Replace the Heating Element

This is a continuation of previous steps. If you started here, please refer to previous steps to ensure you've followed all safety precautions.

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.

Step 1: Run the Hot Water Until it's Cool

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

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.

Step 2: Turn Cold Water Supply OFF

Turn the cold water supply OFF.

Step 3: Connect a Garden Hose to Drain Valve

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.

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.

Step 4: Open Drain Valve

Open the drain valve on the old water heater.

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.

Step 5: Remove Old Element

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

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

Step 6: Verify New Element

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

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

Step 7: Clean the Tank Threads

Clean the threads in the tank opening with a rag.

Clean the threads in the tank opening with a rag.

Step 8: Install the Gasket

Install the gasket on the element.

Step 9: Lubricate the Gasket

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

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

Step 10: Install New Element

Install element and hand tighten.
Tighten with an element wrench or 1 1/2" deep well socket.

Step 11: Replace Power Wires

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

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.

Step 12: Turn Cold Water ON

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

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

Step 13: Remove the Aerator

<strong>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).</strong>

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.

Step 14: Open a Hot Water Faucet

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

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.

Step 15: Close the Hot Water Faucet and Replace the Aerator

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

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

Step 16: Check for Leaks

Check the newly installed element for leaks.

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.