Replace the Heating Element

Open a hot water faucet and let the hot water run until it is cool (this may take 10 minutes or longer).

WARNING! Be sure the water runs cool before draining the old water heater to reduce the risk of scalding.

Turn the cold water supply OFF.

Connect a garden hose to the water heater's drain valve and place the other end of the hose in a drain, outside, or in a bucket.

Open the drain valve on the old water heater.

Opening a hot water faucet will help the water heater drain faster.

Some drain valves may be opened with a handle but others require a flat blade screwdriver.

Let the water heater drain completely.

Sediment in the bottom of the tank may clog the drain valve and prevent it from draining properly. If you can't get the tank to drain, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Remove the bad element using an element wrench or 1 1/2" deep well socket .

Make sure the new element is the correct replacement by referring to the water heater’s data plate for voltage and wattage information.

Clean the threads in the tank opening with a rag.

Install the gasket on the element.

Use a drop of hand dishwashing liquid to lubricate the gasket to help avoid damaging the gasket as it is being tightened.

Install element and hand tighten.

Tighten with an element wrench or 1 1/2" deep well socket.

Replace the power wires. Make sure all wire connections are tight.

NOTICE: Do not turn power back on until the tank is completely full of water.

Make sure the drain valve is closed. Refill the tank by opening the cold water supply valve.

NOTICE: Do not turn electrical power on unless you are sure all of the air is out of the tank and the tank is completely full of water. If power is applied before the tank is completely full of water, the upper element will burn out (dry fire).

To remove air from the tank and allow the tank to fill completely with water, follow these steps:

Remove the aerator at the nearest hot water faucet. This allows any debris in plumbing system to be washed out of the pipes.

Open a hot water faucet and allow the water to run until it flows full stream.

Let the water run full stream for THREE MINUTES to get all of the air out of the tank.

You must remove all the air from the tank and allow the tank to fill completely with water before connecting electrical power.

After all of the air has been removed from the tank, close the hot water faucet and replace the aerator.

Check the newly installed element for leaks.

If a leak is present, tighten the element until the leak stops. If you cannot stop the leak, drain the tank and remove the element. Inspect the gasket for damage. If the gasket is damaged, replace the gasket and re-install the element.

Replace the plastic protector.

Replace the insulation.

Replace the upper heating element cover.

WARNING! Be sure all covers are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock.

Turn the power back ON at the circuit breaker (or replace fuses).

It may take two hours for the tank to heat up.