How To Replace Water Heater Element And Thermostat

Dan has been a licensed journey-level electrician for 17 years. He has extensive experience in most areas of the electrical trade.

Learn how to troubleshoot and replace thermostats and heating elements.

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Why Y'all Should Learn to Troubleshoot and Repair Your Hot Water Thermostat

Sooner or subsequently, every hot water tank will neglect, and it will be time to replace it or troubleshoot and repair it. Unless in that location is physical damage resulting in leaks, the problem will be in either the thermostat or heating elements; these are simple appliances and in that location just isn't very much that can go wrong.

Learning About Hot H2o Thermostats

Well-nigh all residential hot h2o heaters have two thermostats and 2 heating elements. In normal, low water usage conditions, the lower chemical element is the one doing the piece of work. It is only under high water requirements that the entire tank will cool down; the lower chemical element will then shut off and the upper chemical element takes over the load. This heats the upper portion first and produces a quicker recover time.

Knowing When to Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting these parts is not difficult but does require working around live, high-voltage wires and connections. If you are non comfortable doing this, information technology is probably all-time to merely replace the entire unit, call a plumber, or simply change parts without troubleshooting them; elements and thermostats are cheap enough that all iv pieces could be changed and still salve over half the cost of a new water heater.

Troubleshooting the Thermostats and Heating Elements

1. Turn Off the Power

The first step in troubleshooting a hot water heater is to gain access to the areas to be tested. Equally you will need to get your fingers into the area occupied by hot electricity, plow off the power at the breaker panel. It volition be a two-pole billow; that is, two breakers will be continued by a bar and will turn off together.

2. Remove the Access Panels

Once the breakers are turned off, remove the two access panel covers shown in the photograph below.

The lower access panel, along with the drain valve right at the bottom of the tank. — The lower access console, along with the drain valve right at the lesser of the tank.

three. Pull Out Insulation

You will discover insulation within, simply it is cut to the size of the opening. Pull this out and set aside for subsequently re-installation.

Access panel removed, showing insulation inside. — Admission console removed, showing insulation within.

Insulation pulled out, revealing the thermostat and heating element covered by plastic cover. — Insulation pulled out, revealing the thermostat and heating element covered by plastic embrace.

4. Push Excursion Billow Button

At present exposed is the thermostat and heating element, covered by a elementary plastic cover. The elevation thermostat has a built-in circuit breaker button accessible through the plastic cover; push it and make sure information technology wasn't tripped. If yous feel a "snap" or retrieve that information technology was tripped, y'all might turn on the power once more and requite it fourth dimension to heat the water. This could have been the whole trouble, although the question of why information technology tripped at all has not been addressed yet.

Curlicue to Proceed

Replacing the Thermostats and Heating Elements

Whether information technology is the elements or thermostat that needs replacing, turn the power off and cheque that it is indeed off.

Replacing the Heating Element

The tank needs to be drained; attach an ordinary garden hose to the bleed valve at the bottom of the tank, atomic number 82 the hose outside and open the drain valve. The tank probably has sediment it, so wait until clear h2o is coming from the hose and plow off the water supply valve to the tank.

Water will not drain this fashion; either open up the pressure relief valve on the tank or turn on the hot water in a sink. Either i will let air enter the tank and let the tank to empty. This can accept an hour or more than—be patient and let the tank bleed completely.

Elements are more often than not also tightly screwed in to loosen with pliers, and so a big socket wrench volition be needed; past far the most mutual size is a 1½ inch socket. This is not an item common in virtually homeowner tool kits, and one may have to be purchased merely for this task—but it is far cheaper than hiring a plumber or replacing the entire hot h2o heater. If you already have a ½" drive socket set, yous may need just the new socket and an adapter to fit the smaller bulldoze. But if not, yous may demand to buy a "breaker bar" to go with the socket.

Remove the wires to the heating element and, using the 1½ inch socket, unscrew information technology and remove it from the tank.

Brand sure in that location is a safe gasket on the new heating element and screw it into the tank. It may be difficult to get started, as the end within the tank is heavy and it will tend to tip downwardly. Make sure y'all don't "cross thread" it as yous start the threads into the pigsty.

Spiral in a few threads past hand earlier using the socket wrench. Tighten securely and refill the hot water tank with water. Be sure and leave the hot h2o turned on in the sink until water, not air, comes from the faucet.

If the power is turned on without the tank being completely filled, information technology will promptly burn out the new heating element; these elements are not designed to operate in air, merely but when completely submerged in water. Cheque for leaks effectually the new heating element.

Giving it some fourth dimension, verify that the tank is operating properly and producing hot h2o. Plow the power off and replace the thermostat covers, insulation and access panel covers. Plough the power on for a concluding fourth dimension.

Irresolute the Heating Element

Replacing the Thermostat

The hot water tank need not be tuckered for this operation, but it is easy to forget where the wires get, peculiarly on the upper thermostat. Take a photo or describe a picture of where each differently colored wire goes or mark the wires themselves.

Remove all the wires, followed past the thermostat itself. Mount the new thermostat the aforementioned style the old one was secured, and re-attach all the wires.

Conform the temperature according to directions on the new thermostat—a good setting is 120° on the upper thermostat and 110° for the lower thermostat. Cheque and set both even if but i was changed. Turn the power on and, giving plenty of time, verify that the tank is operating properly and producing hot water.

Turn the ability off and replace the plastic thermostat covers, the insulation and the admission covers. Turn the power back on for the final time.

Saving a World of Hassle and Money

Troubleshooting hot water tank heating and elements, along with replacing any that are bad, isn't a peculiarly difficult task. A voltmeter, a Phillips screwdriver and maybe the purchase of a large socket wrench tin can save a plumber'due south call. Learning to do simple home repair tasks can save a world of hassle with contractors and a good deal of money.

This commodity is authentic and true to the best of the writer'south knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does non substitute for personal counsel or professional person advice in concern, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: I accept replaced both elements and thermostats, and the hot water only works for a mean solar day earlier stopping again the next. What could exist the issue?

Answer: You could have a short somewhere that is blowing the breaker, or a circuit that is too small for the hot h2o heater being used.

Question: Ok, I've been a contractor for some fourth dimension now. All the same, this one has got me stumped! I've got 120 to all iv element screws. Both of which are new also every bit the thermostats. I replaced them all at the same time. I withal don't have hot water, the breakers are not tripped, and neither is the reset button. In that location are no leaks, and I bled out all air from the lines and tank. I take new Pex plumbing, the valve is on, and there is plenty of pressure. Please, what am I missing?

Answer: You're stumping me, also. All I can think of is that the thermostats are gear up besides low - they are turning the elements off before the water is hot. Which about certainly means you would have warm water, if not hot.

You don't take a large hot water leak somewhere, practice you? Constantly draining the hot water tank?

Question: I'one thousand trying to repair my h2o heater. I changed both elements and both thermostats. The water will be hot for v minutes and and so goes lukewarm. I double checked the thermostats and elements and all take an adequate power supply. What else could cause this to happen?

Answer: If the water heats up and then cools rapidly it indicates cold h2o is entering the tank. Practise you have a hot h2o leak somewhere, or is the tank very modest and cannot supply the quantity of hot water you wish?

Some other possibility is that older water valves, particularly those in a shower, tend to close off when heated, reducing the amount of hot water available. When the water cools, will a dissimilar source (sink or other shower) still provide hot water?

Question: I accept no hot water at this fourth dimension. I've already replaced the elements of my water heater. Practise y'all have any suggestions?

Respond: Check the incoming voltage to the heater. If present, check the before and after thermostats and supervene upon as needed.

Question: My water heater stopped working. I replaced the thermostats and it was working for a 24-hour interval. Now it is non. Could that be considering of a heating element gone bad?

Answer: Aye, that is quite possible. Instructions are given in the article on how to test those elements.

Question: Our hot water heater is leaking from the bottom of the thermostat and dripping on the wires coming out of information technology, what does this mean?

Answer: It means you lot need a new thermostat, or possibly a new water heater if the threaded opening is corroded to the bespeak it will no longer seal tight.

Question: We accept replaced the lower thermostat and chemical element and still no hot water after 6 hours what could be wrong now?

Respond: If the power is turned back on, check both elements for voltage at them. If they have voltage one or both are bad - even brand new elements are, very occasionally, bad.

Question: We accept replaced the upper and lower heating elements along with the thermostats. The water gets so hot the tank whistles and nosotros've turned it downwards as depression as we can. Practice you have any suggestions? Seems like all we practise is overheat the hot water heater and the water is boiling.

Reply: If both thermostats are turned down, either the wiring is improper or one thermostat (or both) thermostat(s) is bad.

Question: If the hot water heater is leaking, does it need to exist replaced?

Answer: Depends on where the leak is. If it is at the popular off valve at the superlative or the drain valve at the bottom, these are replaceable. If it is at a heating element, a new element might solve the problem. Anywhere else indicates a cracked tank and it will need replacing.

Question: We have a Rheem gas h2o heater that'south only two years old, just the cold tap h2o comes out warm no matter how long we run it. Nosotros lowered the heater temperature, but information technology only helps a footling flake. What could be causing this?

Answer: If the common cold water is coming out warm, it is entering the business firm warm, or at that place is a cross connectedness somewhere between the hot h2o tank and the common cold water lines.

Question: We replaced our elements in the h2o heater, but I'thousand still non getting much hot water. Can you explain why?

Answer: Cheque both thermostats for a reset button, every bit well equally the voltage on each thermostat to brand certain they are both working. Then, make sure that the temperature setting is reasonable. Lastly, re-check the wiring.

Question: I take a brand new Bradford twoscore gallon single element water heater. I installed the heater exactly every bit I should take, and filled it all the way upward with water. I then turned the breaker on. I waited and waited, only it never heated the water at all. I tested the element and thermostat, and it had power and the right corporeality. What tin I do adjacent? I have read something about the thermostat calibration.

Answer: If the element has power to it, and then it should be heating. But you can check the temperature setting (most are set too low from the manufactory, IMO) and the reset button on the thermostat.

Question: I keep having to push the reset push button to become hot water each 24-hour interval. I have replaced the bottom element and the upper thermostat. Whatsoever suggestions?

Respond: Possible issues could exist the other element or thermostat. It is faintly possible that a poor connection is requiring more current than it should, and that could go clear back to the breaker panel. Y'all might try reducing the temperature some also, although that, too, is unlikely to be the answer.

Question: I had water come thru my upper thermostat can yous tell me what went wrong? What do I have to replace?

Answer: If you lot have water coming out of the thermostat you volition demand to replace the thermostat at a minimum. Once it is out (and possibly the element also) you can make a determination if the entire water heater needs replacement.

Question: How long does it unremarkably accept to change all the parts of a thermostat, alone?

Answer: You should be able to do it in a couple of hours, plus a little time for draining and re-filling the tank.

Question: I changed both elements and stats in my water heater. The water will only stay hot for a few minutes - what could be the problem?

Respond: Check your thermostat settings. If the water is only hot for five or x minutes, yous have to be calculation cold h2o to the tank.

Question: I think the plumber inadvertently shorted out the new thermostat. Information technology was humming when he left, simply a couple of hours later it was cold again. I looked up a diagram online, and it looks like he swapped the red and black wires. Would that fry the new thermostat?

Answer: It's unlikely. But it could damage the heating element if information technology was wired to run constantly, never shutting off - a possibility if he switched the switched and ability feed wires to the thermostat.

Question: How much practise the thermostats cost?

Answer: Thermostats on Amazon run from around $10 to $20. It will depend, of course, on which i you need.

Question: Does the lower heating element need to be inverse if hot water merely doesn't final as long?

Reply: That is a likely possibility. The article tells how to check that chemical element, though, before a new i is installed.

Question: The top element heats up and so shuts off appropriately. Then lower thermostat sends 240v to brand new lower element. Why does lower element remain cold?

Answer: If the lower element has 240V going to it and information technology does not heat upwards then it is lacking.

Question: My water heater is electrical and in the top where the electric comes in I establish h2o and rust. Is this normal condensation? It is 10 years old but water and electricity practise not mix.

Respond: Sounds like your prophylactic valve may be leaking a small-scale amount. You might try letting information technology absurd, turning the water off, and opening that valve a few times past hand, or even just peachy it open while warm and with water force per unit area. Information technology should let hot water out and close back off completely.

Question: Why is my water non coming out of the faucet subsequently I replaced my hot water heater?

Reply: Did you plough the water back on going into the heater? Did you go out whatever plastic plugs in the connections to the heater? Did you turn all the h2o to the house off and forget to turn information technology back on?

Question: If the upper thermostat keeps needing to be reset does that mean a new thermostat is required? The water temp gets extremely hot, much hotter than the set temp.

Answer: There is a proficient hazard y'all need a new thermostat. Another possibility is a new element, but the thermostat would be the best bet.

Question: Should I utilise Teflon record on a water heater element?

Answer: Yes, use tape or another thread sealant.

Question: My hot water heater is a unmarried element and unmarried thermostat. I take replaced both and have power going to them. I Still no hot h2o, what could be the problem?

Reply: Check for voltage at the element. If it has voltage the new element isn't working. If no voltage at that place is a problem with the thermostat, either it is prepare also depression or not operation properly.

Question: We have replaced the thermostats on the water heater and at present the heater keeps running and isn't stopping at 120 degrees. What could this be?

Answer: Either it is wired wrong, bypassing the thermostats, the new thermostats are fix as well high, or 1 (or both) of them is defective from the factory.

Question: The person that replaced my hot water tank forgot to put the piece of insulation back in the admission panel. what will that do without it in there?

Reply: Information technology volition toll you lot a very modest amount of electricity. You tin can put it back in yourself if it bothers you; if it is the admission panel to the electric connections inside the water heater itself make absolutely sure you plow the ability off before removing the console door.

Question: I have very piddling hot water. I bank check the voltage on the lower element but in that location was no voltage on the element.

When I turned the hot water on after a few minutes there were 240 volts. I checked the superlative thermostat, it works too. Both elements checked out ok, but I still run out of hot water. Some people take suggested it could be settlement in the bottom of the tank. Do you lot have whatever suggestions?

Answer: I would drain the tank, removing any sediment. If that doesn't assist I would check the thermostat settings; they may be set too cold. If that still doesn't help starting time by changing the thermostat and, if necessary, both elements.

Question: Our hot water comes out burning hot. An electrician came and replaced the chemical element and then we had hot water which was even so burning hot. Within 6 hours no hot water and the electrician says now there is no ability to the hot water tank. What would cause this? He has now told us to contact the power company. Notwithstanding, they came to bank check before the electrician replaced the element and said in that location was power to the tank.

Reply: It sounds similar the thermostat on the heater is bad and needs replacing. If in that location is no power to the hot water tank the almost probable reason is a blown breaker.

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 12, 2020:

At that place is nothing that dangerous most replacing a thermostat and/or an element. Just make sure the power is off.

While I'thou sure a plumbing visitor will exist happy to come out and replace your thermostat (charging a overnice fee including profit) there is no reason you can't practise it yourself. Nor is it difficult to supersede an unabridged water heater - general instructions can exist institute at https://dengarden.com/appliances/how-to-supplant-a-...

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 05, 2020:

Certain, adding a piece of wire to one that was cut brusk is fine. Be certain and use the same size wire, probably #10. A wire nut (what y'all call a "cap"?) would work fine.

Leticia Vega on July 05, 2020:

Hi Dan, cheers for your mail. My 1980 h2o heater upper themostat burned out practise to the insulation contacting terminals. I replaced the heating elements a few months ago. I had to cut the hot wire that runs to lower thermostat because of damage. The wire was thin and pitted. Tin can i splice a new wire to the the end with a but splice or a cap?

Dan Harmon (writer) from Boise, Idaho on June xix, 2020:

If you have hot water in the kitchen so the heater is working. Possibly a long reach of uninsulated piping into the bathroom? Or is the faucet not working properly - modern faucets rest the hot and common cold h2o internally so it doesn't change temperature as other locations use water.

Malynda Long on June 19, 2020:

2 weeks ago changed both elements and plow the water heater upwardly to 125 the renter tells us that at that place'southward hot h2o in the kitchen just at that place's no hot water in the shower it'due south only luke warm what'due south the trouble

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 21, 2019:

Possibilities include a breaker still turned off, improper wiring or a bad thermostat even though brand new.

Allen on July 21, 2019:

Replaced both thermostat s and now no hot water

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on May 30, 2019:

@Abdul:

Breakers ofttimes heat up when a large electric current is required. It is likely that the old chemical element wasn't drawing the current information technology should have; now that you take a new i that is working properly the billow volition heat up some.

At the same time, if the billow heats up and STAYS hot, there is a problem somewhere. If this is the case y'all need to check your connections and wiring for an error.

Abdul Jradi on May 29, 2019:

My breaker is hot later 15 infinitesimal the

Electrical hot water stared I change thermostat and chemical element what happen thanks

Dan Harmon (writer) from Boise, Idaho on September 28, 2018:

Is the thermostat at properly? Do the elements receive power?

Wes on September 28, 2018:

I replaced both heating elements summit thermostate getting power still no hot water any suggestions

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on September 28, 2018:

@Raymond:

Sorry, simply I'm an electrician, not a plumber. If the fire is burning merely water isn't getting hot enough I'd supervene upon the thermostat myself. Simply it'south only a guess; the burn down could be too low, burning improperly with a bad gas/air mix or it could be something else nonetheless.

Raymond Carter on September 28, 2018:

I have a GAS water heater. I have turned up the thermostat. Still non real hot. What tin can information technology be?

Dan Harmon (writer) from Boise, Idaho on December 01, 2017:

The thermostat isn't letting power go through. Information technology may be fix too low, or turned off. Or it may be wired incorrect, although that seems unlikely.

Shawn# on December 01, 2017:

I accept replaced both heating elements and thermostat. No hot h2o.. I am getting a read of 240 at top but nada at bottom? whatever suggestions. nosotros accept a United states of america/craft master water heater model E2F40RDO45V

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on November 29, 2017:

The second thermostat will be located either well above or beneath the first one, backside a unlike access panel. They should exist on the same side of the heater, though - no need to turn it around to go at the 2nd one.

It is also possible to mis-wire the thermostat then that it doesn't accomplish anything at all; the ability remains on to the chemical element all the time. You might re-check your connections, making sure that the wire going to the element is terminated properly at the thermostat.

Gina on November 29, 2017:

I accept replaced the thermostat and heaing chemical element in my mobile homes water heater and the water is coming out scalding. I have turned the thermostate down to lowest setting and nonetheless scalding. I do not run across that there are two of each on the unit. Can you suggest something else?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on Oct 26, 2017:

Yous can try Amazon, or the manufacturer. Mayhap google the model number - in that location are frequently alternate sources providing other than original equipment.

Pam on October 26, 2017:

Where tin I find a 110 volt thermostat for my Candle vats?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on October 22, 2017:

That would exist my guess. Both elements and thermostats can be checked for operation, simply if the elements are new, all-time gauge is thermostats.

Mindy on October 22, 2017:

Inverse both heating elements about 2 months ago and at present no hot water again could it exist the thermostats ?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on Oct 21, 2017:

Sorry, Eilish, simply i tin can't help you here. I'yard just non familiar with the blazon of heater you have.

Eilish on Oct 21, 2017:

Hot h2o coming from cold tap. Does this hateful my thermostat is gone, if so can i just supervene upon it or practice i demand a new copper cylinder. (Water System heated past solid fuel cooker)

thank you in advance. E

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on October 12, 2017:

First step is to find out where the water is coming from that is causing that rust. If that isn't stopped there is no reason to replace either the chemical element or the thermostat as it volition just rust over once again. If you can find the leak and repair it you tin probably save the tank. It will need cleaned, of course, and any rust inside drained out as well.

Suggest yous beginning with a conscientious examination of the area around the threads of the chemical element. That'southward the most likely source of a tiny leak, and it's quite possible that a new element, properly installed, volition eliminate the leak.

Selena on October 12, 2017:

Hi! My electrical water heater is non heating. I opened up both top and bottom panels but that is as far equally I accept gone. Superlative looks fine but bottom is totally rusty. I'g wondering if replacing the chemical element is recommended or if, because of the amount of rust, it is too far gone and replacing the entire unit is needed. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on Baronial 28, 2017:

Bank check the breaker is on. Check the re-set buttons on the thermostat(southward). Check the wiring is correct.

missy on August 28, 2017:

i merely ran h2o to do dishes,but there is no hot water at present,information technology is a electric water heater... where should i begin first????

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on July 08, 2017:

Take y'all set up the thermostats to the proper oestrus? Try pushing the "reset" buttons on both.

Assist on July 08, 2017:

so i changed both the thermastats and the coils and it still not working. the sniffer says i have power every where what am i missing.

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on June 10, 2017:

Chocolate-brown, I suggest that at this point you install the lower element you purchased and see what happens. While that figure is high, information technology is not impossible, and could be normal for your unit. If you notwithstanding run out of hot water, replace the upper element besides.

Chocolate-brown on June 10, 2017:

Hot water has been running out and then I checked the upper element with multi device, the reading was over 20, lower element had no reading and so I purchased a replacement element. With the upper element reading so high what did I practise?

Dan Harmon (writer) from Boise, Idaho on May 02, 2017:

Very pitiful, only I'm not familiar with the production.

bafana on May 02, 2017:

how exercise you supercede a URN THERMOSTAT SATCHELL GEYSER THERMOSTAT?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on April 03, 2017:

Hi Patrick: if the breaker is blowing each time it is turned on either the wires are non put on properly, assuasive a short somewhere, or the brand new element is bad. Check the wiring advisedly, looking for anywhere 2 wires might be touching either each other or the metallic frame.

Patrick on April 03, 2017:

Changed elements now tried to plough the ability on merely no power. It seems the breaker will not allow the switch to turn on for ability to the water heater

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on Feb 12, 2017:

Neal, it sounds as if the upper thermostat is bad. Role of information technology's part is to supply power to the lower thermostat, and it isn't doing that. I'm not sure what you hateful, notwithstanding, when y'all say you lot take "delayed" both elements and thermostats.

Neal on February 12, 2017:

I have checked the elements they read 12.8

The top thermostat heats the water but the

Lower unit volition not read 240

Have delayed both elements iii times also the thermostats three times

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on Nov 08, 2013:

If you hateful that is what you are seeing, you lot should non be. For whatsoever reason, the heating elements are not shutting off when they should; I would suggest that you need 1 or two new thermostats. Bank check them both for right operation and supplant as needed. If you find that elements are still on when the water is hot you need a new thermostat. If neither chemical element is on when the water is alluvion, or the water out the overflow is only warm, you need a new rubber valve.

walt on Nov 08, 2013:

hot water gets really hot it come out the overflow at the superlative