Water Heater Element Replacement

Water heaters are one of the most important home appliances that we need to maintain carefully in order to ensure an uninterrupted life. Considering the fact that water heaters are used constantly, they are prone to various problems and defects. If you understand the main parts and working of water heaters, then repairing mild problems is an easy project, unless the defect is a complex mechanical one. Even though the component parts of water heaters may vary based on the model, the basic working principle is more or less similar to each other.

Speaking about an electric water heater, it consists of a steel tank for holding water, two heating elements to heat water, thermostat for controlling temperature, pressure relief valve to control pressure, dip tube to supply cold water and outlet pipe for collecting hot water. Among the many reasons for impairing the function of water heater, a faulty heating element with calcium carbonate buildups is a common problem. For troubleshooting this malfunction, you can consider replacing water heater element. Let's take a look on water heater element replacement.

How to Replace Water Heater Element

As we all know, handling any type of electrical equipment is dangerous, which is the same with water heaters. To avoid any accidents, it is always advisable to go through the user manual provided with the unit before undertaking water heater element replacement. Shut the cold water supply at the dip tube and drain water from the heater tank. Also, do not forget to turn off the power supply to the heater and the main switch at the panel. You can lock the panel box so as to make sure that nobody switches it on when you are working with water heater.

Once you are prepared with the precautionary steps, you can start with the procedure for testing and replacing hot water heater element. First of all, take out the access panel located at the top of the water heater with the help of a screwdriver. You can notice both the water heating elements, one at the top and another at the bottom.

The next step to replace water heater element is to check the resistance of the heating systems. You can test one heating element at a time. Set the multimeter reading to X1000 and connect one lead to the mounting screw of heating element and the another lead to the screw terminal. If the reading is infinity, then the heating element is working properly. In another case, if the resistance reading is not infinity, then it requires replacement. Follow these same steps to test whether the other heating element requires replacement or not.

Following this, remove both the heating elements by disconnecting the wires and unscrewing the terminals and fastening bolts (if any). There are chances of thick calcium carbonate scales in the lower heating element. While purchasing new heating elements for replacement, make sure you select the same model as the original one. Replace water heater element and fasten the terminal screws and mounting bolts. With these steps, you have completed replacing hot water heater elements.

Turn on the water supply to fill the water heater tank and place the access panel. For checking the working of the new heating elements, switch on both the main electricity supply and power to the water heater. If everything works out fine, then you can start using the water heater. In case, the water heater is not working properly even after water heater element replacement, then call a professional serviceman. Read more on troubleshooting hot water heater problems.

I hope this information would come handy in case you decide to troubleshoot your water heater all by yourself, however, please be careful while doing so. All the best!