How to Replace an Electric Water Heater Element

In this video, we discuss how to replace the heating element in an electric water heater.

Thanks for watching! Subscribe to our channel and click the bell for notifications so you don’t miss out on any new content.

Stay Connected

This channel supports the Rheem family of brands including Rheem®, Ruud®, and Richmond®.

Legal Disclosure
All information contained on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein is intended to be for guidance only. Any action you take on the information on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein is strictly at your own risk. Please seek professional assistance should you not be familiar with repairs, installation or other aspects of water heaters and/or air conditioners. Although Rheem takes all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein is accurate and up-to-date, all information is provided on an “as is” basis. Rheem makes no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy of suitability of the information available on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein. Rheem may at any time and at its sole discretion change or replace the information available on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, Rheem shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages and/or any loss of business, data, use or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of any content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein, including, but not limited to viruses. To the extent permitted by mandatory law, Rheem shall not be liable for any direct or indirect injuries or death arising out of or in connection with the use of any content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein. Rheem disclaims any control over, relationship with or endorsement of the views expressed by other YouTube viewers on any of the content available on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein. All comments may be reviewed by Rheem and may be deleted if deemed inappropriate. All comments/posts are from members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rheem. Any links to other websites are provided only as a convenience and Rheem reminds you to read the privacy statements of any third-party websites. All content on the Rheem Water Heater Training YouTube channel and in the videos contained therein belongs to Rheem and is the intellectual property of Rheem.

[mtn.mac]

Thanks, i’m 13 and had to put a new element in for my mom for the first time 👍🏾

[joeycmore]

What happened to the teflon tape or gasket seal?

[sashaalpatru]

Very helpful video! Thank you. My advice to anyone doing this is to get a 1.5" deep socket and use a breaker to loosen the elements. The heater socket in this video was useless for me as those elements were really stuck in there.

[evegarcia]

I like how all the people with plumbing experience jump in to give some pointers on things that might have been forgotten during the video. This helped me understand a little more about the heating elements. Thank you!

[faithevolution]

Thank you! I'm retired divorcee and trying this all by myself ... This is a very easy video to follow. 👏

[Eric]

They quoted me $960 to do this and replace the thermostats I did the thermostats already myself going do this now thanks

[sportsdocdc]

Thank you for this and other videos. Just a little bit of explanation makes me understand the process better and I was able to fix my water heater with a $14 thermostat rather than waste someone’s time to come out. I don’t even have the same brand as you guys but because of his educational videos I know on my next purchase you will be my top choice. Take care of the people that take care of you I always say

[travisnewton]

Had never even looked at the heating element on a water tank. Pulled up this video and it was a very easy job! Thank you!

[sunflowerz]

Don’t forget to turn the water flow handle up on top to OFF position to stop water refilling the tank after you have started draining the tank!!

[regionalunityproductions]

Wait! You have to wait for the tank to fill BEFORE you turn the switch back on from the power box! If you don't wait until it's fiulled, it will burn up the elements.

[PullsPressesCarries]

Awesome video straight to the point with great close up view of what’s going on

[richardhartman]

You need to let it fill before you turn the power on to it. Or you will be changing the top element again

[jimbox]

Thanks for the video. I had no idea how easy this would be. I am about 99% sure our elements are going bad. This is much better than having to spend $500 for a whole new tank.

[coburna]

Eye know. Eye have done this before, but eye still thank you for this video !

[JustAmerican]

Didn't remind the viewer to close the drain on the heater at some point before refilling the tank.

[markkillby]

Thank you so much, it was easier then I thought and saved money on calling someone.

[JustWastedHoursHere]

About 6 or 7 years ago I turned on one of the hot water taps in my house and SCALDING hot water came out. I have the thermostat set to 130 degrees, so I knew something was wrong. Just to be safe I replaced both heating elements and thermostats. The heating elements were fused across with lime buildup etc (we have a high mineral content in our area). I don't know if that's what caused the problem, but after replacement there have been no more issues with scalding hot water. (The pressure release valve worked also). I'm replacing them again tomorrow as a preventative measure.

[JeffreyWillis]

Should we replace the anode rod at the same time as the heating element? Excellent video.

[FinnyG]

Rheem - showing it should last 10, but my Rheem dual element water heater only lasted FIVE years. The folded element was so warped, I barely got it out of the tank with the help of really long needle nose pliers.

[PeteThecurious]

Thank you. I have already replaced the element now I see the instructions, ha ha. Stupid me it was a old system with earth wire exposed . The help here a relief because I was sweating not being able to see any pole + -