Replace an electric water heater element and choose the right one (voltage, wattage, flange, watt density)
Kill and verify power, test the element (ohms and to-ground), drain the tank below the element (or fully), remove it with an element socket, and install a replacement that matches the original's voltage, wattage and mounting style (screw-in or bolt-on flange). Low watt density elements spread the same wattage over more surface; they scale more slowly and are quieter, and can replace a high-density element of the same voltage and wattage. Never exceed the wattage on the tank's rating plate. Refill completely and bleed air before restoring power: an element powered dry burns out in seconds.
Before you start
- Shut off the breaker and verify zero volts at the thermostat terminals before touching anything; both elements may be fed from the same circuit
- Never restore power until the tank is full and water runs steadily from a hot faucet (dry-firing destroys the new element)
- Hot water scalds: let the tank cool or drain carefully
- Do not install an element with higher wattage than the tank's rating plate allows
Diagnostic steps
Unlock all 6 steps with expected values
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