What to do after changing water heater elements?

Author: Kenya West  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Your new heating element should now be securely in place. Check to make sure the drain valve is closed at the bottom of the tank, and then turn on the cold water intake. Go to your kitchen and turn on the hot water faucet. This will allow air to escape as the water heater fills.

How long does it take for hot water to heat up after replacing elements?

Turn the power back ON at the circuit breaker (or replace fuses). It may take two hours for the tank to heat up.

Why do I still have no hot water after changing the element?

Could be a bad thermostat. Most of them can be replaced. If you have very hard water, sometimes it cakes up the inside of the heater and the temperature element can't sense the water temperature. That's a new water heater, sadly.

Do I have to drain my water heater to change the elements?

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.

How long should I run water after installing a new water heater?

A new water heater should have a recovery time in the 1-2 hour range. If it's taking 12 hours to heat 40-50 gallons of water, there is something wrong.

Change a hot water heater element without draining or spilling water

How long does it take to get air out of water lines?

While these sounds can be scary and seem like serious issues, the cause is usually quite benign. Most often, a loud sound coming from your pipes is caused by trapped air. By turning off your main water supply and running all faucets for 10-15 minutes, you force any trapped air through your water pipes.

How long does it take for hot water to come back after replacing water heater?

An average 40-gallon heater will only take about 30 to 40 minutes to provide heat water, while you can expect hot water from a larger tank (80-gallons) in approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Electric hot water tanks, on the other hand, will take a little longer.

How tight to tighten a water heater element?

Go ahead and position the gasket so that it forms a tight seal between the element and the tank. Running your water heater element wrench clockwise, install the new heating element. We recommend you start by hand-tightening it, and then using the wrench to tighten it just a little further.

What happens if you don't drain your water heater?

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.

Do you have to drain tank to replace heating element?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat on a hot water heater?

Signs Your Water Heater Thermostat Is Faulty
  • You have no hot water.
  • You're running out of hot water quickly.
  • The water is too hot.
  • It takes a long time for your water heater to heat the water.
  • You keep having to reset the high-temperature limit switch.

How do I know if my hot water element is working?

Check the resistance of the upper heating element using a multimeter. Measure the resistance between the two screw terminals on the upper heating element. A good element will have a resistance between 5 and 25 Ohms.

Why am I not getting hot water after replacing my water heater?

If you have no hot water after installing a new water heater, the most likely reasons are (1) no electric power or (2) the upper heating element was burned out during installation (dry fire). The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater.

Why is my water not getting hot after changing element?

"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.

What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?

However, if either thermostat fails to turn off, the reset button will trip to prevent the tank from overheating. Other common issues include a burnt-out heating element, a worn-out reset button, or a faulty circuit breaker or wiring.

How do I know which element to replace on my water heater?

The replacement element must be the same voltage and wattage as the element being replaced. Never exceed the nameplate rating on the water heater. Check the nameplate on the heater to determine the proper voltage/wattage combination is correct for your heater.

Is it better to flush or drain your water heater?

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.

How do I know if my hot water heater is full of sediment?

Symptoms of Sediment in Your Hot Water Heater
  1. There is no hot water.
  2. The water temperature fluctuates.
  3. Popping or rumbling noises coming from the tank.
  4. Your hot water looks rusty and smells bad.
  5. There are small leaks near the water heater drain valve.
  6. Water takes a long time to heat up.

How often should I change the anode rod in my water heater?

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.

How do you adjust a water heater element?

Gas or electric water heaters

Find the access panel for the thermostat(s) and use a screwdriver to remove the panel. Peel back the insulation. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat up or down. If your water heater has two thermostats, adjust both the same amount.

Does it matter which wire goes where on a hot water heater element?

It makes no difference which wire is attached to which screw terminal. Tighten the screws down completely, then tug on the wires to make sure they are tight.

Should you run water after replacing water heater?

So, how long should you let water run after a new tank-style water heater installation? Given the design style of the system, you will need to run water through for a longer time, for at least 20-30 minutes after it has been installed.

How much labor does it cost to replace a water heater?

In general, plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. Expect the following average price ranges for labor alone: Replacing a tank-style water heater: $150–$450. Replacing a tankless water heater: $600–$1,850.

How long can a water heater be on without water?

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.

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