Also replace the cover panel. Turn on the breaker to the hot water heater after the replacement.

Some water heaters may have a single element, which will make your job easier. In that case, you have to check only one heater element, and follow the same procedure. Purchase the heating element of the same configuration, model. Replacing a hot water heater element is very easy if you follow the necessary steps.