If your water heater is not producing hot water or is producing only lukewarm water, the heating element may be the problem. Over time, heating elements can wear out and fail, causing your water heater to lose efficiency or stop working altogether. If you have a water heater with a fold-back heating element, replacing the element is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace a water heater heating element with a fold-back element.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you start the replacement process, you’ll need to gather some tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A replacement fold-back heating element
- A screwdriver
- A pair of pliers
- A bucket
- A garden hose
- Teflon tape
Turn off the Power and Water Supply
Before you begin working on your water heater, make sure to turn off the power and water supply. You can turn off the power to your electric water heater by flipping the circuit breaker in your electrical panel. To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line and turn it off.
Drain the Tank
To replace the heating element, you’ll need to drain the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose to a safe draining location, such as a floor drain or outside. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to drain completely.
Remove the Old Heating Element
Once the tank is drained, you can remove the old heating element. Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel on the side of the tank where the heating element is located. Use pliers to disconnect the wires from the heating element.
Next, use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the heating element in place. Once the nuts are removed, you can pull the old heating element out of the tank.
Install the New Heating Element
Before you install the new heating element, wrap the threads with Teflon tape to create a tight seal. Insert the new heating element into the tank and hand-tighten the nuts to hold it in place.
Use a wrench to tighten the nuts firmly, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the threads. Reconnect the wires to the new heating element, making sure that the connections are tight and secure.
Refill the Tank
Once the new heating element is installed and the wires are connected, it’s time to refill the tank. Close the drain valve and turn on the cold water supply. Allow the tank to fill completely, then turn on a hot water faucet to allow air to escape from the tank.
Once the tank is full, turn on the power supply to the water heater. If you turned off the circuit breaker in your electrical panel, turn it back on. Your water heater should begin heating the water again.
Test the New Heating Element
To ensure that the new heating element is working properly, test the hot water supply at a faucet. The water should be hot and consistent. If the water is still lukewarm or the heating element is not working, you may need to check the wiring connections or consult a professional plumber.
In Conclusion
Replacing a water heater heating element with a fold-back element is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can replace your water heater’s heating element and restore your hot water supply. Always make sure to turn off the power and water supply before starting work, and use caution when working with electrical and plumbing components. If you are not comfortable with the process, consult a professional plumber for assistance.
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