When electricity passes through an element it meets resistance. This resistance between the element and the electrical current creates heat, much like rubbing your two hands together very fast.
The wattage of the element determines the amount of heat the element will produce.
To buy an element you will need to know the voltage and wattage. There are also screw type, flange and raised flanged styles.
You can find the voltage and wattage on the water heater label or on the end of the old element.
Flange type elements are not as common as they once were. If you can't find one, look for an adapter kit (see pick below). With this kit you can install a screw type element in place of the flanged type.
You do not have to buy brand specific elements.
Element Testing
How to test a water heater element. You will need to know how to use a multimeter in order to test electric water heaters. Basic guide for using an inexpensive analog multimeter.
Element Replacement
Replace an element with this easy to follow guide.
Did You Know?
On a duel element 240 volt residential water heater both elements do not heat at the same time.
On an electric residential water heater the element is the most likely component to fail.
The hotter the element or water the more sediment and calcium build up in the tank.
If a newly installed element makes a humming or vibrating sound it is because the loop on the element is horizontal in the tank. Tighten the element 1/3 to 1/2 turn to stop the humming.
Water heater elements will only work when submerged in water. If the power is turned on with no water in the tank they will burn out.
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