{"id":1003,"date":"2013-02-13T21:35:47","date_gmt":"2013-02-13T21:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2025-03-11T19:41:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T19:41:31","slug":"replacing-an-element-in-a-water-heater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/replacing-an-element-in-a-water-heater\/","title":{"rendered":"Replacing an Element in a Water Heater"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5613\" src=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/74.png\" alt=\"mobile home water heater\" width=\"1013\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/74.png 1013w, https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/74-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/74-768x370.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1013px) 100vw, 1013px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s water heater isn&#8217;t producing hot water or is heating inconsistently, chances are a burnt-out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/mobile-home-water-heater-repair-parts.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">water heater element<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we&#8217;ll walk you through the process of replacing a water heater element in a mobile home, step by step.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tools You Will Need:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multimeter<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 To check for power and ensure safety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Garden hose<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 To drain the water heater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Screwdriver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 To remove the access panel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Element wrench<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 For removing screw-in elements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/parts\/420420.html\"><b>Special wrench<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Designed for working on water heaters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Turn Off the Power<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Test for Power<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Drain the Water Heater<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To replace the water heater element, you&#8217;ll need to drain the tank. Follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shut off the water supply to the water heater to stop any additional water from entering the tank.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the aerator from the kitchen faucet. This prevents debris from clogging the faucet later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the hot water side of the faucet to allow air in, helping the tank drain faster.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the hose outside or into a drain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the drain valve and let the tank empty completely. This process typically takes about 20 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4: Remove the Old Water Heater Element<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the tank is drained, you can remove the faulty water heater element:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disconnect the two wires attached to the element.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a screw-in element, use an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/parts\/420420.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">element wrench<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to loosen and remove it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a flange element, remove the four mounting bolts and pull the element straight out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reattach the two wires securely to the new water heater element.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5: Refill the Tank and Check for Leaks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that your new water heater element is installed, it&#8217;s time to refill the tank and check your work.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close the drain valve and remove the garden hose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the water supply valve to let the tank fill up. Leave the kitchen faucet open to allow trapped air to escape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once water flows smoothly from the faucet without sputtering, close the faucet and replace the aerator.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect the newly installed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/mobile-home-water-heater-repair-parts.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">water heater element for leaks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you see any moisture, tighten the element slightly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 6: Restore Power and Test the Heater<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replace the plastic safety covers, insulation, and access panel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn the breaker back on to restore power to the water heater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait about <\/span><b>an hour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the water to heat up.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s functioning properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional Tips for Success<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use the correct wattage and voltage water heater element for your specific unit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re unsure about any part of the process, consult the water heater&#8217;s manual or seek professional help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually, can help extend the life of your water heater element.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need supplies for your mobile home water heater repair? Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mobile Home Parts Store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for all your water heater maintenance needs!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s water heater isn&#8217;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 <br \/> <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/replacing-an-element-in-a-water-heater\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Replacing an Element in a Water Heater\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5613,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,273],"tags":[28,281,370,282],"class_list":["post-1003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mobile-home-projects-and-ideas","category-mobile-home-plumbing","tag-how-to","tag-mobile-home-water-heater","tag-water-heater","tag-water-heater-repair"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1003"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5612,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions\/5612"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobilehomepartsstore.com\/latestnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}