Replacing a failed water heater heating element is a manageable DIY repair that can restore hot water quickly in an electric water heater.
Quick Answer
Before You Begin
Tools & Supplies
Step-by-Step Replacement
Helpful Replacement Tips
Common Mistakes
When to Call a Pro
FAQs
If your electric water heater has a failed heating element, replacing it is often much less expensive than replacing the entire unit. This guide walks you through the replacement process safely and step by step.
Quick Answer
To replace a water heater heating element, turn off power, drain water below the element level, remove the old element, install the new one with a gasket, refill the tank completely, and then restore power.
Bottom Line: Never restore power until the tank is completely full, or the new element can burn out immediately.
Before You Begin
Preparation helps the repair go smoothly and safely.
- Turn off electrical power at the breaker
- Shut off cold water supply
- Allow the water heater to cool if necessary
- Verify the replacement element matches voltage and wattage
If you have not confirmed the element is bad, first see: Water Heater Heating Element Problems & Testing
Tools & Supplies
- Replacement heating element
- Heating element wrench
- Garden hose
- Multimeter or voltage tester
- Screwdriver
- Work gloves and towels
Step-by-Step Heating Element Replacement
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the water heater’s double-pole breaker at the main electrical panel.
Do not rely solely on the breaker label. Use a non-contact voltage tester or multimeter at the water heater to verify power is actually off before proceeding.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
Close the cold-water shutoff valve feeding the water heater. This valve is usually located above the heater on the cold-water inlet pipe.
If the valve is difficult to turn or leaks, you may need to shut off the home’s main water supply instead.
3. Drain Water Below the Heating Element
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and run the hose to a floor drain or outside.
Open a nearby hot-water faucet to allow air into the system and help the tank drain properly.
You only need to lower the water level below the heating element being replaced—you don’t have to completely empty the tank.
(However, if replacing the lower element, you will usually need to drain most of the tank.)
4. Remove the Access Panel
Remove the screws securing the metal heating element access cover.
Pull back the insulation and remove any plastic safety shield to expose the thermostat and heating element terminals.
Most electric water heaters have both upper and lower access panels. Make sure you are working on the correct element.
5. Disconnect the Wires
Before disconnecting anything, take a photo or label the wires so they can be reconnected correctly later.
Loosen the terminal screws and pull the wires away from the heating element terminals.
6. Remove the Old Heating Element
A water heater element wrench is a specialized socket-like tool designed to fit the large hex-shaped base of an electric water heater heating element. Most are sized to fit the standard 1 1/2-inch element opening and are used with either a breaker bar, ratchet, or screwdriver for leverage. Fit one of these over the large hex-shaped base of the element and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Some elements are extremely tight from years of heat and mineral buildup.
- A breaker bar may provide additional leverage
- Having another person steady the tank can help
- Penetrating oil may help on stubborn threads
Once loosened, pull the element straight out of the tank.
Inspect the old gasket and opening for mineral buildup or corrosion before installing the new element.
7. Install the New Heating Element
Insert the replacement element with a new gasket in place.
Thread the element carefully by hand at first to avoid cross-threading the tank opening.
Tighten the element securely with the element wrench, but avoid overtightening—this can damage the gasket or threads.
Reconnect the wires firmly to the terminal screws.
8. Refill the Tank
Close the drain valve and turn the cold-water supply back on.
Leave a nearby hot-water faucet open while the tank fills. This allows trapped air to escape from the system.
When water flows steadily from the faucet without sputtering, the tank is full.
Carefully inspect around the new heating element for leaks before restoring power.
9. Restore Power
Replace the insulation, plastic shield, and metal access cover.
Only after confirming the tank is completely full should you turn the circuit breaker back on.
Important: Turning on power before the heating element is fully submerged in water can destroy the new element almost instantly.
The water heater may take an hour or more to fully reheat the tank.
Helpful Replacement Tips
- Replace the gasket whenever replacing an element
- Match the original wattage rating exactly
- Inspect wiring for signs of overheating
- If the water heater is more than about 8 to 10 years old, replacing both elements at the same time may help avoid another repair later
- With the drain hose already connected, consider flushing several additional gallons from the tank to help remove sediment buildup
Common Mistakes
- Restoring power before refilling the tank
- Failing to verify power is off
- Using the wrong replacement element
- Damaging threads during installation
- Reusing an old gasket
When to Call a Pro
Call a plumber or water heater repair person if:
- The element will not loosen
- The breaker trips after replacement
- The tank is leaking or corroded
- You are uncomfortable working with electrical components or don’t have the right tools
If replacing a heating element turns out to be more than you want to handle, a qualified plumber can complete the repair safely.Find a trusted local plumber for professional service.
FAQs
Do I need to drain the entire water heater?
No. You only need to drain water below the level of the heating element being replaced.
Can I replace just one element?
Yes. However, if the heater is older, many homeowners choose to replace both elements at the same time.
How long does replacement take?
Most DIY replacements take about 1–2 hours including draining and refilling.
What size heating element do I need?
The replacement element must match the original voltage and wattage rating.
