DIY Network

Electric Water Heater Installation: Replacing an Element Electric Water Heater Installation: Replacing an Element From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-111

Ed Del Grande explains that if your water heater no longer puts out hot water, you may need to replace your heating element.

Materials:

Screwdriver
Element puller
New element

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Turn off the power to the water heater at the breaker.

2. Open the cover (figure A) on the side of the tank.

3. Disconnect the two wires on the element.

   Note: make sure the water is drained below the element that you are replacing.

4. Use an element puller (figure B) to remove the bad element. Insert a screwdriver into the element puller to get more leverage.

5. Remove the element (figure C).

6. Insert a new element, then tighten.

7. Fill the tank with water above the new element. If there aren't any leaks, reconnect the wires.

8. Replace the cover.