How to Replace an Electric Water Heater Element

[@mtn.mac10]

Thanks, i’m 13 and had to put a new element in for my mom for the first time 👍🏾

[@Leandros135]

W son

[@mattseifert8061]

Niceeee

[@miscsilliness]

Nice! Good job.

[@Just1American1966]

Good job. Way to step up.

[@cliffhyde803]

Wow then there is chance I can do it!

[@evegarcia8829]

I like how all the people with plumbing experience jump in to give some pointers on things that might have been forgotten during the video. This helped me understand a little more about the heating elements. Thank you!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Nobody can understand your fake taco burrito language

[@ToughTitty]

@@whiteyfisk9769 SHAME ON YOU!

[@ToughTitty]

@@whiteyfisk9769DISGRACEFUL

[@JacinthFlowerFly]

@@whiteyfisk9769SHAME ON YOU

[@JacinthFlowerFly]

@@whiteyfisk9769horrible

[@joeycmore]

What happened to the teflon tape or gasket seal?

[@cyworld2707]

that goes around the threads of the new heating element

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

No it didn’t

[@sashaalpatru8100]

Very helpful video! Thank you. My advice to anyone doing this is to get a 1.5" deep socket and use a breaker to loosen the elements. The heater socket in this video was useless for me as those elements were really stuck in there.

[@regionalunityproductions6204]

I use channel locks and lots of prayers just now!

[@psycobone1]

I used to pair a big vice grips and it came right off with that tool.

[@travisnewton5758]

Had never even looked at the heating element on a water tank. Pulled up this video and it was a very easy job! Thank you!

[@Eric16948]

They quoted me $960 to do this and replace the thermostats I did the thermostats already myself going do this now thanks

[@PullsPressesCarries]

Awesome video straight to the point with great close up view of what’s going on

[@faithevolution552]

Thank you! I'm retired divorcee and trying this all by myself ... This is a very easy video to follow. 👏

[@regionalunityproductions6204]

Wait! You have to wait for the tank to fill BEFORE you turn the switch back on from the power box! If you don't wait until it's fiulled, it will burn up the elements.

[@yesteryearr]

Lol as an apprentice electrician, this happened last year and why I was curious about this video Lol Thanks for the tip

[@NightFox358]

This happened to a former co worker had to drive an hour back to replace the elements on a brand new heater he just installed

[@Josh-fz9rh]

How do you know once tank is full?

[@EveryoneLaugh]

@@Josh-fz9rh When water is flowing into your sinks or other toilets.

[@hamish3766]

He explained that pretty clearly from 3:30 . He said , in this order: Turn on water supply, turn off faucet when water flows (this indicates heater is full) , check connections, reapply power

[@sportsdocdc3096]

Thank you for this and other videos. Just a little bit of explanation makes me understand the process better and I was able to fix my water heater with a $14 thermostat rather than waste someone’s time to come out. I don’t even have the same brand as you guys but because of his educational videos I know on my next purchase you will be my top choice. Take care of the people that take care of you I always say

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Great to hear!

[@BeeHiverson]

@@rheemwaterheatertraining he just said that to stroke your ego, he put in a richman.

[@dmxracr9202]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO!!! One thing I would request is that you show how the other typs of heating elements are changed. Thank you for the video!!!

[@markkillby4885]

Thank you so much, it was easier then I thought and saved money on calling someone.

[@sunflowerz54]

Don’t forget to turn the water flow handle up on top to OFF position to stop water refilling the tank after you have started draining the tank!!

[@ChmodX]

1:52

[@richardhartman8729]

You need to let it fill before you turn the power on to it. Or you will be changing the top element again

[@jayvitali7909]

True

[@evegarcia8829]

Does it only damage the top element or both if the tank is not full?

[@ken-dt1zp]

​@@evegarcia8829they will quickly burn out if not submerged in water

[@chiefbobdavis99]

@@evegarcia8829The element needs water on it before it heats up.

[@jimbox114]

Thanks for the video. I had no idea how easy this would be. I am about 99% sure our elements are going bad. This is much better than having to spend $500 for a whole new tank.

[@Just1American1966]

Didn't remind the viewer to close the drain on the heater at some point before refilling the tank.

[@positiveenergy8406]

😂

[@joshuabennett7334]

If you can’t figure that out should you be working on your water heater

[@Just1American1966]

@@joshuabennett7334 Statement or question?

[@handyscapersllc]

Also never used Teflon tape 😂

[@rods.3245]

You'll know if it isn't closed. 😅

[@markoppegard1117]

I am not able to replace the upper heating element because it has bent too much inside and cant be pulled outside of the hole. What do I do now???

[@JeffreyWillis800]

Should we replace the anode rod at the same time as the heating element? Excellent video.

[@PeteThecurious100]

Thank you. I have already replaced the element now I see the instructions, ha ha. Stupid me it was a old system with earth wire exposed . The help here a relief because I was sweating not being able to see any pole + -

[@brittniehodsdon8313]

Why do I have to check the power even though I've shut the braker off? I wonder if I need to buy one

[@KhmerH20]

it's a 'be safe than sorry' kind of thing. you don't want to touch 240v by accident. the tool will be useful for other projects as well.

[@pauldrinan]

Do you have any videos for the double element? These things are almost impossible top remove once they're installed.

[@RobertBoniface-l9k]

Rheem 40gal w 2 heating elements. If I turn of the inlet water and drain the hot water by the faucets, will this drain enough water to replace the lower element or will there always residual in there? The water pump switch failed so lost all inlet water and ran out of hot water while filling washer so water heater was left on for 2 days by mistake until pump fixed.

[@miscsilliness]

Do you need to buy an 'element wrench' or can this be done with regular sockets? If so, how big of a socket?

[@TheJohnparadise]

I had to buy a tool for that. Look around the area where you bought the heating element. Most places have a metal tool that is 1 1/2 inch for taking the element out.. or you could go the expensive route and buy a 1 1/2 inch socket. Ask the place for the element tool

[@cpalomares79]

Once I turn the valve with the screw driver to release the water from the water heater with the hose, do i have to turn it back after the water is out of the heater?

[@jonathan3982]

Yes close it once the tank has drained. That way you'll be sure to not forget to close it.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Yes, after the element has been replaced and before power has been restored to the water heater. If you have any other questions, please call Technical Support at 866-279-4566 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CST and one of our experienced analysts will be happy to assist you.

[@cdsnow-dr1gk]

Y'all don't need to drain water heater !! Just turn off power.turn off main water . Relieve water pressure from faucet.shut off valve.have small plastic bottle cut ,or towel to catch water from elements.have new element an socket ready . Unscrew element quickly ,remove element. an install new one . put wires back in place...not even about 1/4 -1/2 cup of water spills out ! Simple process .no hassle of waiting to drain tank .can be done for both heating elements in about 5-10 mins.dont forget to turn water an power back on . Maintenance.tech of 40 + yrs . guaranteed to work !!

[@Jujuthesavage]

What does it mean when the element itself is still shocking me but the wires are off of it and the breakers are all off

[@Jujuthesavage]

I still have no idea how everything in my breaker was off but I was getting lit up by a Christmas tree my house is destined to go up in flames any day now

[@FinnyG47]

Rheem - showing it should last 10, but my Rheem dual element water heater only lasted FIVE years. The folded element was so warped, I barely got it out of the tank with the help of really long needle nose pliers.

[@userknownastom]

If you are replacing one you might as well replace both.

[@BeeHiverson]

Gasp! but the other element might go for a few more weeks!!

[@RaulRamirez-rh5bw]

❤

[@JackOfBlædes]

Yeah and while you’re there you might as well get that anode rod changed out.

[@spol]

Not necessarily. Depends on what’s going wrong.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Replacing both of the elements at once is a good idea. Just keep the other element (the one that wasn't burnt out) as a spare.

[@petermalveaux2528]

Water is coming from my heating element the top one what should I do

[@innovateandinvest]

You didn’t seal it right

[@JackOfBlædes]

Drain the tank, remove the element, wrap the threads clockwise with teflon, secure the element, tighten fully, recheck in 2-4 hours then in 24 hours. If there are any gaskets (if they’re old) replace them.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

About 6 or 7 years ago I turned on one of the hot water taps in my house and SCALDING hot water came out. I have the thermostat set to 130 degrees, so I knew something was wrong. Just to be safe I replaced both heating elements and thermostats. The heating elements were fused across with lime buildup etc (we have a high mineral content in our area). I don't know if that's what caused the problem, but after replacement there have been no more issues with scalding hot water. (The pressure release valve worked also). I'm replacing them again tomorrow as a preventative measure.

[@coburna5]

Eye know. Eye have done this before, but eye still thank you for this video !

[@ChiefADFP]

yea what if i am looking to replace elements and tempter unit have the whole kits happen main line to well broken 5ft blow ground outside cost avg 780.00 to repair and dirt going inside burn out the element (burnings) i say hell with it got all 4units needed replace. how come every one skip replace the tempter Sencer united?

[@juncelijaimes2150]

Would I need to drain all the water out if I’m only replacing the top? New heater, dry fire….

[@bcmagnolia1170]

So, very confused here! YOu only show changing one element. Where is the second one? Does my Rheem water heater only have one? Model #E30 1 RH95

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

To get information on this situation, please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373 for more details.

[@slippinjimmy6511]

Each element has its own part number. Due to this, they are different(at lease mine does).

[@MexSider]

Rheem electric water heater, Element doesn't wanna come out, it looks like element expanded by itself...too wide to pull it out...What can I Do?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

To resolve your issue, please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373 for more details.

[@renoleceesay7869]

Wish I could’ve gotten you this info early. (I’m posting for future people that may visit the video). Those element tools normally bend when trying to remove those elements because of all the calcium that builds up around it. A 1 1/2 socket will do the trick easily.

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

Sooooo……what was the teflon tape for?

[@PatriotWatchdog-nb7sx]

So no tape on the new element?

[@jonathan3982]

No. If it has a rubber washer there is no need for Teflon.

[@pricer39]

Thank you! I think I can do this. (:

[@Remedy944]

A

[@eyayouestifanos9746]

very helpful Thank you .

[@user-bw5xf3yr3m]

Did he use Teflon tape for the heating element ?

[@i.bleed.green.2081]

No you don’t need it as there is a gasket

[@woodrowwilliams1812]

You didn't use the teflon tape.

[@josevilca6493]

very well explain how to replacement

[@franciscomilan530]

No need for Teflon bc the new element comes with new rubber gasket and draining the full tank is only a preference to some who doesn’t want all that water to suddenly come out while in the middle of replacing the element

[@mjoygreen6592]

you can't say Teflon ,unless it is manufactured specifically by Teflon

[@macker0077]

Thanks for this video. Looks like an easy job. Is it possible to swap out the heating element with one that has a higher heating capacity, i.e. 3Kwh to 4.5Kwh as long you have the proper 240V and proper 25 or 30 AMP breaker to support it?

[@Violet-y6b]

No

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Please contact our Technical Support Team at 800-432-8373.

[@innovateandinvest]

Yes, as long as you are sure the breaker can support it. The highest wattage means it will heat faster

[@nyrainman4897]

Breaker started tripping, so I had an electrician run tests on the water heater. After running the tests on the upper/lower elements and thermostats, only the lower thermostat showed as failed. I replaced it, but the breaker tripped again after about 6 minutes. While the tank was still drained, I replaced the lower element, even though the one in the tank looked and tested good, and also replaced the anode rod. Filled up the tank and the breaker tripped again after 5-6 minutes. Shall I just go ahead and replace the upper thermostat and element, or could there be a problem someplace else?

[@guidedbygreen1480]

The technician you sent over to your house should have left you with a diagnosis...

[@nyrainman4897]

@@guidedbygreen1480 My issue has been resolved and hopefully this will help others. Originally, I replaced both thermostats and elements. While I was at it, I also replaced the anode rod. After still having the breaker tripping on me, I had another electrician come and what he found was that one of the wires connecting to the breaker was loose and causing the breaker to overheat and trip. I had that taken care of and now we have lots of hot water and without any breaker problems.

[@guidedbygreen1480]

@@nyrainman4897 I just got mine fixed with a new thermostats and heating elements. Hurray for hot water!

[@wilsq30]

Are there two heating elements?

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Most standard residential electric water heaters have two heating elements.

[@scottmatthews8578]

Yeah right what if the element is so tight that ya have to put a pipe on the screwdriver for leverage and ya just bend the screwdriver . Wd40 ?

[@taharseba5379]

Thank you so much

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

NOTE TO SELF: Check for leaks again after 24 hrs.

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

And again at ten years

[@josevilca6493]

yes, I did. but I like to look at the videos. thanks.

[@larrypierce508]

How to you remove an element that is bent or spread......will not come out. Need to clean out my tank but bent element will not allow it to come back out. Frustrating.

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

We know how frustrating this must be. For assistance, please reach out to 800-432-8373.

[@pwgeeg845]

you forgot to close the valve to ensure that the tank refills with water!!!! and remove the garden hose!!!

[@FireMartyVa]

I saw the same

[@curiel493]

Thank you very much sir

[@rickvigo8396]

Teflon is just incase you break something you can tape it together.

[@pattyhumphrey9040]

Is there any thing else that can go wrong with water heater

[@BeeHiverson]

They can blow up.

[@chrishnah]

Reset button

[@jonathan3982]

​@@BeeHiversonThe only heater that's at risk of that is a gas water heater. They can burst open, but I've never seen one explode ever.

[@BeeHiverson]

@@jonathan3982 myth busters had one go through a house roof. Pretty neat

[@jonathan3982]

@@BeeHiverson Yeah I know they did. But they purposely caused it to do that. I've never in my 45 year's seen one go through the roof. I've seen them burst at seams sometimes the top or at the bottom. The only way it can do that is a build up of to much pressure. The only way it would build to much pressure is a faulty T&P relief valve.

[@deanc.5984]

Elements last 1 to 2yrs with hard water.

[@slippinjimmy6511]

Yes they do!

[@LunkerFishing]

What is the teflon tape for? You do not show anything about it. What about the flange type element? You show nothing about that either. Poor video here

[@sunflowerz54]

Well my brand new Rheem 6 yr warranty water heater I paid $500 + tax at Home Depot went out in two years I’m a disabled Grandmother They are telling me it’s my WATER!! in my town So I am fixing it myself!! Wish me luck!! Parts $50 at Home Depot :). I will never buy this brand again!!

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

We’re sorry you are experiencing issues with your Water Heater and we appreciate you reaching out and letting us know. Please give our experienced Technical Analysts a call at 866-279-4566 from 7 AM to 7 PM. We recommend being near the water heater when calling Technical Support with your contact information and serial number available.

[@Jose-pd3sb]

My at dpot only worked 2day

[@TheRandy3D]

Just had a new marathon water heater installed...what a piece of crap!!! Leaking from an element right away and nobody at Rheem answers calls, should have stuck with whirlpool I guess

[@sgtJOOSEcapeS]

Rheem part's and ruud part's the same

[@rheemwaterheatertraining]

Please let us know if you'd like additional information. Are you asking if Rheem and Ruud parts are the same?

[@Enriquevelazquez8888]

Y de pressure valve !!!

[@SynthD]

Yeah a 1 1/2” socket was way too large

[@Spearoman]

That eye…

[@Risterkin90]

I didn't see any problem with his eye.

[@JRDad]

I didn’t. Until this comment.

[@RaiderSerge]

I saw it immediately! 😂🖕

[@jmj272007]

There is no need to drain the water heater it's pointless waste of time.

[@noelv1976]

Why? Wouldn’t all that water just pour out?

[@RMYD002]

Yes there is! if you unscrew the element to pull it out, water will pour out the hole until its low enough to stop....are you dense?!

[@lemizle]

if you turn off the inlet water and release the pressure at a hot tap, you can remove the element and the water only dribbles out as fast as the air can get in at the element mount point. Working quickly, with a plastic funnel to catch the dribbles it is possible. See other KZbin videos. Turn the electricity off a day or two before so the temperature drops a bit and you don't get scalded.

[@jonathan3982]

​@@lemizleNot to mention it's best to drain it all out so you can clean out the tank with a shop vac.

[@mojorochi]

Yeah sure, "easy". Tell that to your horrible RME35V1 model.

[@Shazam0527]

Whats up with this guys eye??? Did he forget to turn off the electricity to the hot water heater?

[@robertwent4859]

That left eye though