Remove Water Heater Elements
Removing water heater elements can be a very difficult task. In most cases you will need to use a Fix a Water Heater Element Removal Wrench.
Steps
- Shut off electricity to the water heater. Careful there may be two separate breakers to the water heater.
- Shut off water supply to heater.
- Drain the water heater-Use of the relief valve will help. (see Tips below)
- Open panels on the water heater. Usually one or two easily accessible screws hold them on.
- Move anything covering the element. It may be fiberglass or a piece of cardboard.
- Remove the wires from the element. (SEE TIPS BELOW)
- Remove the element by turning counterclockwise.
- Put some pipe dope on the new element and screw into place.
- Reconnect wires.
- Repeat Steps 4-9 for additional elements.
- Fill tank with water. (SEE TIPS BELOW)
- Turn on electricity to the water heater.
- Test for hot water in an hour or so.
Tips
- Sometimes tightening the element (turning it clockwise) a small amount could help loosen it for removal.
- If the heater element is stuck, there are three ways to proceed. 1. Heat the element with a propane torch and see if that loosens it. 2. Refill the tank partially so the tank doesn't move when trying to twist the element. 3. If all fails, use hammer to remove terminals and plastic end of element > on the newly exposed surface of the element, drill and tap two 1/4" holes into element > keep holes close to center of element so not to damage the element threads > twist two long 1/4" bolts into holes > use a wrench or vice grips to grab the two bolts and twist to remove element. 4. If you are having trouble removing the element, try repeatedly tapping on the element with a small hammer to break the corrosion loose.
- If your element went bad due to age you should probably replace the Temperature and Pressure Relief valve as well.
- Turn the hot water on at a sink to bleed the air out of the line.
- If you have a smart phone, take a photo of the thermostat before removing the wires. Use the photo to make sure you replace the wires in the correct order.
- Opening the hot water side of a faucet will help it drain faster.
- The metal jacket on a hot water heater is deceptively sharp. Wearing leather gloves when removing the elements can prevent some nasty cuts.
- Sometimes it's possible to get a pipe wrench or pliers on the element instead of using the element wrench.
- Buying the element wrench is well worth the four bucks ($4.00 USD)
- You may want to write down what the pattern is from the old element to the new element. You don't want to mix the wires up.
Warnings
- The metal jacket on a hot water heater is deceptively sharp.
- Be sure you check the seat in the tank where the element gasket is going to seat. Be sure it is clean and free from any rust pits. Otherwise it will leak.
- The elements usually come with washers, if you replace them - remember to put the washer on the element.
- If you are unsure how to turn the power off or check if the power is off to the heater, consult a professional.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- (Optional) Element Wrench
- Smaller water heaters (ie: 17 gal) may need a very small wrench.
