You don’t need to purchase a brand-new water heater whenever the machine does not work according to your needs. Unless you are a billionaire, you can replace its element.
You may wonder how to change the element when you cannot work with machines. Can you replace the water heater element without draining it?
Water Heater Element Testing
The basic trick to know whether your water heater element is broken is to ‘feel’ any of these symptoms below:
- It takes very long to get hot water – unlike customary circumstances.
- Your water heater doesn’t have you provided any hot water at all, although the water heater has been turned on, or no visible errors occurred.
These symptoms suggest that the water heater heating element is broken. If you think it is not the right time to get a whole replacement for the water heater, you can prepare a new element to replace the old one.
However, purchasing a new heating element can be avoided by checking for the cables and the circuit breaker. Is it accidentally switched off? Or has it tripped?
If those parts are fine, the next thing you should check is the reset button. Try resetting and restarting the water heater again. If the issue persists and the reset button does not pop out, chances are the heating element is causing you a problem.
Read also: How to Scrap a Water Heater?
How to Replace Water Heater Element without Draining
To remove the broken water heater element without draining, you will need these appliances:
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- New heating element
- Screwdriver or socket wrench
- Garden hose
- Pipe wrench
- Teflon tape
- Safety gear (gloves and safety goggles)
From my experience as a professional plumber, it’s crucial to ensure that the power is completely off before starting any work on the water heater. Even after turning off the circuit breaker, I use a non-contact voltage tester to double-check that no electricity flows to the heater. This precaution has saved me from potential electric shocks on multiple occasions.
In many cases, I’ve found that the lower heating element fails more frequently due to sediment buildup, especially in areas with hard water. For homeowners facing repeated issues with their water heaters, I often recommend using a water softener to extend the life of the heating elements.
Steps to Replace a Water Heater Element Without Draining:
- Turn Off the Power:
When performing repairs on your water heater, safety comes first. Start by shutting off the heater’s electricity at the circuit breaker. This guarantees that there is no chance of electric shock during the replacement.
- Shut Off the Cold Water Supply:
Shut off the valve that supplies your water heater with cold water. This valve, attached to the cold water inlet, is often found close to the top of the tank.
- Open Hot Water Faucets:
Open a hot water faucet in your home. This helps to relieve pressure within the tank and allows air to enter, facilitating the draining process.
- Connect a Garden Hose:
Connect a garden hose to the tank’s bottom drain valve. Ensure the hose is positioned so the water can be safely drained, such as by placing it outside or in a floor drain.
- Drain Some Water:
While it is generally advisable to drain some water from the heater to reduce the water level below the element, I’ve replaced water heater elements without draining the tank entirely in many cases. This technique requires careful handling to avoid water spillage, but it saves time.
For instance, a recent job involved a heavily mineralized tank where draining was unnecessary, and the element was replaced within seconds. However, if the mineral buildup is too severe, I cut the existing element, screw in an element nut, and recommend the client consider a full heater replacement.
- Locate and Remove the Old Element:
The heating element is typically located near the bottom of the tank. Use a socket wrench or a screwdriver to remove the cover or access panel, exposing the element.
- Replace the Heating Element:
Take out the old heating element’s wiring. Extricate the old element from its housing with a pipe wrench. Use Teflon tape on the threads to stop leaks, and replace it with the new heating element.
When installing the new element, ensure it matches the voltage and wattage of your existing water heater. Installing an incorrect element can lead to inefficient heating or even damage to the system. If you’re unsure, refer to the water heater’s data plate or consult with a professional.
- Tighten the New Element:
Using the pipe wrench, carefully tighten the new heating element into place. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the tank.
- Reconnect the Wiring:
Reattach the wiring to the new heating element, ensuring proper connections. Double-check to ensure everything is secure.
- Close the Drain Valve:
Close the drain valve by turning it clockwise. This seals the tank, allowing it to refill.
- Turn On the Water Supply:
Open the cold water supply valve you closed earlier. This lets water flow back into the tank.
- Check for Leaks:
Inspect the area around the new heating element for any signs of leaks. If you notice a leak, shut off the water supply and tighten the element further.
In my practice, I always double-check for leaks by carefully inspecting the area around the newly installed heating element after turning the water supply back on. If any leaks are found, they’re usually due to an improperly seated gasket. Tightening the element further usually resolves this issue, but if it persists, the gasket might need to be repositioned or replaced.
- Turn On the Power:
Return to the circuit breaker and turn the power back on.
- Monitor Hot Water:
Be patient as the water heats up. It may take some time for the tank’s water to reach the desired temperature.
Read also: How Much Does it Cost of Replacing a Water Heater
How to Remove Water Heater Element that is Rusted
Often, the rusted water element is tough to plug out. So, what should you do to tackle this situation?
If you plan to remove the rusted water heater element, prepare a 6-point socket with a 0.5-inch drive socket wrench. This big socket will provide more leverage and ease the fitting over the heating element. You can also prepare a breaker bar, but that’s OK if you don’t have it.
Read also: How to Check Water Heater Element
- Cover the thermostat with some cloth and bend out the heating element wires.
- Prepare a 1:1 vinegar and water solution. Wash a toothbrush onto the heating element’s seam and the heating tank side with this solution. Apply it moderately. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Place your socket over the element, then try to turn it counterclockwise.
- If the heating element isn’t dislodged, move it with a breaker bar. Slide the bar over the wrench handle. Then, ask someone to hold the wrench top over the heater element while you retry turning the wrench with the bar.
- Once the heater element starts to turn, remove the bar and turn the element using the wrench.
So that’s the procedure for replacing the water heater element without draining it. Note that, in general, water heaters’ life span is around six to ten years. If your water heater is as old as that, or maybe even older – then it’s best to have a new one. If what happens is vice versa, you may consider buying a replacement for the water heater element.
