Can you change a water heater element without draining the tank? No, you'll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don't always need to drain it completely.
If this question is pertaining to a electric tank water heater - No. The tank must be fully drained and cooled before you can change the heating element. Normally there are two, a high and a low elements. If you must change one, order both.
Let the water heater drain completely if you are replacing the lower element or partially if you are replacing the upper element. Sediment in the bottom of the tank may clog the drain valve and prevent it from draining properly.
If you don't drain or flush your hot water heater, minerals and sediments from the water supply will settle at the bottom of the tank.
It's time-consuming: Replacing a water heater element usually takes around 2–3 hours if you try and do it yourself. However, it usually only takes 1–2 hours for a professional. A professional has the right tools and skills to do the job.
If the unit is powered with the correct voltage, and still does not produce any hot water, the upper heating element has probably burned out. A water heater must be completely full of water before electric power is applied or the upper heating element will burn out (this is called Dry Fire).
If the element is malfunctioning, it might pull too much electricity. This could cause your breaker to short circuit, tripping and cutting power to the water heater. So, if your circuit breaker trips every time your water heater kicks on, check the heating element for problems.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
NOTE: If your water heater has been installed more than five years without any maintenance, it may be too late to flush. If the tank will not drain, sediment likely has built and clogged the drain.
But, a failed heating element doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace the entire water heater. In this article, we'll outline the steps for installing a new heating element and getting your water heater back up-and-running again.
As you just found out, even a few seconds of dry firing an electric water heater can burn out your water heater element.
A burned-out water heater element will often cause your water heater to produce lukewarm or cold water, even when the thermostat is set to a high temperature. You might also notice the hot water runs out faster than usual. In severe cases, you'll have no hot water at all.
Heater Element Replacements
Having a water heater element repaired professionally usually costs about $200 to $300.
How Long Does It Take to Drain a 50-Gallon Water Heater? Draining a 50-gallon water heater for larger units usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, it's worth noting that these are approximations, and the actual time can vary.
Replacing the oven element is a simple enough job if you consider yourself reasonably handy around the house, have the proper tools, and know where to buy the right part. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of replacing the oven element.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
Accordingly, when the water heater is not flushed, the built-up sediment hampers the functioning and performance of the heater and also damages the heater and your plumbing system.
The frequency of anode rod replacement depends on several factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, and the type of anode rod installed. In most cases, we recommend inspecting and potentially replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.
Can you change a water heater element without draining the tank? No, you'll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out.
The average tank water heater has a lifespan of about 15 years, while tankless heaters last about 20 years. If your water heater is more than ten years old, you should consider calling an expert to discuss water heater replacement.