HOW DO YOU TAKE THE BOTTOM ELEMENT OUT OF A 1979 MOR-FLO ELECTRIC WATER HEATER, ZHER32DV. IT HAS 4 BOLTS ON IT.

probably dont have one they are made by amercian water company with multi design/configurations if only one thermostat then also only one element the upper is also the electric connections

What type and brand heater?
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Gene

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If your water heater is leaking from the bottom, and you are sure that it is not coming from anywhere else, then the tank is most likely rusted, and will need to be replaced.

unless it is solar it will have either a gas element for gas heaters or electric element for electric heaters. presumming it is electric, the element is an immersable element mounted in the bottom of the tank. when the electrical cover is removed you will see the 4 bolts that hold it in place.

Use standard element wrench from hardware store
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html#Wrench
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-remove-old-water-heater-element.html

Some elements are held in with 4 bolts.

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Not familiar with this model but most are generic.
Turn the water off;
Release the pressure with the pressure relief valve and leave it open;
Undo the cold water inlet assembly and drain the tank;
Disconnect the element wires from the thermostat;
The elements are held in by 4 bolts. Undo the bolts and remove element;
Installation is the reverse of above.

Rheem uses a 4-bolt 4500 Watt element available at hardware store and some home centers:
To confirm wattage, see label on side of tank. Also note you label shows gallons, and show a serial number that has date of manufacture in fist 4 digits, for example 0605.. is June 2005.

The element is removed using a wrench. Remove 4 bolts. If bolts are stuck, then use WD40 and ratchet with extension. You can also drill out the bolt and re-tap holes with new thread. Don't drill through wall of tank which is about 1/4" thick.


For generic step by step for replacing water heater element and cleaning out tank:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html
Link shows how to drain tank, check if electricity is off, and general sequence of steps.
Rheem element that you buy comes in package with specific step by step for replacing that element. Be sure to clean opening of any debris before installing new element.

First shut off power then remove acess cover and carefully move insulation out of the way so you can see around elements.Check to see if leak is coming from around element.If it is determine what type of element you have. Either screw in or bolted in. Both have thick rubber gaskets that can be replaced by draing water heater and removing element then install new gasket and reinstall element.
To drain heater shut off valve on incoming cold water supply line ,make sure electric power is off. Connect drain hose to drain valve and put other end to floor drain or sump basin.You can open faucet on hot side near by to prevent vacumn and drain. If you have screw in type disconnect wires,marking them for reattachment,then use large open end wrench or pipe wrench on hex section of element and turn to left to remove. If you have bolt in element spray bolts with wd-40 or similar and carefully loosen bolts then disconnect wires and remove element.install new gasket and reverse to reinstall. I would recommend that you replace elements at this time if you are sure this was the source of the leak.
If you don't think it's leaking around elements then check fitting on both water lines to water heater to be sure they are not leaking and seeping down thru insulation and leaking out of the bottom of heater. Next check around drain valve for leak and if it's leaking you can try tightening it a little or replace it with 3/4 x2 brass nipple and 3/4 inch female iron pipe boiler drain. Use teflon tape or pipe joint compound on all threaded connections.
After you have eliminated all other sources for leak then it is probably the tank itself. If it is less then six years old the tank should still be covered under warrenty. Most warrenties will give you a new heater but installation will not be covered unless you have extended service coverage.
I hope this helps you some. Thank you

I have had this problem with a couple of MOR-FLO AMERICAN gas water heaters. What I would suggest is first make sure that combustion air inlet screen on the bottom of the heater is clean of all lint,animal hair,etc. Also clean the screen around outside of heater base, not every installer uses this screen.
Next check to see how thermocouple is positioned in burner compartment. If it is touching the bottom of heater then try to reposition it so there is a little clearance.
Check height of flue through roof and position relative to other roof structures. With these sealed combustion units I have had problems with the pilot light blowing out due to wind speed and direction. I have fixed this problem a couple of times by raising height of flue pipe one or two feet. I hope this helps you. Thanks

Lower element will always test 120V to ground since thermostats turn off one hot wire.

Listed below are suspects in order of ease.

1) Check that hot water is not running out of TP valve and down into a drain.
This will cause water heater to run all the time but not be able to keep up.

2) Test elements before replacing anything:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

3) Test electricity to water heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Test-electricity-to-water-heater.html

4) Replace both thermostats.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

5) Final thing would be full troubleshoot:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

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Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.