How To Replace Electric Water Heater Elements

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Hey guys! Hope that you find this to be useful. Please be respectful in the comments. I appreciate you guys!

[@jackblack9830]

Benjamin Sahlstrom Love the hat

[@gusmendoza2792]

Hi! Ben csn I use clein multimiter ET60 to test my electric water heater?

[@eCoArise]

this is really well done, thank you! We have both heating elements so bent a plumber can't get them out, is there anything that can be done at that point or is a new tank the only option? If we need a new one, what are your thoughts on the hybrid heaters that we use the temp of the air to draw heat?

[@dmlavign]

Excellent video! One thing worth mentioning though is if the element is seized in place, it will be important to use a socket that does not have a tapered entrance to get maximum torque on the hex nut to remove. Thanks again for the great video!

[@peterphan3524]

Hi Ben I'd metered the element and they both had 12.7 ohms and also replaced both thermostat still not working. That income source at the terminal metered 119vac but if I cross terminals meter it I got nothing. Could it be breaker is bad?

[@MGPackers]

Ben, You addressed the subject of the red hat well. That someone who doesn't agree with you still can be your friend! That says so much about your character! I pray this new year is a wonderful and blessed one for you! Thank you for the videos. I have learned a lot in the last few days. Keep up the great work!

[@stephboeker7835]

I really enjoyed this video !! I changed out a whole water heater in my rental trailer w/ out knowing volts, whether element was bad, anything really. I feel more educated after watching your video. I'm good w/my hands and like to fix things if possible , rather than spend money on replacements. I was a carpenter for 33yrs and never understood too much about electricity, but since retiring early and w/ the help of KZbin I've become more skilled at many more new projects and save oh so much money. I've always wondered how to know the pull of watts on any given appliance and now for the 1st time it seems so easy the way you described it step by step. Volts x Amps = Watts !! I also liked the way you informed the opposition of the ability to be unique & different but still be able to find common ground that can hold us together. I'm sorry that most of the opposition I've seen would have turned the video off at 1st site of the "red hat". But it was surprisingly refreshing to hear that particular point added to the end. All in all , I feel good about the video, time I spent watching it and the time and effort I spent here in the comments section. Good job Ben, Sincerely ........................ Steph

[@BostonSparky]

Bugged out of the city to quarantine at my summer home due to covid positive only to find cold water. Thanks to you I am heading to Home Desperate for my thermostats... Had visions of humping a new heater down to the basement. All the best!

[@nunezcomedyandmore5288]

I love the last part some people don't understand that we work hard for what we love and express it in our own ways. we are in a free country as a Hispanic from Honduras I seen all types of hate and corporations don't matter who wins I hope everything is for the best

[@stevew7112]

Love your hat. Going to change my elements tomorrow. My hot water has been acting up lately. Another words we keep running out of hot water, I think it's the elements. Very old hot water heater 30 years old. Thanks.

[@drgolfjim]

Well defined. Clear speaking. No lip smacking, which I appreciate.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Good video. Another way to help the water drain faster is to open the drain valve while there is still pressure coming into the system and help "flush" any sediment that might occlude the drain. Do that for at least 30 seconds (longer for a system with lots of sediment) and then shut off the supply valve. You can also crack open the pressure relief valve instead of going to a lavatory or other faucet to allow air in to equalize pressure. Congrats on the 4th girl as well! We have 4 girls and another ??? on the way!

[@BrianFullerton]

Pipe dope can also help make it easier to break loose/ replace the next time. Not needed for sealing as the gasket handles that, but a little lube (pipe dope) on the gasket has also been good to me over the years.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Exactly.

[@nmartin5551]

So just to share - hope I’m not repeating myself. When I first watched this video, I had decided to drain and just change elements. My HWH is in my attic. I check the overflow at the pan. No leak. I thought I was good. I’d turned the water off to the house, and opened the valve to drain the tank. It didn’t happen immediately, but after awhile, I heard water sounds. Then I had water pouring through the light fixtures in my kitchen. TURNS OUT the lazy SOB who put the overflow on that water heater pan could not be bothered to put enough pipe on it to drain out the eves as it was supposed to. Yes. Draining onto the ceiling in my kitchen. I’m just grateful I found out in this relatively controlled way, versus the water heater rupturing while nobody was home and the water wasn’t turned off. When you have people who take that little pride in their work, I dont think it is possible for anyone to make this country great again. Benjamin - Wear your hat! I hope more people on all sides can grow up enough to realize that politics are not religion. And we are theoretically adults who can agree to disagree.

[@edmorris7100]

Is it just me, or does Ben remind you of Beaver Cleaver. Great video, lots of help.

[@stevenbernstein1978]

Making Water Heaters Great Again! 👍

[@checopacheco420]

Thanks ¡ so much help. abut how much torque on that ratchet? Thanks again.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

The exact torque is not critical so generally I just tighten it until the threads "bottom out" and then get it "good-n-snug" which I would guess is about 30-40 lb ft or so. ;)

[@bernardsaucier2062]

An excellent tutorial on water heater maintenance by someone who gets straight to the point. Also, I especially liked your comments on electrical safety!

[@fldave612]

I agree with your final commentary. I am not a fan of Trump, and didn't vote for him, however that's one of the good things about this great country of ours, we have the right to express out political views respectfully! Reagan once said at 5 PM we are all Americans! Besides, our HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems don't have a political preference. Keep the helpful video's going. I find that living here in Florida I have to drain and flush the heater out twice a year and have to use the wet-dry vac and vacuum the sediment out of the tank, when I'm done it looks like a kid dumped a couple buckets of sand from the beach on the ground. I also had to switch out that cheesy plastic drain cock with a brass boiler drain valve, I also have to blast water in the drain from a garden hose with to get any water to drain from it due to the large amount of calcium and lime deposits that plug it up.

[@jefferystensland1304]

As a plumber of 20+ years I would advise against "tripping" the t&p lever to allow air in, I have seen them not seat properly enough times after tripping the lever that I will not do it unless I'm replacing the tank or the t&p. Commonly debris can get in the spring or it can just be old and weak and not seat properly causing it the drip afterwards. Most heaters have flex or unions on top of tank nipples, just Crack that to allow air in after you have started to drain.

[@idudumonday651]

Thanks Benjamin , I appreciate your teaching and will continue to visit your site , expecialy as am going to need some tools.

[@DavidHernandez-iy2sg]

Hey Benjamin thanks for ur video,very helpful.Best part is ur details n procedure and safety when working with electricity. GOOD JOB.

[@pipingcalifornia3476]

How funny. I just ordered new elements so thanks for the good timing!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Awesome!

[@TexasScout]

I replaced a bunch of those in the 30 years I had my water heater (was still working when Hurricane Harvey took my house). How did I know it was time to change the element? When I got a slight shock from washing my hands. LOL

[@l33b80]

Don't forget about the sacrificial anode rod!

[@nova31337]

Seriously, those elements were pretty corroded so it stands to reason that the anode rod may have already been spent and the elements were attacked next.

[@raymond3722]

Thanks Benjamin.you are a humble guy

[@_RocketRooster]

Great videos and great taste in head gear! I knew there was a reason you made such good & helpful videos!

[@alienwaterhillsr.4323]

This is Alien 👽 and I am so proud of you to explain your 👒 hat even though I don't understand why some people need that explanation and why people let their beliefs control their lives but enough of that I would love to learn more about the electrical tester love your videos 📹 😉 peace out from Alien 👽 👽🚀321

[@roberthall4075]

Another awesome video! Stoked that you rock that hat and weren’t afraid to wear it. Totally agree with your kind explanation of “if you don’t agree with it...we can still be friends”. Thanks again for such awesome videos. You did a great job 👏🏼

[@jeremie2599]

Hey Benjame we missed you bro.we need to see you Monday to Friday

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad someone noticed! ;) I actually have a bunch of videos to edit and get out so there should be more soon. My wife & I just had our 4th (another girl) a couple of days ago so that's been keeping us busy!

[@lequang2296]

Crystal clear instructions Great clip- Thanks for sharing

[@henrynguyen5105]

Great explanation Clearly understandable ❤love it with appropriatation

[@georgewaynewilcoxjr2102]

Turn off your water heater before going on vacation. They make hydrogen gas. They also do this when the elements fail. My power was off and i forgot i drained it during cold weather. Thanks for the video. G Wayne

[@marcusdedge3586]

I appreciate your video! I found it easy to understand without all of the technical hubbub with a Einstein formula behind it. And I think people that don't care for America most likely don't care water heaters or baths either for that fact in most cases. Thanks!

[@pavelsanchez9606]

Thank you for you information about water Heater. You make very easy and clearly explain. How do you set up temperature from the top and bottom please let me know and keep going with you channel. I’m sending you a greeting from Miami Florida

[@ericstandefer9138]

"It is beneficial to shut the drain valve off when you are filling the water heater, otherwise it will take a very long time to fill the tank." lol

[@jamesmcgauhey7832]

🤣

[@patrickflohe7427]

BAHAHAHA

[@spelunkerd]

Nice review. With water drained, if the tank is older than a year or so, it might be wise to swap out and have a look at the old anode rod. Cheap maintenance if you can get it out, sometimes they are tight.

[@spelunkerd]

Ben, I do admire conservative values, and in a different year we would be in the same echo chamber. Not this year, the issues are more important than simplistic right left debates. Even so, I do love your intelligent diagnostic videos.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

it is an interesting time to be alive that's for sure. I too feel that the issues are more evident this year but for me I feel that the ideas and principles that made America what it is are under attack from the ideas of socialism and communism. I definitely don't have all the answers though and do not desire to be trapped in an "echo chamber" so I do my best to learn from others that I may disagree with. Keep up the great work on your channel by the way!

[@chicoman000]

Good video on the water heater. Much appreciate it.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

You bet

[@angelgarcia6526]

I appreciate you wearing the hat. Tyvm for sharing your knowledge.

[@BibleExposition2022]

Ben, can i remove the wire at the bottom element & use the top element only to heat the water heater?

[@TheKingPurser]

Always great videos, now I love ya even more for the Hat. 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@jknifeman]

Another great and helpful video, I appreciate your channel.

[@tompeters4234]

Good video as always. Thumbs up for the food for thought :)

[@jeffspringer7374]

Good job sir, we appreciate your knowledge an instruction!!

[@thinkerman850]

Excellent video. God bless you and God bless America

[@bradlancaster8813]

Hi Ben thanks for the video! Could a 3500 watt element be replaced with a 4500 watt element for faster recovery and not cause issues?

[@Sparky-ww5re]

As long as the nameplate says 4500 watts then yes, because the internal wiring must be able to support the current draw. Before you swap to a 4500 watt here's one more thing that should be checked. The existing circuit may have been wired with 12 gauge wire and the installer had installed 3500 watt elements to avoid overheating the wiring. If it's 10 gauge you can use 4500 watt.

[@cmm170526]

Great video 👍. Thank you very much

[@kevinlawrence7623]

Really enjoy your videos. How do you recommend removing the lime scale from inside the water heater?

[@derrickhorton8897]

On bad ones I’ve actually had to take them In the yard and lay them sideways and flush them out and roll them around lol. Works! I’m talking lime filled up past the first element!

[@spittiarroyo1639]

I really like your videos man since I am an electrician myself I find them very instructive and we all learn from different points of view in this trade, I didn't like that hat at all but that's ok lol

[@jameskozlowski4139]

The man had some good policies though.. , but I understand your point of view.

[@Sky_TeeHee]

Although I do not share your political views, I appreciate the video. Very very helpful in getting hot water back into my house. It was detailed and thorough. Truly grateful subscriber here :) 👍

[@What-is-happening]

It is very difficult to know someone’s political views from a hat. Just saying.

[@Sky_TeeHee]

@@What-is-happening fair enough

[@HussienNassir]

Hi, you mentioned the socket size can be 1 inch and 7/8 of an inch? That’s equivalent to ~48mm socket Could you please clarify this, thanks

[@htxsupercrewon22s]

Our political differences are what makes us great. Doesnt change who we are. Red or blue we are ALL american at the end of the day. I love it man. If we ALL believed in the same thing we would be robots. Thats what makes this country great. Great video by the way

[@devontreasure3657]

Thanks for the video. Love the cap👍

[@robertmcallister4899]

Good video. helped my understanding of the thermostats. Thanks.

[@guillermocuevas3495]

That's the coolest hat ever made! Your videos are teaching me a lot Ben - thx

[@musterseeds1778]

Thank guy , straight to the point...and save time$

[@bewbymiles]

Hey! So I replaced both elements in my water heater, but when I powered it back up, and waited a few hours, still no heat!! I’m going to try the reset button?

[@nova31337]

I'd check the reset/ECO (Emergency Cut-off) switch in the top thermostat hasn't been tripped but also grab the multimeter and make sure power is getting through the thermostat to at least one of the elements. He links to his diagnostic video at the end of this video, so I would highly recommend checking that out as it explains everything you can do to make sure everything is working.

[@beotheguitarist]

Great detailed video!

[@betoprieto08]

Very well done!! Thanks

[@shawnwaterssw]

Your political beliefs are yours. This is one of the things that make this Country Great. We are allowed to disagree & debate. Great Video .

[@krgreenwood]

LOVE YOUR HAT!!! Nothing but likes for that!❤

[@taylerlee4815]

Making plumbing education great again

[@chrisheeran7719]

Loved the video. Needed this a month ago, I would have avoided alot of mistakes.

[@tpep1693]

Like your hat, a guy with sense.

[@LongNguyen-mu7bb]

Very good instructor

[@betoprieto08]

I really love your videos, you are very talented at what you do and the way you explain things. Thank you so much and God bless you!!!

[@clarionptng]

You can be our next president bro”” I’m sure you will do better job. Jajaja. Just a joke “ thanks for so helpful advice on your video

[@longossett6671]

Thanks, watch all your videos helped a lot. By the way I have several red hats just like yours😁

[@TheZurnster]

I will subscribe to your channel because I like your hat. And it helped my situation with my water heater

[@sparkyobrian6417]

there are simultaneous element models out there as well as one 3 phase unit Ive come across, granted both were commercial units.

[@jonwheat6819]

great video!! Thanks

[@shafimehar4506]

Hello sir.I have a question. That is even though the two elements and the two thermostats are good,still getting low hot water means its due to scaling deposited on the elements.am I correct sir?

[@danmorgan77]

I changed 1 element a year ago and it just quit again. I don’t remember testing them. Probably needed 2 elements?

[@douglasvandyke7666]

Truly excellent. Thank you.

[@markhill4419]

sub because hat , making heater great again

[@kuttan1845]

hi ben, i put booster fan in one of my room. i want the booster fan to be turn on when my furnaces fan on. i run a wire from 24v fan line (G) & also line from common (C). from there i install solid state relay (model tc48d40). my fan worked real slow for minutes and it burn out. if i buy new fan what should I do make run.

[@theinterpretationstation]

You the man 👍

[@derekatkins8494]

Thanks as always for great content...and thanks for being bold enough to support your president, knowing that you'll likely have people that unsubscribe solely because of a hat. We shouldn't be ashamed of our political views. People should be able to disagree politically and still get along. So much hate these days...Trump 2020 🇺🇸

[@lopin890]

THANKS for the easy to understand info on this replacement!!! senior citizen widow and I'm going to replace my elements -- NO HOT WATER, on a well, and I'm sure the existing elements will be COATED in mineral deposits !! 🇺🇸🇺🇸LOVE YOUR HAT!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸 🇺🇸🇺🇸WWG1WGA🇺🇸🇺🇸NCSWIC🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bradleybritt9198]

I'm sure it's been to long to ask, but what can I do if the bottom won't drain. It's an old hot water heater. I'm changing elements and thermostats. Thank you.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Stick a hanger/wire up into the valve while it's open. Sometimes helps.

[@pepesitagata4643]

Hey Ben. I wonder I pull the old upper element I see they have a 3800 and 3000. I went to home depot and I show the guy manual I take pictures of it . And he gave me 3800 but I can't find other 3000. I wonder is the same thing.

[@mojah1]

New subscribe to your channel, thank you so much for sharing.

[@davidmanis3052]

The hat. 💪💯.....I subscribed. LETS GO BRANDON!

[@bobby_greene]

Do you ever use CIP lube/ petrol gel/ Vaseline, on gaskets?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Yes that's not a bad idea so long as it is compatible with the gasket type of course. I usually don't have to use anything but maybe I should get into the habit of doing so.

[@bobby_greene]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom I work in a cheese plant and use buna gaskets. Its always a good idea to check for compatibility; however, sometimes non-compatible parts will work.

[@jameswilliams8703]

Great video. I wouldn't be bothered with anyone who focuses on a hat, rather than the content of the material.

[@Oona707]

Thank you! 😊

[@brianbaker3291]

Great video and great hat. Thank you!!

[@eugenewhitley8194]

Enjoyed the video and REALLY, REALLY love the HAT!

[@rayhewitt4688]

Very good video keep them coming

[@burkeevans8675]

Very helpful and love the hat!

[@chrisinjax1648]

Great video and great hat!

[@rodgerhatfield3068]

Thanks again and nice hat!!

[@fhairiiv]

I love the hat! The video was very good too. Thank you.

[@kllgrogto5838]

The make america gay again hat?😁

[@fhairiiv]

@@kllgrogto5838 if that is what floats your boat.what you so behind closed doors is your business. But leave me out of it.

[@kllgrogto5838]

@@fhairiiv if you act offended is because something ring the bell, open up man!! I am straight though but there is plenty of your kind out there i've seen a bunch of red hats around

[@aaronmoyer9607]

great work!

[@scottstrangman7309]

Great video. Very informative. TY.....Also, Love the hat.

[@sprycee247]

Great videos! Keep up the good work.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Outstanding

[@ChildofYHVH]

What would cause me not to have 220 at the wires coming into to the top thermostat? I have 120 on each leg to ground but not across red to black on top.

[@Maine307]

i just followed and did the complete test from both videos.. replaced thermostat, and elements, confirmed power.. everything.. still no hot water after an hour..but all test say volts and ohms are good.. 4500w 45 gallon electric heater.. we completely lost..it doesnt make sense why we are not getting hot water after an hour.. no water leaks in system

[@Mike-bq7qk]

Did you check to see if it was actually drawing current? No current no heating.

[@DavidHernandez-iy2sg]

Mike go to source n check ur circuit breaker it's 30 Amp might be tripping

[@geneconroy7795]

Great video!

[@e.m.tanner179]

So, I have to spend $10 on a socket wrench when I already have a tool box full of different size crescent wrenches?

[@dorinahobdy7140]

I checked everything 3 times. Everything tested fine. But my water is scalding hot! It will trigger the shut off. So something is causing that. Both thermostats and elements tested fine, as did the shut off button. So what can be causing that? Any ideas????

[@richarddebeer2247]

Great video, love the hat. 🤙

[@Eddy63]

Great vid Benji ...Love the hat ...