How To Change A Hot Water Tank Heating Element

This helps reduce sedimentary deposits in the tank and helps extend the life off all components.

How to change a hot water tank heating element. When a hot water tap is opened somewhere in the house hot water flows up out of the top of the tank and new cold water flows into the bottom of the tank where the lower heating element begins. Although keep in mind that it can be a bit more challenging. Remove the existing element. If the heater element is stuck there are three ways to proceed.

Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank. Insulate the hot water pipes. The upper heating element really only contributes when there is a high hot water demand and only serves to heat water in the upper portion of the tank. Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.

Insulate the hot water pipes. Gas models do not. Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit. Your water heater may have two elements an upper one and a lower one.

If you d like to give it a try the video below will show you how. Heat the element with a propane torch and see if that loosens it. If so both elements are replaced using the same steps. Electric water heaters warm tap water through two heating elements both of which are immersed inside the tank.

How to replace a heating element without draining the tank. Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank. Be sure to turn on the hot water faucet closest to the heater to effectively drain the unit. Refill the tank partially so the tank doesn t move when trying to twist the element.