Tankless Water Heater Element Replacement / Test for Bad Heating Element

This is an easy walk through on how to test for a bad heating element of a tankless water heater. These insta-hot water heaters are prone to having the elements go bad. It the element is not working the tankless won’t heat up the water. Ecosmart tankless water heater.

[@redbootsproductions3577]

I've had mine for 8 years now. Love it!! Will never go back to a tank. When it's time to clean them I turn off water, turn off power, undo the wires and remove the element. I set it in a bottle of white vinegar for a half hour. Re-install and I'm good for another year.

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

This is very smart, you can also do the same thing with a recirculating pump, this way you can clear out the entire system! We are a parts distributor and customer support for Rheem, Ecosmart and Eemax and this is always our top recommendation. I will say what you're doing as well is very cost effective and doing the job! Great piece of advice!

[@RafaelMartinez-yt8pd]

Thanks, great video thanks for sharing I was about to go buy a new one!!

[@randymartin5521]

Once everything was back together did you leave the power to the elements off and just run water through the system by opening a hot water faucet somewhere? If there is any air trapped in the system and the elements heat up with no water it could blow a brand new element or worse when the cold incoming water hits them. Always be sure the elements are submersed in water before turning the power back on.

[@Yucksauce]

yes, you have to bleed the air out of the line but turning on a hot water faucet in the house before you cut on power to the unit.

[@anthonyjesus6151]

Explain the "or worse" part please. I think I just did the "or worse" to my unit!! Now there's not hot water coming through the system! I broke my main water line outside, and replaced it. But I didn't bleed any air out of the system before running hot water, and there was a hammering noise in the unit. Now....no hot water! If it's an "or worse" scenario, I'm just going to buy an entirely new Eco-27!

[@randymartin5521]

@@anthonyjesus6151 the "or worse" in my case was the lines ruptured at the unit, a brass fitting actually blew apart, the housing for the number one element split and the entire unit more or less fried, burnt wires. Obviously I had to have the unit replaced. Mine actually tripped a breaker for some reason. That's what started the whole fiasco. I reset the breaker and turned the hot water back on and that's when everything went wrong. The plumber that installed our new unit said that the only way he could see that could happen is if cold water hit the already hot element in an empty chamber and steam pressure just built up and blew the whole thing apart, which is why you need to flood the system with water and be sure all the air is out before turning the power back on and letting the elements heat up.

[@kevinc7439]

Can I get some more detailed instructions on this please? I will attempt replacing the heating elements but I don’t understand “bleeding air” part and cut on power portion…

[@megansteele-clark5245]

This is so good thanks!!

[@Yucksauce]

Glad you like it!

[@UrzDADDY]

Great video. Thanks

[@oscarfalcon]

Does the position of the red power wires matter when replacing the heating element? In other words, could you have swapped the two red wires on the same heating element when screwing them to the head?

[@Yucksauce]

it doesn’t matter

[@edwingaldamez2870]

was gonna ask the same.

[@robertditz]

Tankless hot water heater. I believe the right heating element is working. The left element works when bathroom/tub/shower runs and won't get hot enough. I I turn up the temperature knob the light blinks on Control PCB and is supposed to be steady red when working. I can run sink downstairs with Temperature control knob maxed out hot and works fine. But if leave temperature control know up shower running the light blinks and won't heat up. Have to crank know down to almost all the way down till light stays steady and delivers some warm water to shower. I suspect the heating element but not knowing the theory of operation I'm not sure. The left heating element tested open with my VOM meter. The right heating element tested good with zero ohms. After resetting the resettable thermal cutoff on the left heating element I read good zero ohms. And it started working partially with the temp control low but cut off as I described above. When I first got there the red led light was completely off with shower running and not heating at all. After resetting thermal overtemp it started partially working. So symptoms changed. If I knew the theory it would be nice. This picture is identical except the one I'm working on is 3 X 220 volt supply voltage. This one is 2 X 220 volt. I checked the voltage with the 3 double pole 40 amp beakers on and had 240 volts on each supply. L1 L2 and L3. I couldn't believe this thing has 3 x 220v feeds. Thats 660 volts to this thing.

[@weaverron3751]

thank you the video only said if you hear a sound my meter doesn't make noise , thanks for the help.

[@kevinc7439]

Do you offer virtual services to just walk me through this please?

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

We actually do, just come to my website we have a trouble shooting guide and can help you on our live chat as well. This video is great and very imformative!

[@jhandryjimenez7773]

Disculpa dónde puedo conseguir el repuesto? Gracias

[@ivanzago1616]

Ebay or Amazon

[@cadizwilmo9687]

Thanks for this video. Exactly what I was looking for. How old is your unit before you changed the heating elements? Did you do the flushing maintenance on it as well. Thank you sir!

[@Yucksauce]

Yes this is the second time I changed the elements. they burned out due to over use of hot water and no I didn’t flush. but u can flush with vinegar.

[@niteriderwm]

My 3 ELEMENT UNIT is now 20 years old...I've replaced the Heating element twice....once in 7 years and this week ( Jan 2021 ) . The key is balancing the HEATING DIAL in and around the THREE O'CLOCK Position

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

@@niteriderwm great point, tons of customers we work with like to set the temperature to 135-140 when in all reality a perfect set temperature is around 115-120.

[@larryjohnson9019]

Hello, good video but you should never test coils with wires attached!!! The proper way is to remove at least one wire, however the preferred method is both wires, from the coil, (element), that you are testing.

[@samuelearney]

What were u doing when u took each element out? Did u have to order the elements or did a place near u have them

[@Yucksauce]

I ordered the elements from the manufacture first. you can google the name of ur unit to find the elements.

[@kevinc7439]

Before we start what are the instructions for shutting off the water?

[@memoreno9]

Their should be a shut off valve nearby, turn it off by having the valve being horizontal to the line.

[@danielrodriguez1950]

What's the price on the element??

[@lapis9749]

Guessing you got yours by now but as of 1/19/24 I got two off Amazon for $49.99 plus tax.

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

@@lapis9749 Be careful with those cheap amazon ones. Those are not properly rated nor inspected by anyone. I know they are much more affordable, but they have caused multiple shorting issues with Rheem, Ecosmart and Eemax units. Hoping you got a good set!

[@natevanlandingham1945]

Why did you replace the good two elements? Just so there all the same age? They either work or not and those had continuity?

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

I think that makes sense, once you're in there replace them all and keep the two that were good but older as backups. Always a great recommendation, but you're also correct, it's not a need. I will say this for those who have a multimeter, if you're looking for good readings you'll typically want to see between 6-9 ohms in that range is a good element.

[@bobyahatovich]

How do I prevent water from leaking out when changing the element. Do you just turn off the cold water. Do I need to drain something?

[@redbootsproductions3577]

Turn off water, open kitchen faucet and when it stops dripping you're good to go.

[@bobyahatovich]

Thank you. Appreciate the video🎉

[@JoseTorres-zu2ez]

Do I just wait for the elements to heat up now ?

[@Yucksauce]

once you change the elements, they will heat up. if any one of the elements has a broken circuit (short) that element will not heat up.

[@JoseTorres-zu2ez]

@@Yucksauce what if I replace them all with new ones and none of them heat up any ideas ?

[@kevinc7439]

How do we know if they are heating up or not?

[@nogaonl]

Awesome video (including the music). Called Rheem they told me to change both the element and the triac (cables) not sure why because the test I did was the same as yours. Any idea?

[@Yucksauce]

try replacing the elements first. you can find them online.

[@nogaonl]

@@Yucksauce It worked. Thank You!

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

@@nogaonl I agree with @yucksauce, but an easy way to diagnose an issue with the triac cable is to perform a voltage test while there is running water. With good elements and enough running water the elements should read 220-240v for these 27kw units.

[@hanoimartinez571]

it would be better if you turned down the music

[@pepe58pepito54]

what about if the led control board dont light up and no hot water ?

[@Yucksauce]

then it could be the flow meter or control board. you can purchase a flow meter and board at the website

[@lahypnotista7737]

Thank you for making this. Did you replace all 3, are they all elements and do all brands use the same parts?

[@Yucksauce]

Yes. I replaced all three. Although you only need to replace the one that is bad / shorted. You can check the website for the elements

[@lahypnotista7737]

@@Yucksauce ohh ok, might as well while it’s open. Makes sense. Thanks so much for the video and reply. Have a great day!

[@SmartPartsSolutions]

@@lahypnotista7737 Thats right, might as well make the unit like new.

[@kevinc7439]

What size is the water heater element wrench?

[@naturaljoe759]

1.5”. 39mm may also work but I don’t have a socket larger than 36mm to check.

[@gaperozo]

Thanks !!!!

[@Yucksauce]

You're welcome!

[@cgeorge6786]

The music was a little annoying. Not exactly proper heating element replacement music. But no needless yapping either so good for you.

[@Yucksauce]

haha... I’ll work on finding heating element replacement music

[@ozgurbektas7200]

Where is the serial number on these units?? I dont know if I have 24 or 27 .

[@Yucksauce]

At the bottom of the unit where the wires enter.

[@lapis9749]

Mine was also on the outside of the cover on the left.

[@slackerzsincity6947]

What setting do I have to put it with a multimeter.

[@Yucksauce]

just check it with an ohm meter. if the circuit is open / heating element is bad you will not get a sound or reading in the ohmmeter

[@slackerzsincity6947]

@@Yucksauce I’m getting no sound the same 1 but the rest of the tube doesn’t get hot

[@anthonyjesus6151]

I'm so screwed! I think I damaged my entire system! I broke my main water line outside, and replaced it. But I didn't bleed any air out of the system before running hot water, and there was a hammering noise in the unit. Now....no hot water! I don't know what the hell to do now other than buy a whole new system!

[@Yucksauce]

open the sinks faucet and run water through the hot water faucet with the breaker turned off to the unit to bleed the air out of the line. when the air is out cut on breaker.

[@kevinc7439]

How do we know when the air is fully out?

[@anthonyjesus6151]

@@kevinc7439 Usually there will be sputtering from all the sinks. When the sputtering ends, there air should be out.

[@chrisgregory4950]

That’s how to test an element?

[@kevinc7439]

$320 - to flush out out the calcium(found a plumber he quoted $220 and it ended up $320) $140 - to swap out 3 heating elements $95 - to purchase 3 heating elements on Amazon $7 - screw-in heating element Total came out to $562 to maintain a $500 water heater

[@1BeGe]

- You should have a bucket and a basic water pump and be able to flush the unit with $3.60 worth of vinegar. - Swapping out the heating elements takes less time than this actual video...video is kinda slow - You don't need to replace all 3 if you don't want to. Just the bad one. This should have cost you ~$35 total.

[@gilbertogonzalez9956]

Wath is the socket sice?

[@Yucksauce]

Is the standard element socket sold at Lowe’s or home depot

[@BoyuanGao]

I tried to get the standard size but it was too small. 5” is the circumference or the length?

[@niteriderwm]

A TESTIMONIAL : My 3 ELEMENT UNIT is now 20 years old...I've replaced the Heating element twice....once in 7 years and this week ( Jan 2021 ) . The key is balancing the HEATING DIAL in and around the THREE O'CLOCK Position. Also an INLINE WATER FILTER before the unit helps

[@Yucksauce]

yes... these units are great but do require a little maintenance

[@niteriderwm]

@@Yucksauce One more TIP...Push all the RESET Buttons before ....I've just had another power surge in the hood and it did pop one reset button

[@Yucksauce]

Great advise.

[@ehf68]

music too laud Jesús

[@titodejesus6238]

Where is your common sense? How can we listen the sound of the multimeter with the music SO LOUD?

[@Yucksauce]

ummmm... seems to work for everyone else.

[@1BeGe]

@@Yucksauce No, we could barely hear the beep too if we had turned the volume down enough to not be blaring the music. It's just that I dunno where his common sense is because everyone knows what a fuggin' beep sounds like. Hearing it is actually not that critical to understanding the video. In fact that whole section of the video could have been like 4 seconds long and it would have accomplished the same.

[@scottring5943]

I heard it! Y'all need to get your hearing checked. Turn down the price is right in the nursing home, the volume is the up/down button on the side. 😉

[@natevanlandingham1945]

🤣🤣 "turn the price is right down in the nursing home"​@@scottring5943