Replace Your Water Heater Elements

Is your water heater failing to produce enough hot water for your home? Do you find yourself running out of hot water unexpectedly during a shower? It may be time to replace your old, worn out water heater elements.

Replacing faulty water heater elements can restore hot water capacity and efficiency. This straightforward DIY project can save homeowners money on utility bills and repairs. With some preparation and safety precautions, you can swap out corroded or broken elements for upgraded versions.

Why Water Heater Elements Need Replacing

The average water heater lasts 6-10 years before issues arise. Older heaters have declining efficiency and capacity as elements accumulate mineral deposits and corrosion over time. Upgrading eliminates problems and boosts hot water delivery.

Electric water heaters contain two elements - one near the top and one near the bottom of the tank. As water is used, cold water enters and is heated by the lower element first. Hot water rises to the top to be available at faucets. The upper element maintains the hot temperature.

There are a few key signs that your water heater elements need replacing:

• Decreased Hot Water Capacity - If you run out of hot water quickly or get less hot water than before, your elements may be wearing out or clogged by sediment.
• Rusty or Corroded Elements - Mineral deposits and corrosion build up on elements over time, reducing heating ability.
• Faulty Thermostats - Damaged thermostats fail to properly regulate tank temperature causing over/under heating.

Before replacing elements, check that the electric circuit works. Push the reset button by the thermostat or use a multimeter to test if power runs through. Checking both upper and lower thermostats this way determines which element actually needs replacing.

Consider cost and safety issues too. Replacing elements averages $150-300 which is cheaper than a full heater replacement. Putting off repairs risks cracks or shorts that cause dangerous leaks and electrical hazards.

Choosing Between Repairing or Replacing Elements

Weigh the options of either repairing elements by removing sediment or hard water scale, versus complete replacement. DIY cleaning using descalers are temporary fixes lasting 6-12 months before mineral buildup recurs. And corroded elements with holes or separated coils cannot be repaired.

Replacement elements are inexpensive, widely available and last 5+ years. Upgraded elements with higher grade metals and protective coatings improve longevity. Unless the water heater is over 10-15 years old, replacing elements is the best option.

How To Replace Water Heater Elements

With some handy tools and proper precautions, DIY element replacement takes 1-3 hours. Follow these key steps:

Choosing Compatible Replacement Elements

Match new elements to the voltage, wattage and shape of old ones:

• Voltage - Standard is 220-240V. Check label for exact number.
• Wattage - Ranges from 1000W to 5500W. Higher wattage = faster heating.
• Shape - Screw hole locations must match tank fittings.

Each element type has a distinct screw or bolt pattern. Avoid mismatches which lead to leaks or shorts. Buy replacements matching old element dimensions:

• Record voltage and wattage ratings on the outside of element casing
• Note physical dimensions - length and diameter
• Count screw holes and measure distance between them

Safety Gear

Before draining the tank, wear safety goggles, gloves and waterproof shoes. Have a non-contact voltage tester handy along with the necessary tools for removal.

Turning Off Power and Water Supply

Safety first! Switch the circuit breaker for the water heater to the OFF position. Whole house water shut off valves also need closing. Test with a non-contact voltage tester before continuing.

Draining and Accessing Old Elements

Relieve pressure in the tank using the drain valve. Place a bucket underneath to catch water - up to 10 gallons may empty out. Remove access panels with a screwdriver. Inspect wires and element exteriors for damage before handling.

Testing Elements

Check resistance of elements using a multimeter. Functional elements show very low OHMs across terminals. Damaged ones have zero resistance or infinite resistance if coils are broken. This verifies both upper and lower elements are truly faulty before replacement.

Disconnecting and Removing Old Elements

Use needle nose pliers to detach wire connectors. Test elements with a multimeter again. Unscrew flange bolts slowly to avoid leaks. Twist the element counterclockwise and gently pull it out of the tank using pliers if needed. Remove gasket material residues.

Installing New Elements

Clean screw holes of residue before insertion to allow a tight seal. Apply non-hardening, high temperature thread seal tape on element threads. Screw in new elements hand tight initially to prevent cross threading damage. Then wrench tighten bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern.

• Reattach wires to new element terminals
• Set thermostats to 120degF
• Confirm wires have no tension or loose spots
• Double check gaskets form water tight seals

Refill the tank completely and check for leaks at connections. Bleed out air from lines using hot water faucets.

Turning Power/Water Back On

Restore power at the breaker and turn water supply back on. Give the tank 90-120 minutes to fully heat up. Test temperature at sinks and showers in home.

Flushing the Tank

Drain and refill the water heater tank twice to flush out sediment and scale after install. Add water descaling chemicals for a thorough cleaning. This helps maximize element lifespan.

Maintaining New Water Heater Elements

With upgraded elements installed, take steps so they remain effective long-term:

• Flush mineral deposits annually - Drain tanks yearly to clear sediment
• Check anode rod - Replace corroded rods preventing tank corrosion yearly
• Lower thermostat setting - Set to 115degF to save energy and prevent scalding
• Insulate hot water pipes - Reduces standby heat loss
• Monitor element performance monthly - Note pressure, temperature, hot water capacity
• Watch for leaks - Detect and repair new problems early

Avoiding Hard Water Damage

In hard water areas, increase flush frequency to 6 months. Install scale inhibiting filters and water softeners to minimize mineral buildup. Using chelating agents or electrolytic devices also protects elements.

Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Problems

Besides needing general replacement, several issues can develop with elements over time:

Element Not Heating

If an electric water heater has supply power but provides lukewarm or cold water, the cause may be:

• Upper or lower element failure
• Faulty thermostat or limit switch not allowing current to pass through
• Loose wire connections to element terminals
• Sediment clogging elements and reducing heat transfer