How do i change the element in my water heater

Check temperature control relay for early cut out.

The element is not receiving power. Check the power source to the hot water heater and the element and thermostat operation.

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

Gene

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Element change on electric water heater?
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

Gene


Water Heater Timers Save Money

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

What water heater do you have? Question posted under BW 120V 6 gallon electric.
Element is found on electric water heater.
Igniter is found on gas water heater.
So now it get's confusing what water heater you have.... for example some 6 gallon RV water heaters have both electric and gas. And troubleshoot for that is different than electric water heater.
Copy following link for electric water heater troubleshoot resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html
Does tank have 2 elements or 1? Which element did you change... why did you change element before replacing thermostat? What symptoms were you experiencing before changing element?
Is this a new heater? Was tank full of water before power turned ON?
Add a comment and describe problem in detail.
Gene

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following link for replacing element on tank-type water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

2) Feb 2013. Add comment and describe exact product type, model, and brand name for possible location of product manual or resources.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Copy following link for step-by-step
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

You might want to test them first.
If water heater has some hot water, then upper element is good.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

If elements test good, then problem can be thermostats.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Warm water indicates a element is probally in need of replacement. For warm water only more than likely the top element is bad. If you get a burst of hot water for a little while then your bottom one is probally gone bad. Best to replace both elements when changing one out due to not being to exspensive and you have to drain it down anyway.

To change out shut water of and turn power of to water heater open hot side on a faucet to allow heater to drain down so you can change out element.

Buy elements at local hardware store or home center, like Lowes
Look at label on side of tank.
Label shows element wattage.
Element is also printed on end of element in tiny letters-numbers.
Typical elements are 4500 and 5500 watts.
Tank needs 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker for 5500 watt element.

Water heaters are fully repairable by homeowner.

1) Have you tested water heater to see if element is problem? You need cheap multi-meter from Home Depot.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

2) To change element
a) turn off power
b) drain water from drain valve ... once it starts draining, loosen element slightly while tank still has weight to hold against you turning element wrench.
Here's what to do if water heater won't drain:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-will-not-drain.html
c) open covers on tank, remove element using element-wrench from hardware store or home center.
If element won't come out:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-remove-old-water-heater-element.html
d) Clean out tank if needed.
e) Replace element.
f) Fill tank entirely with water before turning on power or element will burn out.
g) Once tank is filled, and water flows steady out of tub spout, turn on power.
Each steps above is shown on following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html

3) You need to buy some things:
Screw-in type (not bolt-in type) Element that matches wattage on tank label. New Element comes with washer.
Inexpensive Element wrench.
Inexpensive multimeter if you are going to test parts first.
Some pieces of pipe and hose if tank sediment needs to be cleaned out.
Washing machine hose if tank will not drain (return after job is done).

4) Also:
You need flat tip and phillips screwdriver.
Lighting to work on tank
Some WD-40 if element is stuck in place.
Garden hose to drain tank.
Shop vac and duct tape if you need to vacuum out sediment.
Tarp to protect floor and carpet
Maybe a knife to cut back insulation on wire if wire is burned at element.

Web links above go through entire process step by step.
Add a comment if you need more help, I'll be back around 5 CST

Thermostat is tripping out due to thermostat or element may be going bad. Also take a look at the element's wire's connected to them and make sure there are no burn places. Because the thermostat will trip out for safety of the heater.
The thermostat's and elements are not exspensive to replace. Please inspect them very closely and be safe.

If you replace the thermostat please turn power off and changing the elements turn water off.
If elements need changing fill heater and get all air out of lines before turning the heater's power on.