Replace the Lower 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: Open Hot Water Faucet
Open a hot water faucet and let the hot water run until it is cool.
WARNING! Be sure the water runs cool before draining the tank to reduce the risk of scalding.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Turn Cold Water OFF
Turn OFF the cold water valve that supplies the water heater.
Step 4: Open the Drain Valve
Open the drain valve on the water heater.
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 person for assistance.
Step 5: Open a Hot Water Faucet
Opening a hot water faucet will help the tank drain faster.
Step 6: Remove Old Element
Remove the bad element using an element wrench or 1 1/2" deep well socket .
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Clean the Tank Threads
Clean the threads in the tank opening with a rag.
Step 9: Install the Gasket
Install the gasket on the element.
Step 10: Lubricate the Gasket
Use a drop of hand dish-washing liquid to lubricate the gasket to help avoid damaging the gasket as it is being tightened.
Step 11: Install New Element
Install element and hand tighten.
Tighten with an element wrench or 1 1/2" deep well socket.
Step 12: Replace Power Wires
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 13: Turn Cold Water ON
Make sure the drain valve is closed. Refill the tank by opening the cold water supply valve.
Step 14: Remove the Aerator
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 15: Open Hot Water Faucet
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 16: 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 17: Check 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.
Step 18: Replace Plastic Protectors
Replace the plastic protectors.
Step 19: Replace the Insulation
Replace the insulation.
Step 20: Replace the Heating Element Covers
Replace the heating element covers.
WARNING! Be sure panels are secured to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock.
Step 21: Turn Power ON
Turn the power to the water heater ON.
It may take two hours for the tank to heat up.