is a self-help website

-Buy new element at hardware store.
-Use same wattage.
-Wattage of element printed on end of each element.
-Use 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire for wattage greater than 3800 W
-You do not need special element.
-Clean elements with white vinegar

Step 3: Clogged? What to do if water heater will not drain

Connect washing machine hose to water heater drain-valve <> Connect garden hose between outdoor spigot and washing machine hose <> turn on outdoor spigot for a few seconds so water pressure flushes tank open

Step 4:

To drain tank completely ... Open hot water side of bathtub faucet so air can enter pipe.
Leave tub valve open so at end of job you know when tank is full of water before electricity is turned back on.

Step 5:

Turn off water going into water heater. Do this by shutting off water valve just above water heater -or- close main shut-off valve to house

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While tank is draining <> Remove bottom cover on water heater

Step 7:

Locate element <> it sits below thermostat  <> has 2 screws with 2 different colored wires <> and is 1-1/2" diameter
If you are uncomfortable putting hands close to electricity when using tester, tape tester prong to wooden tongue depressor or chopstick

Step 8: Test if 120V or 240V electricity is off. 
Use ordinary tester
1. Test black wire to ground screw
2. Test black wire to white wire
3. Test white wire to ground screw
>> if no light shows with these 3 tests, then electricity is off

Step 9: 

This water heater has damaged wire due to sediment fill and overheated element. 

Element wrench or socket

Lightweight 1-1/2" element wrench available hardware store, home center, plumbing supply

Or use 1-1/2 socket/ Some elements are 1-7/8"

Step 11:

Turn element wrench counter-clockwise
Here's the trick <> loosen element before tank is empty of water so weight of water will hold tank while you push on and twist wrench <> be careful: don't remove element until tank is empty or water will flood out hole

Step 13: Rent shop-vac <> and buy pipe

     Garden hose bends into tank

     3/4" PVC is nice fit with garden hose

     1" clear tube fits 3/4" PVC

Check Watt rating printed on side of tank.
Tank wattage is element wattage.
Watts also printed on element.

Element ready for installation

Also see damaged red wire has been cut back and ready to attach to new element

Wires go on either screw.
Tighten screws very tight against copper wire

DO NOT TURN ON BREAKER or it will burn out element instantly

Electricity from pole to breaker box

Dayton off-delay timer