How to Change the Heating Element in a Hot Water Tank
- 1). Turn off the electrical power to the hot water tank at the circuit breaker. Turn off the cold water supply valve to the hot water tank. The shutoff valve will be near the hot water tank.
- 2). Connect a garden hose to the drain spigot at the bottom of the hot water tank. Set the other end of the water hose outside. Make sure that children and pets stay away from the draining water.
- 3). Open up the water tank drain by turning the spigot valve counterclockwise. Open up the hot water on the sink faucet that is closest to the hot water tank. This allows air into the tank to help drain it at the bottom.
- 4). Close the drain valve after all the water has drained from the hot water tank. Disconnect the garden hose from the hot water heater drain valve.
- 5). Remove the screws that secure the access panel to the heating element you are replacing.
- 6). Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws on the hot water tank heating element. Pull the wires off the terminal screws.
- 7). Use a socket wrench to unscrew the heating element from the hot water tank. Pull the heating element completely out of the hot water tank. Take the heating element with you to the appliance repair store or plumbing supply facility. Purchase a heating element that matches the design and amperage of the old one.
- 8). Insert the new heating element into the hot water tank, and thread it in by hand. Tighten the heating element to the hot water tank using a socket wrench.
- 9). Connect the wires to the heating element, and tighten the terminal screws using a screwdriver. Reinstall the access panel cover, and secure it with the retaining screws.
- 10
Replace the lower heating element using the same steps above. - 11
Turn on the cold water supply to the hot water tank. Turn off the hot water faucet when water starts to flow without interruption. Turn the circuit breaker back on to the hot water tank after the tank has filled with water.
