Residential Water Heater Construction Flexible stainless steel or copper connectors— connects to hot and cold water pipe system Temperature and pressure (T & P) valve— safety device to relieve excessive pressure and/or temperature buildup in tank Dielectric nipples or Heat Traps with thermoplastic lining— prevents thread corrosion Cold water inlet Run-off tube— carries water or steam safely to drain or drain pan if T & P valve activates Hot water outlet Table of Contents Residential Water Heater Const
Choosing the Correct Heating Element Element Flange Styles When choosing the correct replacement element, three factors must be considered: 1. Element Flange Style (Screw-In, Flat, etc...) 2. Voltage/wattage 3. Watt-density 1. Element Flange Style 3. Watt-Density Water heater elements are offered in several styles. Since the development of the modern water heater, manufacturers have used various methods of installing elements in their water heaters.
Element Removal Dry-Fired Elements Thermostat Settings A long socket wrench is needed to remove and install the Screw-in style elements. The Camco element wrench (#09943, 09951, 09883) is designed specifically for the standard and the Duron screw-in elements. Dry-fired means the element operated without being immersed in water. All residential thermostats are factory preset at 120°. This is a safe, energyefficient setting.
Double Element Thermostats Double Element Thermostat Wiring Note: Wire color may vary on some water heaters, but connections remain the same. Apcom Style Therm-O-Disc Style Apcom Style Therm-O-Disc Style Fits: State/Reliance, Sears, A.O.
Testing Elements and Thermostats for Failure Single Element Thermostat Wiring (with high limit) Camco’s Water Heater Tester (#10023) is designed specifically for use on electric water heaters. The elements and thermostats are tested while installed on the heater. The tester’s specially engineered light emitting diode will identify filament connections that other testers routinely miss.
Dip Tubes, Run-off Tubes and Anode Rods Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve The T&P valve is the most important safety device on the water heater. No water heater should be installed without a T&P valve. In the event of thermostat failure (thermostat fails to shut off properly and continues to heat water beyond safe limits), the T&P valve will open and relieve the pressure in the tank to prevent catastrophic explosion. The T&P valve is set to open at 150 psi and/ or 210°F.
Frequently Asked Questions Water Heater Elements Q: I don’t have hot water. How do I determine what is wrong? A: Check the breaker or fuse box for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. If this is not the problem, shut off the power to the water heater. (IMPORTANT!) The problem may be caused by a defective or shorted element(s) or thermostat(s) or both. If you are experienced with plumbing and electrical tools, you can do the repairs yourself. If you are at all hesitant, call a plumber or electrician.
Troubleshooting Guide Troubleshooting Guide Condition Cause Remedy Condition Cause Remedy No hot water No power Check fuses/circuit breaker; replace/reset Defective T&P relief valve Replace Loose wiring connection Locate, clean carefully, reconnect properly Excessive T & P relief valve operation Excessive water pressure Install proper pressure-reducing valve with built-in by-pass Lightning Inspect/replace fuse, heater elements and thermostat High voltage Check utility for correction Re
Speciality Items Water Heater Element Quick Change Professional Element Socket For Electric Water Heaters Save time and water with Camco’s Water Heater Element Quick Change. Chrome Plated Element Socket fits standard 1/2" socket drive to make easy work of replacing screw-in water heater elements. Turn off water at the water heater to create a vacuum.
For more product information and a full listing of replacement parts and accessories please call us at 1-800-334-2004 or visit us online at www.camco.net for your copy of the Plumbing and Hardware Repair Parts and Accessories catalog. You may also want to check out our diverse line of RV and Marine related merchandise. 121 Landmark Drive • Greensboro, NC 27409 800-334-2004 • 336-668-7661 • www.camco.net • parts@camco.
