Water Heater Not Heating? How to Easily Change Elements Yourself

Picture this: It's early morning, you stumble to the shower half-asleep, turn the handle, and...nothing. Just a trickle of lukewarm water sputters out. Uh oh. A cold shower is the last thing you need to wake up and start your day.

If your water heater isn't keeping your water as hot as it should be, the problem likely lies with your heating elements. But there's good news - replacing these elements is a straightforward DIY project that you can tackle yourself without calling a plumber.

When to Replace Your Water Heater Elements

How can you tell if your water heater element needs replacing? Here are some of the most common signs:

• No hot water at all
• Greatly reduced hot water capacity
• Loud popping or rattling noises
• Visible damage like burnt or warped marks
• Error codes on a digital display

Testing with a multimeter can confirm for sure whether an element has failed - if it shows no continuity, it's time for a new one. In standard electric water heaters with two elements, it's usually the lower element that fails most often. That's because the lower element does the bulk of the work in heating the water.

Water Heater Element Basics

First, what exactly is a water heater element? It's a long, cylindrical metal rod inside the tank that heats the water. Electric current flows through it, causing it to warm up. The thermostats control the temperature by turning the current on and off.

Elements are located in the lower and upper parts of the tank. The upper element mainly comes on to boost the temperature before hot water leaves the tank, while the lower element does most of the heating. Key parts include the heating wire, insulation, thermostats and mounting screws.

Electric water heaters rely on elements, while gas heaters uses a gas burner. Elements eventually wear out over time and have to be replaced.

Types of Elements

The most common are screw-in and bolt-in elements. But there are also flange-style elements and submersible immersion heaters used in some models. It's important to identify which type of element is in your water heater before purchasing a replacement.

How Many Elements Are in a Water Heater?

The standard configuration is two elements - an upper and a lower. The lower element handles the bulk of heating as hot water rises and cooler water falls. Some high-capacity tanks over 50 gallons may contain more than two elements to ensure adequate heating.

Do You Have to Drain the Whole Tank?

If your water heater has an access panel on the exterior, you can change elements without fully draining the tank. Access panels provide quick access to elements without draining up to 30+ gallons of water.

Just drain the tank below the level of the element you want to replace. This makes the job much quicker and easier compared to draining the entire tank.

Tools and Materials Needed

You'll need a few basic tools and supplies:

• Adjustable wrenches
• Needle nose pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Multimeter to test element
• Pipe tape
• Propane torch (to warm element threads)
• Replacement heating element

Turning Off Water and Power

Safety first! Start by switching off the circuit breaker for the water heater to cut power. If you have a gas heater, turn the gas control valve to "pilot" or "off."

Next, locate the cold water shutoff valve feeding the tank and turn it off. Finally, open a hot water faucet to depressurize the tank.

Once the power and water are off, you can drain the tank water below the level of the element you'll be replacing. Place a bucket beneath the drain valve and open the valve.

Removing the Old Element

Start by disconnecting the wires leading to the element. Loosen the screw on the terminal and slide the wire off.

Next, use pliers or wrench to unscrew the retaining nut holding the element in place. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen. The element will turn as you unscrew the nut.

Once detached, pull the element straight out. Inspect the seating area for any debris. Use a stiff brush to clean out any sediment or mineral deposits.

Examine the old element for signs of failure like burnt marks or warped areas. This can confirm it was faulty.

Common Issues

Before installing the new part, it helps to troubleshoot what may have caused the old one to fail. Sediment buildup and high mineral content in water are common culprits. Flushing the tank regularly can help prevent deposits from accumulating.

Also check that the thermostats are working properly and calibrated to the right temperature. Faulty thermostats can lead to element failure.

Installing the New Element

Apply some pipe tape clockwise to the threads of the new element to seal the connection. It prevents leaks.

Carefully insert the element into the opening and tighten by hand initially. Use the wrench or pliers to tighten it further, being careful not to strip the threads.

Reconnect the wires properly to the new element's terminals, securing tightly with the screw. Make sure insulation covers any exposed wire.

Check for leaks once installed. If any appear, tighten further or reapply tape until sealed.

Finishing Up

With the new element installed, open the drain valve to refill the tank with water. When full, close the valve.

Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, turn the gas control valve back to "on."

Draw hot water to verify the element is heating properly and up to the desired temperature. If not, double check the connections.

Finally, flush the tank by draining several gallons to remove any sediment. Preventing buildup will maximize your new element's life.

FAQs

How long does it take to replace an element?

For the average DIYer, it usually takes 1-2 hours to replace a water heater element start to finish. Draining the tank and refilling it takes the most time. The actual element replacement takes 10-15 minutes.

Is changing an element safe for homeowners?

As with any electrical or plumbing work, caution should be taken. But it's generally safe if proper precautions are followed, like turning off power and water supplies. Use common sense and go slowly.

What if both upper and lower elements need replacing?

It's best to replace one at a time instead of both together. That way, you still have one functioning element heating the water as you work. Prioritize the lower element first since it gets the most use.

Can I upgrade to a higher wattage element?

Check your water heater's manual to determine the maximum wattage allowed. Exceeding the recommended wattage can damage components. A plumbing professional can help select the optimal replacement.

As you can see, with a little time and effort, replacing a faulty heating element is a DIY project any homeowner can realistically tackle. The right tools and safety precautions go a long way.

Investing an hour or two to revive your water heater is rewarding. You'll save money on service calls while gaining confidence in your DIY skills. And there's nothing like the rush of that first hot shower once your water heater is operating like new again!

Understanding the different types of water heater elements can help you choose the optimal replacement part. Beyond just screw-in and bolt-in, there are also immersion heaters designed for submersion that don't rely on pre-installed fittings.

Troubleshooting goes hand in hand with replacing the element. Low hot water could stem from other issues like a faulty thermostat or sediment buildup. It's important to rule those out before assuming the element is the culprit.

Regularly flushing out the tank extends element lifespan by reducing mineral deposit accumulation on the lower element. Sediment buildup makes it work harder and fail sooner.

Some homeowners recommend adding a sacrificial anode rod to prevent corrosion and protect the heating elements. This can reduce the need for frequent element replacements over time.

When purchasing a replacement, carefully verify the voltage and wattage ratings match your water heater's specifications. A mismatch can affect heating performance or damage the element.

Never take water and electrical safety lightly. Use caution when draining the tank and replacing the element. Ensure all power and water supplies are off to prevent shock or leaks.

Always test a newly installed element to make sure it achieves the proper hot water temperature. If not, there may be underlying problems that still need addressing.

Maintaining the new element through steps like flushing sediment will help prevent mineral buildup and premature failure like the old one experienced.

While doable for many DIYers, element replacement isn't for everyone. Consult a professional plumber if you have any concerns about safely completing the project.