For the most part, replacing a heater element is not technically difficult, but I am going to point out that working on a water heater includes working with high voltage (220 votes instead of 110) and scalding hot water. Mistakes can lead to damage and injuries.
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.
Heater Element Replacements
Having a water heater element repaired professionally usually costs about $200 to $300.
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.
To test the element, you must measure its resistance. Switch the multimeter settings to measure resistance and place the nodes on the two screws. A functioning heating element should read between 10 and 30 ohms. The heating element is broken if the meter reads 1 or 0.
A sudden voltage increase could overload a heating element of your water heater, burning it out. All elements of a water heater have voltage ratings. Voltages exceeding the rating of an element will burn it out.
In fact, most water heaters' heating elements will only last a few hours or even minutes without water. Operating a water heater without water leads to rapid overheating and damage to the heating element, significantly shortening its lifespan.
If you have a screw-in water heater element, you can use your socket wrench to remove it. Just turn the element counterclockwise, and make sure to remove the gasket. You'll need either a 1 1/2-inch socket or the socket that came in your repair kit.
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.
Gas-fired models have a burner at the base of the heater that warms water inside the tank. Heating elements typically last for several years, and hot water tanks outlast the elements. You need not replace heating elements periodically, only when symptoms arise.
Replacement May Be A Better Option
Most often the lower element is the problem because it's likely sitting in sediment that causes it to break or short out. It's also important to point out that if the element has failed you should take stock of the situation. The typical lifespan of a water heater is six to ten years.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
A water heater element can be replaced by a professional at a cost between $200 and $300. 1 Though it may seem intimidating, experienced homeowners can also replace heating elements themselves. As a DIY project, this expense can range from $10 to $60 and be more cost-effective.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Hot Water Cylinder
Age: Most hot water cylinders last between 8 to 12 years. If yours is older, it might be time to consider a new one. Frequent Repairs: If you're constantly dealing with leaks, rust, or other issues, a new cylinder might be more cost-effective.
Water Heater Installation Process. Once you decide to (or are forced to) replace your current water heater, there are a few decisions you need to make to get the process started. If there are no issues or complications, a licensed plumber should be able to complete the process in 2-3 hours.
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.
Testing the Heating Element with a Multimeter:
The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms if the heating element is working correctly. If you get a very low or zero reading, it indicates a faulty heating element that needs replacement.
There are three types: screw in, bolt in and clamp in. They all have different wattage ratings and can work on either 120 or 240 voltage. Check your state and local codes before starting any project.
You don't have to go into the take to access them. Next, figure out which heating element you need to replace. If you're only replacing the top heating element, you only have to empty the tank until it's not in the water. If you have to replace both or just the bottom one, you'll need to empty the whole tank.
As you just found out, even a few seconds of dry firing an electric water heater can burn out your water heater element.
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools: 1) a water heater element wrench, 2) a multimeter, 3) both a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, and 4) a garden hose.
Heating elements can gradual breakdown if there is a mineral build up in the heating system. This is because mineral deposits can solidify, encasing the elements and forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This will lead to gradual wear out that will make the heating system have a shorter life span.
"Replacing A Heating Element"
It may take several hours for a newly installed electric water heater to reach normal operating temperature. If you don't have hot water after two hours (water not even warm), first check to make sure the water heater is getting electrical power.
Stainless steel heat exchangers are better.
At Rinnai, we use stainless steel in our condensing models due to the corrosive nature of condensation produced by extra high-efficiency tankless water heaters. But in our non-condensing models, we use copper heat exchangers because they are a much better conductor of heat.