How To Replace The Lower Element On A Electric Water Heater
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2017
- For more information or a written out step by step you can stop by www.thediyguy.net/2017/09/how-... How to replace the lower element on a electric water heater.
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It doesn't matter which wire goes were on the elements. As one wire has 120 volts on it and then when the element needs to heat the water the t-stat energizes the other wire with 120 volts and then makes the 220 volts used to heat the water. You can take a picture with your phone and put the wires back in the same spot if you would like to.
Thank you! I looked all over for this answer. Bless you!
@@racar3081 You're welcome, Glad we could help. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up / like. Thanks
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet I'm about to attempt this and I'm following your video step by step. I do not see a valve "shut off" for the hot water going out of the heater. I see the valve for the cold water coming in though. If I follow the piping for the hot water, it branches off in many directions and some (but not all) of those red pipes have valves to turn off. There might be three valves out of five directions/branches to each sink/tub. Do I need to turn them all off? Or can I just skip this step? Or should I not proceed until I can locate a main valve to turn off? Maybe not all hot water heaters have this valve?
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet OK, just put the brand new part in and put everything back together and I'm still receiving the same E07 error code for the lower element and the screen is locked. I cannot press any buttons to try and clear the code manually. Looks like I need to call Whirlpool for help.
Can you clean a heating element?
You sir are doing the lords work. Saving all us broke diy dads some much needed money
Thank you!! Not all of us had someone to teach us young bucks how to do this!
I recently made an appointment with a plumber to service our tank-drain, check, fill and I was told since we had a boiler heating system, a plumber specialized in that area could only do the service.
A great, straightforward how-to video. These days I have much more time than money and no one around that’s handier (or more willing) than me. I determined the size of the necessary element by the model number of my old US Craftsmaster 120v water heater. It ends in 15, which indicates I needed a 1500W element. Thanks for making the video. Go, handy people!
Taking the old element out and replacing it with the new one fast without draining the tank sure made it a lot easier. That was pretty cool. Thank you.
Whew! Glad I watched this video before tackling our tank. Husband is usually the handyman around here but he works long hours and isn't home much so I'm working on this project myself. Thanks for the help!
Elisha Benson get it girl 😎
Jay Ray you dirty dog!!
😍😍😍😍🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄😬🥰😬🥰🥰😬😬🥰
Did you block the sound when changing the element because you were cursing. I usually curse during this moment.
I like to call them my power words...
lol no fkin way I’m doing it that way. I’ll drain it all. Get paid hourly so no rush.
Men I really appreciate you sharing this video. I just installed the element in my hot water heater.💯
You're welcome, Glad we could help get your water heater back up and running. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave us a comment. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up/ like if you haven't already. Thanks
Great advice and instructions, I called my landlord 10 times, and he didn't answer and then I realized I was the landlord, but we saved him [me] a pile of money.
My lower element has so much calcium build up around it [twenty years old] that I could not do the fast swap method but would do it on the top one, I have very hard water.
This is absolutely perfect, thank you!
Nice video great instructions easy to follow thanks
You're welcome, Glad we could help. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us a comment.
I plan on draining my tank this weekend. I’ll take that opportunity to check my elements. Just seems easier and dryer with less of a chance of electrocution.
Calm, steps given with reasoning behind it making this information very easy to understand. Thank you sir.
Your're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us a comment. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up/ like if you haven't already. Thanks
This video was right on the money. While looking closely to the left of the upper thermostat I notice a wire partly embedded in foam insulation and a retaining clip oxidized where it had cut the wire casing. I found the cause of the no heat. I didn't do registration of the product three years ago. Off to buy a new Rheem water heater.
Exactly what I needed. Didn't know the size socket required as I had damaged the tool I bought specifically for removing elements. I'll be taking that back to the store, and heading to the local auto shop for the 1 1/2" socket!
Good luck bc mine was seized.
Don't forget to close the pressure relief valve when you have finished draining off the top of the tank!
Good info. The swap element while tank full method seems like it is risky for the novice. I prefer to drain the tank which is also a chance to flush our sediment. Plus the fast method looks like it could potentially leave wet insulation which could short positive and negative leads if the wet insulation touches both wires.
Thank you! I thought this was a terrible Idea. This seems like it could lead to external rust issues. Not to mention I doubt soaking the thermostat is good for it's health.
@@TheShadeslayer21 I saw this and still drained mine lol.. better safe then lazy, I mean safe then sorry.. lol
Not to mention all that soggy insulation packed back inside the water heater...
@@TheShadeslayer21 Ok, I’m glad I saw the comments here. I was thinking why not just drain the tank instead of rushing to jam a new element in. Especially when you gotta make sure you get the old gasket out.
The technique is what pros do where time is of the essence. Plus you are not wasting a whole tank of water. One improvement would be to jam an old towel doubled up around the opening that way the water leaks onto the towel. It takes a little bit of practice and the slight vacuum up top will only allow the water to gulp out not rush out. Reducing water spillage. Do it fast enough and the towel will hardly get wet.
Thank you!! Something I can do myself 👏👏👏
Great video, one thing I’d like to add if you have an old water heater with a good bit of build up. Just forget them channel lock pliers, go with the socket I definitely filled up the swear jar on this job
Thanks for the tip, lol. Ive hard water, and the buildup is unreal.
Great video simple to follow both for the elements replacement and thermostat jus one word of advise getting that element off without a good socket and breaker bar is nearly impossible the tool the sell that looks like a tube slips and slides no leverage bought a socket for it and a breaker it it popped right off with a little effort probably not all of these water heaters may be as tight but just a heads up follow this video and have the right tool to get this out it will save you money 💰 and headaches again thanks for the video.
Thanks for the video. It’s very good for the DIYer just learning. So, what is the likelihood that both elements go out at the same time?
I watched both your DIY videos on changing upper and lower thermostats, as well as this on on replacing the element. I was curious how do I know if I need to change out just the thermostats or the element or all 3? And do you always change out both thermostats? Thank you!
So I just got a “tune up” kit that comes with both elements and two boxes with those plastic covers as well. Is it a good idea to just swap everything out while you’re there or wait until it fails? The code mine gave me was for the lower so I’m assuming it’s the rust like yours.
Wonderful directions
The only replacement elements I could find that were rated for my heater are doubled-over loops which are so heavy at the end that I cannot screw them in properly, even with a 1 1/2" socket. I can't get it threaded right. Any ideas besides completely disconnecting the wh and putting it on its side to install the new elements?
Good info, thank you
I have an older small tank with only the lower element 3000 watt. I replaced it with a 1500 watt same voltage. I also replaced the thermosat. No luck. Does a single element tank only work with the proper wattage element?
So if you see rust and you know the element is leaking is it potentially the element seal or possibly the tank itself? I am hesitant to touch it because I have a month to go before my hot water heater shows up. It has been ordered but delays are making it take longer. It is not an off the shelf hot water heater and has thicker foam insulation. I just pray the hotwater heater last long enough to get the new hot water heater here.
Wonderful Directions
Thanks for the tips! You make it look so easy! I know it is if you take the right steps! Now to find that socket somewhere! Water Heaters are not cheap! Would Lowes sell the elements?
Yes I just bought one tonight. 12$
Not draining the tank may be faster but you soaked the insulation and got water between the tank and the casing. A sure way to rust out the bottom of the tank.
Will that failing heating element cause the reset to be intermittently tripped (and not the circuit breaker)?
Best video. Thanks
Thank you so much kind sir. Saved me from buying a new heater
Can I put a rheem thermostat and element on my Bradford as long as watts and voltage match up ?
My water heater keeps shutting off ( not tripping the breaker ) I flip the breaker to get it to work again but then it shuts off quickly . Do you think I need new elements?
thanks, this helped.
Thankyou for the demo. Im about to give this a go today. My only concern is plugging the wires in straight away while its all still wet.
You're welcome. Plugging the wires in shouldn't be a problem you could always wait a bit before you restore the power. You could always get a garden hose and drain the entire tank. Either way be sure to run the closest faucet on hot to get all the air out of the tank so you don't burn out the top element.
hair dryer area then reinstall cover
Good point to address just fill tank to top check for leaks before turning back on at the breaker...
I would advise to drain the tank. Hot water cane gushing out all over our bathroom.
very well explanation how to tested and how to take out and put in of the element. Could you please let me know what size is the socket to use for take out the element.
Thanks a lot
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave us a comment. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up/ like. Thanks @ 4:21 . It is an 1 1/2" sized socket.
would the same socket size that removes the anode rod works for this?
Good video! Would be good if you showed how to troubleshoot to find out how you knew to replace the element.
Thanks. To test the lower element make sure the power is off to the water heater then grab an ohm meter and put in on the lowest ohm setting. Then touch each probe end of the ohm meter to each of the screw terminals on the heating element. If the element is good it should read between 10-16 ohms if I remember correctly. If you get lower or nothing at all then the heating element is bad. The problem for me and where I mostly worked was that the water was high in minerals/ iron so it would build up at the start of the element a lot more then in this video at the 5:30 mark and would give me a false reading. The signs of a bad lower element is you have good hot water at the start of a shower and then a few mins in it goes cold. You're start by using the top of the tank where the top element heated the water and then once you use that you get the colder water from the lower part of the tank where the lower heating element didn't heat it. You can get all the parts for less then 35$. New t-stats and elements. amzn.to/31hdEmq top t-stat. amzn.to/2Tb8wO2 lower t-stat. amzn.to/2Yra9Nr Element or a complete kit amzn.to/31lE6v0. So for around 35$ you could have a good reliable heater for a few years again assuming its not rusted.
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnetI got my insulation wet … is that bad?
Question is, when reconnecting wires to the new heater, does it matter what thermal is used? Thanks in advance..
When you do it the quick way any insulation that gets wet looses it's R-value. Just something to think consider.
How many plumbers know this but still tell you to replace the whole thing!
Maybe in America but not in my country!
Great video... will be replacing my element today; thanks especially for the explanation regarding draining your tank vs. just the top... I will drain my entire tank, as my HW heater is in my art studio...
I thought mine was leaking at the lower element gasket, but I looks like it is the flange the element screws into that is leaking, Is this repairable?
I am about to change the anode rod and spin tube intake. I want to flush it and vacuum out the lime in the bottom thru the element hole. Should I replace the element? It works but is old and may be covered in lime. Should I do it anyways or just have one on hand when doing this project?
I’d say yes. If your going to pull it apart why not swap it?
I have replaced the elements and just turned on the breaker. How long until we have hot water again?
It should take around 30 mins for a 40 gallon tank set at 125 degrees to have hot water
Hopefully you let it fill up all the way leave a faucet on the hot side till flows solid no air gaps then flip breaker on and wait half hour for hot water dry elements will burn up quite fast have to be replaced again...
Thanks guy..❤
Dude! The element swap was hilarious, mad skills. Not trying that.
Wouldn't it be better to drain the whole tank to get as much sediment out as possible? And even flush it some after drained before installing new elements?
Service calls in and out but your right completely avoid same issue of cause and effect flush yearly and check anode for deterioration every 3 to 5 yrs .
Yeah, I find the cause is usually built up sediment. Why not clean the bottom of the tank? Perhaps this is why I am still running the same hardware store special water heater since 1996. Replace anode rod, filler tube, both thermostats...but seriously, it’s all cheap. Just keep it clean, maintain regularly.
Outside of the yearly drain and 3-5 year anode check is there any other maintenance you perform on your water heater?
@@danman9642 if it's an electric water heater I would turn breaker off to the heater, check with a meter to make sure power is off, and then go through all electrical connections to make sure all is tight. Don't over tighten anything, well before you tighten make sure all wires are in slots correctly,
If gas check all piping with some soapy water to see if any leaks are present, they probably make something to check for gas leaks also but soapy water sprayed on usually works n if leaks are there it will blow bubbles.
Im not a professional, just a diy guy if I can,. Im sure someone who is HVAC qualified can tell ya more, read your manual 1st also. Anyway just trying to help, good luck.
@@danman9642 I have a set up for my shop vac to clean sediment from the bottoms of the tank. I try to clean that yearly and flush it in between. There are times it was double that. It allows you an opportunity to use a flashlight, open up an element, confirm dip tube is still functional. I have replaced mine after noticing half was missing lol. Strangely, I have only needed to replace the magnesium anode rod one time nearly five years ago. I do a check on the bottom element as it builds up crap between the element sides and shorts out. I’m guessing folks have different kinds of build up.mine is strong slaked lime. It fills the entire bottom and then some within a year.
My water heater doesn’t “hold” a lot of hot water. After like 2 normal length showers there is no hot water, and I have to hit that reset button each time cause it’s tripped. Then have to wait a good while till I have hot water again. Is that the element that needs changed ?
Good job man you good👍👍👍
Thanks and thank you for watching and taking the time to leave us a comment. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up/ like if you haven'y already. Thanks
Just wondering why the mineral build-up wasn't cleaned out? That is one of the main reasons the bottom element shorts out. I have never had a top element short out.
There are a lot of people that don't flush there water heater to remove the sediment or mineral build up. This was an older water heater. I'm also sure that the anode was never replaced either. Water quality plays a big part. Yea top elements don't really go unless power is restored while the water level is below the element.
When I was looking for the video I noticed there were none for the top element. Then I realized I have never had a top element go out either!
@@fredbentley4944 I just realized the same thing. My hot water keeps tripping the breaker, I took the covers off and the top one looked very corroded. The bottom one was replaced years ago, but the hot water tank has not been drained in a long time. After trying to get the top one out for awhile today with no luck I think my problem is the bottom one. Is it possible for the top one to go bad?
Hi!
The I replaced the lower element and the upper; I have the 220v on the upper but nothing on the lower.
This is Normal?
When you pull the bottom element without draining the tank and get water everywhere, I assume you have to wait a few days for it to dry off before powering it up??
Doubtful. Just make sure the terminals are dried off. Maybe run a de-humidifier next to the water heater for a week or so with the cover plates removed
I have a small 25 liter system that has a 2500 watt element, can i swap that out for a 1500 watt element without having to alter anything else on the system? (just trying to be nicer to my 3000 watt inverter).
You should be able to go down in wattage without a problem. If its a dual element you want to change them both to match. Just note that with a smaller element you will have a longer recovery time once the water is used as its a smaller element. While you will be pulling less wattage from the inverter it will be working longer as it will take longer to heat the water up.
Where does the ground rehook up to , my element was melted and can’t tell where it hooks up I have the same tank and I see the green ground wire going down twords element but not what it’s hooked to
So glad the element is so close to the outside. Realistically, the SOB is 2 inches inside with the smallest workspace possible.
also useful to clean all the deposits at bottom of tank. Thats why is failed
thank you!
Do you have to put plumbing tape on it?
How do you turn off water lines? I know how to turn of the water coming into the house but uncertain how to turn off the hot water line going to the housr?
All these videos make it look so easy loosening the damn element while my ass is over here about to just go buy a new water heater because I can’t get it out lol
When the new element goes in how do you know what colour wire goes on which terminal?
It doesn't matter on the elements. As one wire has 120 volts on it and then when the element needs to heat the water the t-stat energizes the other wire with 120 volts and then makes the 220 volts used to heat the water.
ruclips.net/video/caOf00IpSiw/видео.html
The link will answer those other questions he didn't mention especially the ground and power wire's and the thermostat changing out real quick
Didn’t show how to release top for the air to water suction
Checking for old gasket is a good point.
If there ends up being the old and the new it will seal up for a little while most of the time and then it will start to leak later on down the road.
Great video, but there are 2 questions I think most DIYers would ask that aren't fully explained: 1. You very briefly mention draining the top of the tank. Seems like a vital step, but there is no instruction beyond your mention of it. A Google search for draining the "top" of the tank doesn't return anything more specific than how to drain your entire tank. 2. Is there any fear of the water gushing out being hot?
Any response to this shaky question? I'm more of a newbie to this. I need to know as much as I could. Thanks!
Thank you
Good thanks man fort you tep
You're welcome, Glad we could help. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment and for watching. Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up/ like if you haven't already. Thanks
How long is the average heating element good for?
I replaced mine back in March.... A few days ago no more Hot water... Checked and the new heating element that I installed in March was already deteriorated and no good (Hard water here High Alkalinity) mine lasted 5 months
Once you change elements how long do you wait for water to heat up?
You can feel it getting warm at the faucet after about 30 minutes.... Should be Hot after about 45 minutes to an hour...
Praise God for the internet we wont need an electrician any more
Carefull
Exercise caution no stored power like a capacitor can still bite after the unit is turned off and breaker is turned off overpaid wire pullers ICW they have many classification tack more $$$. Asking one for advice is not beneath me know hazards and potential ones for safety sakes...
I have an electric water take like this one, at the bottom element panels there is a water puddle all at the bottom insulation right under the element, but the element isn’t what was leaking, any idea? Now my breaker won’t turn back on
1mad rs same problem
Nina Confidence called the warranty company and they said mine is bad, just got it replaced
I have seen many water heaters rust out where the heating element bung or nut that the element screws into is welded into the water heater tank. Mostly on Bradford and White heaters and mostly on the upper element. I would shut the power off two the heater, ensure that the heater is off with a test meter and then remove the covers and insulation and try and dry around both heating element bung/ nut areas upper and lower and then see if you can spot the leak. Check the MFG date and see if you still have a valid warranty and they will replace it.
...what's the size of the socket wrench???...
1 1/2"
Do not do it this way.
Drain your tank or you will have a big mess.
I always drained my tank and I am glad that I did this weekend.
My lower element needed changing. I drain the tank and removed the old element.
Went to install the new element, but could not get the threads to start properly. No matter what I did, it would not thread into the tank. I went to a different store and bought another element and it screwed right in without any issues. I have replaced about 6 elements and this was the first bad one.
The threads on the bad one looked good, so it must of been machined wrong.
Luckily no mess for me to clean up.
So do you put hose on ...then open the pressure valve? I haven't done it yet. Or before. I know prior steps and am a car guy and have many traits just hate plumbing
@@SethHollingshead
First turn off power to the water heater. Then turn off the water supply to the hot water heater.
Then connect a hose to the drain valve and open the valve.
Open the pressure relief valve and then wait until the tank drains. This can take awhile.
Then change out the element.
Close relief valve, close drain valve, remove drain hose. Turn on water supply and open a hot water valve in your sink or tub. This will let air out and allow the tank to fill up. Check for any leaks. Open each inside hot water valve to remove air from each one. Then turn on power to start heating up the water in the tank. Should start having hot water in about 30 minutes.
Meh. An exception to the "rule." Most people won't encounter this. Easier for me to do a quick swap without draining the tank, which, for me, is not worth it.
Just saying.
As always, YMMV.
Do I need to drain the top tank if I replace the bottom heater element ?
Yes - he says so in the video
Karla Elvis I actually ended up draining the entire tank via the bottom valve with garden hose. Replaced the heater element with same rating but bigger service area one. I’ll follow suit with the upper one, too. It definitely was the culprit. I just hadn’t watched the e tire video. Thank you 😀
@@EricInTampaAcoustic I think that I may replace the top element as well, just because the tank is drained....
Karla Elvis I think I may do that as well... I already filled it back up with her new one but it’s only a bit warmer. Maybe it’s time for a new upper one now, too. It’ll one require to drain maybe ten gallons this time 😊😀☝️
@@EricInTampaAcoustic My bottom element was definitely
the culprit - the top element was not as caked with alkali, but I replaced it anyway.
I can't get.my old ones out. Any ideas
My water heater is 10 years old. It make hot water but not enough to fill a tub. It on 50 gallon. What should I do? No leaking. Should I just replaced the whole thing?
I would start with the thermostats and elements first. It's a much cheaper and easier job. You can get the tune up kit at Lowe's for under $30, and they're universal. Just make sure your wattage matches up.
What size is that socket before I unnecessarily buy 15 different large sockets.
@ 4:21 . It is an 1 1/2" sized socket.
Thanks For sharing video, i will do by myself soon🙂🙂🙂
You said there is an upper element and a lower element. How do you know which one to change? I'm really new at this. Please help me.
You can test the resistance of both elements and find the bad ones. As a homeowner, I'm changing both of them, even if only one is bad. They aren't terribly expensive.
I have a 50 gal that is designed for 5500 W ele. can I use a 4500 ele? ... It is all that was available.
working man Hello, it will fit and work, It may work a little harder as it's not the correct wattage. You are also going down in wattage not up so your breaker and wiring will be ok. I would recommend getting the recommend / correct wattage to ensure you getting the most efficiency out of the water heater. If you were to install the lower wattage one in until you can order and get the correct one in.
Thanks
I found burnt wired at my heating element so we changed the element but still have a burning smell plz help
Please tell the socket size which u used to loosen the element
1.5 inch
@@M70ACARRY thank u sir
Is This is being replaced due to the hot water not lasting very long? For instance When showering, the hot water runs out after so many minutes then turns cold. . ??
Yes. As you are using the top half of the tank where the element has heated the water and then since the lower element is not heating the water the lower part of the tank is cold.
How do you know if just one element is bad ?
Does it matter what wire I connect to each bolt
It doesn't matter as they both have 110v when energized so together will produce 220v and turn the element on.
Thank you.I was wondering the same thing.@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet
How do you diagnose whether it's the upper or lower element?
By checking resistance. You'll also likely have some hot water that quickly runs out when the bottom element is bad. Hot water comes from the top of the tank.
What causes the element to burn out. We've had our replaced twice in a year.
Damn that looks just like my water heater lol
My lower element doesn’t have any wires coming out of it also no thermostat
How do you know where to connect the yellow wire?
If you are talking about the yellow wire that goes to the elements it doesn't matter where on the element it goes as the water heater is 220 Volts, So both wires going to the element are 110 volts.
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet thanks for the share helped clear the air never changed before just watched my dad many moons ago...
we are manufacturing heater element in any size in any weight according to requirements.
Feb. 4th 2024... I just replaced my heating elements. I saved myself $500 🙏 only spent $40 for both elements 🤠
Hey my friend what can cause to lose my power on my water heater.
It could be bad t-stats that caused the breaker to trip, a faulty breaker. Corroded wires, broke wire.
@@TheDIYGuyDOTnet , thanks I'm working on.
What if when I attempt to press the reset button on my electric heater, the button seems stuck. It doesn’t move
With that amount of material on the heater element I'm surprised you didn't remove the upper element and examine the anode to see if it might need replacement.