Fixing an Electric Water Heater

When something goes wrong with your water heater, it doesn’t always mean you have to replace it. When your water goes cold or gets scalding hot, it could just be a heating element or thermostat, both of which are easy to replace. You don’t have to hire a plumber or have a lot of home improvement knowledge for this simple repair.

Mineral and salt sediments can build up in your heater’s tank, especially if you live where the water is hard. If you don’t drain the tank - or at least let some water out every month or so - it can cause your heating element to become corroded and eventually fail.

The tricky part is figuring out whether the heating element or the thermostat has gone bad. Sometimes it’s both. Unless you have a special gauge, you have to guess. The good news is that replacing the heating element will probably add another five years or so to the life of your water heater, so it’s best to start there. If it works again after replacing the heating element, great! If not, move on to replacing the thermostat - knowing that the time and money spent replacing the element will make it last longer anyway.

Now is the time to refer to the paperwork that came with your water heater. If you don’t have it, write down the model number, go to the manufacturer’s web site, and find the manual online. Depending on the size of the heater, you could have one or two heating elements. You should replace them both if it’s the latter. The manual will tell you exactly what kind you need. Take it with you (or print out the page if you found it online) when you go to the home improvement store.

In addition to a heating element, you will need to buy a special tool to remove the old element and install the new one. It will be located near the elements and is a ‘one-size fits all’ tool costing under $10.

When you get home, it‘s time to drain your water heater. Before you begin working with your water heater, be sure all power to it is shut off. Just flip the circuit going to the water heater to the ‘off’ position. If you’re unsure, simply turn off the main circuit. You will see a valve above the water heater. Turn it all the way to the right, which will keep water from going to your water heater.

Your water heater will have a drain at the bottom. Tightly attach a garden hose to the opening. Make sure the end of the hose is outside or someplace where it is safe for a large amount of water to flow. Turn the faucet at the drain all the way to the left to open the drain and allow the water to flow out through the hose. Wait for it to finish draining.

When your heater is drained, it is time to remove the heating element. There will probably be a panel cover you have to remove with a screwdriver. Use your special tool to take out the old element, and replace it with the new element. Use your special tool to tighten it. Repeat the process if your heater has two elements.

Be sure to turn the faucet to the drain at the bottom of the water heater all the way to the right to close the drain. Remove your garden hose. Let the water go back to the water heater by turning the water supply faucet (located over the heater) all the way to the left. Let the water heater fill with water before you turn the power back on. Give it time to heat, and then test your hot water.

Feel free to email me with your questions or comments.

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