Replacing an Element in a Water Heater

Nothing ruins a morning faster than stepping into the shower, expecting a hot stream of water, and instead getting hit with an icy blast. If your mobile home’s water heater isn’t producing hot water or is heating inconsistently, chances are a burnt-out water heater element is to blame. Replacing a water heater element is a common repair that can restore your hot water without needing to replace the entire unit. The good news? You can do this yourself with some basic tools and a little know-how.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing a water heater element in a mobile home, step by step.

 

Tools You Will Need:

• Multimeter – To check for power and ensure safety.
• Garden hose – To drain the water heater.
• Screwdriver – To remove the access panel.
• Element wrench – For removing screw-in elements.
• Special wrench – Designed for working on water heaters.

 

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Safety should always be your first priority. Before doing anything, find the breaker for your water heater in the electrical panel and turn it off. To confirm the power is off, remove the top access panel on the water heater, followed by the insulation and plastic safety cover. Be careful not to touch any wires! Some breakers are mislabeled, and the wires could still be live.

 

Step 2: Test for Power

Before proceeding, use a multimeter to verify that the power is completely off. Test the multimeter on a working wall outlet first to ensure it’s giving accurate readings. Then, place one probe on one of the terminal screws of the water heater and the other on the tank. You should not get a reading. If you do, power is still running to the unit, and you need to turn off the correct breaker before continuing.

 

Step 3: Drain the Water Heater

To replace the water heater element, you’ll need to drain the tank. Follow these steps:

1. Shut off the water supply to the water heater to stop any additional water from entering the tank.
2. Remove the aerator from the kitchen faucet. This prevents debris from clogging the faucet later.
3. Open the hot water side of the faucet to allow air in, helping the tank drain faster.
4. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose outside or into a drain.
5. Open the drain valve and let the tank empty completely. This process typically takes about 20 minutes.

 

Step 4: Remove the Old Water Heater Element

Once the tank is drained, you can remove the faulty water heater element:

• Disconnect the two wires attached to the element.
• If you have a screw-in element, use an element wrench to loosen and remove it.
• If you have a flange element, remove the four mounting bolts and pull the element straight out.
• Slide the new water heater element into place. If it is a screw-in type, tighten it with your hand until the rubber gasket makes contact with the tank.
• Reattach the two wires securely to the new water heater element.

 

Step 5: Refill the Tank and Check for Leaks

Now that your new water heater element is installed, it’s time to refill the tank and check your work.

1. Close the drain valve and remove the garden hose.
2. Open the water supply valve to let the tank fill up. Leave the kitchen faucet open to allow trapped air to escape.
3. Once water flows smoothly from the faucet without sputtering, close the faucet and replace the aerator.
4. Inspect the newly installed water heater element for leaks. If you see any moisture, tighten the element slightly.

 

Step 6: Restore Power and Test the Heater

• Replace the plastic safety covers, insulation, and access panel.
• Turn the breaker back on to restore power to the water heater.
• Wait about an hour for the water to heat up.

If everything is working correctly, you should have hot water! If you still experience issues, double-check your wiring connections or test your water heater element with a multimeter to ensure it’s functioning properly.

 

Additional Tips for Success

• Always use the correct wattage and voltage water heater element for your specific unit.
• If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult the water heater’s manual or seek professional help.
• Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually, can help extend the life of your water heater element.

Replacing a water heater element in a mobile home is a straightforward process that can save you money on repairs. By following these steps, you can restore hot water to your home quickly and safely.

Need supplies for your mobile home water heater repair? Check out Mobile Home Parts Store for all your water heater maintenance needs!

 

Updated on February 26, 2025: This article has been refreshed with the latest insights, tips, and product recommendations to ensure it provides the most accurate and helpful information for our readers.

Tags: how to, mobile home water heater, water heater, Water Heater Repair

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 at 9:35 pm and is filed under Mobile Home Projects & Ideas, Plumbing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.