DIY: How to Replace the Element in a Hot Water Heater

If you find your hot water has gone cold, or it is only warm, and the problem is the hot water heater element, then it will have to be replaced with a new one. Most water heaters have two elements so you will have to work out which one is not working by using a voltmeter. Turn the power off to the hot water heater then check the elements, which can be found behind a panel, by setting a voltmeter to impedance and attaching the leads to the individual posts of one of the elements. The voltmeter will either beep or the dial will move towards the right indicating that the element is okay. Check both elements to find out which one is not working and this will be the one that has to be changed. You will need to purchase a replacement. Make sure you have the model number and any other information so that you purchase the right one to suit your heater.

To replace the hot water heater element, make sure the power is off and then drain the tank which can be done by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve. Turn the water off at the supply valve first, then turn the drain valve on making sure the water coming out of the heater can be diverted into a drain or outside as the tank may hold from twenty to eighty gallons. It will take some time to drain so check it every now and then to make sure it is draining properly. When the water has been reduced to a trickle you will know that the tank is almost empty and the element can be changed.

The next step to replacing the hot water heater element is to remove the one that is not working. This can be done by unscrewing the wires, take note of which wires go where and even mark them if you need to, as you have to put them back on the same way. Unscrew the old element and gently pull it out, then gently insert the new element and screw this back in. If the old element has a washer or O ring that fits between it and the wall of the heater make sure the new element also has a washer or O ring in place before screwing it in as this is to stop any water leaks. Re-attach the wires onto the correct electrical fittings then replace the plastic cover over the top of the connectors and then replace the metal panel. Turn off the drain valve and turn the main water supply to the heater back on and allow it to refill, turning one of the hot taps on in the house will help to reduce any vacuum pressure and the water will come through when the tank is full. Once it has refilled the power supply can then be turned on again.