Service Manual

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Heating Element Removal
1. STOP, DANGER! Turn power “OFF” to water
heater.
2. Open control box door.
3. Turn off cold water supply to heater. Connect hose to drain
spigot of water heater and route to an open drain. Open
a nearby hot water faucet to vent heater for draining.
Open drain spigot of water heater and allow heater to
drain to a point below the heating element(s).
4. Close drain spigot and remove hose.
5. Disconnect wires from heating element terminals.
6. Remove heating element from tank using a 2-1/8" deep well socket or appropriate wrench.
Unscrew element counter-clockwise to remove from tank.
7. Be sure to remove old element gasket from the tank. It is not recommended to be re-used.
Heating Element Replacement
1. Check new heating element terminal block for proper electrical rating. NOTE: Some heating elements
have dual ratings, be sure to check all surfaces of the heating element terminal block (see Figure 14).
2. Apply new gasket to the new heating element. Be sure gasket is seated flat against heating element flange
without rolls or gaps (see Figure 14).
3. Clean any debris from tank fitting where heating element is to be installed. Lubricate heating element
threads as needed with thread lubricant.
4. Thread new heating element clockwise into tank fitting. Tighten heating element using a 2-1/8" deep well
socket or appropriate wrench. DO NOT over tighten, over tightening may damage gasket.
5. Reconnect wires to heating element, be sure connections are snug and corrosion free. DO NOT over tighten,
as doing so may damage the terminal block.
6. Resume water supply to heater, be sure tank is full of water, and check for leaks.
7. To resume operation, BE SURE TANK IS FULL OF WATER and restore power to water heater. Verify proper
heater operation.
Figure 14
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