How Do You Replace the Heating Element of Your Rheem Water Heater?

To replace the heating element in a Rheem water heater, the installer removes the old element and screws the new one into its place. Before beginning the task, he should press the red reset button on the thermostat and check the electrical panel for thrown circuits.

No hot water or a small amount of hot water generally indicates problems with the electrical heating elements in the tank. If the bottom element is not working, the tank provides a few gallons of hot water before it turns cold. A multimeter set to resistance can help to determine which, if either, of the elements requires replacement.

Before beginning the replacement of elements, the power to the water heater must be in the off position and all water drained from the tank. The bad element unscrews using pliers and the new one installs in the same hole.

While the tank is empty and the element is out, the owner should check for sediment in the bottom of the tank. If it is present, a wet-dry vacuum helps to empty it.

After installing the new element, the tank must be completely full of water before restoring the power. Open a nearby hot water tap and turn on the water to the tank. When water runs freely from the tap, the tank is full.