Replace Water Heater Element Without Draining

Open the temperature and pressure relief valve on the side or top of the tank by flipping the lever to the open position this allows air into the tank to prevent suction that would inhibit draining.

Replace water heater element without draining.

If you d like to give it a try the video below will show you how. Slip a heating element wrench onto the element if your water heater has a screw in type element. To drain a water heater start by turning it off and let the water cool for a few hours. Unlike gas water heaters that have gas burners electric water heaters rely on a pair of upper and lower metal heating elements to heat the water.

You could do it that way but the old timers would shake their head at you and think what a rube below a few of the master appliantologists here at the academy off. It is possible to change your water heater s heating element without draining your tank. Similar to the way in which oven heating elements work the heating elements in a water heater heat up when electrical current passes through them. Connect a garden hose to the water heater s drain valve and run the hose to a nearby floor drain or outdoors.

If you need to replace the heating element in your electric water heater you may be thinking that you need to first drain the tank. The water inside the tank may be over 120 degrees fahrenheit even with a failed. Drain the tank. Change water heater elements without draining tanks.

However if you have a leak if your water heater is older than 8 12 years or you just wish to upgrade and cut your energy expense it is time for a new heater. Shut off power and drain the tank before removing the old elements and replacing them. Once the water in the heater has cooled turn the cold water intake valve off and run some hot water from a faucet in your house to empty out excess water in the pipes. How to replace a heating element without draining the tank.