The question is: how to remove stuck water heater element? There are a few steps involved in removing the stuck heating element, and you’ll learn them as you delve further into this article! The most critical component of any water heater is the heating element.
The heating element is critical, irrespective of which water heater you have. The heating element of the electronic appliances isn’t built to endure permanently. You may buy one of the top water heaters and hope the element to last for at least a decade.
Unfortunately, the heating element would end up losing its effectiveness with time. Your heating element may become stuck at times, and removing it requires a thorough understanding. Below is a detailed step-by-step instruction that will undoubtedly assist you with this issue. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Tools And Equipment To Remove Stuck Heater Element
We’ll start with the tools you’ll need. Depending on the water heater you use, you may require fewer or more equipment. If you intend to replace the old heater element, you must have the replacement heater element on hand. A voltage tester or a multimeter should be used when working with an electric water heater.
A multimeter that can determine voltage and other metrics is highly recommended. A wrench for the water heater element is also required. Never use a general wrench for this procedure since it may damage the heating element. Of course, you’ll need a screwdriver to open and close the water heater’s housing. A hose is also recommended. It might help flush the hot water system.
Step To Remove Stuck Water Heater Element
Below are the steps on how to remove stuck water heater element. You may begin removing the heating element once you have these tools. The actions to take are outlined below. Make sure you do these things in the order we’ve listed them.
Step #1. Disconnect the water heater from the electricity
The first step is disconnecting the water heater from the electricity or gas source. To guarantee utmost safety, you’ll have to do it. It’s not enough to turn off the light.
Step #2. Drain the water heater properly
keep in mind that after disconnecting the power from the water heater, you have to drain the water heater properly. You can utilize the additional hose if you can’t accomplish it with the valves.
Step #3. Use vinegar solution
You must use the solution to release the heating element if you have not previously done so. This procedure might take several minutes. For making the solution, you need to take a small cup and add a half-and-half portion of water and vinegar it.
Brush the seam between the side of the heating tank and the water heater element with a toothbrush dipped in this solution. Add this mixture freely, but don’t let it drop too much. After pouring this solution on the element, you must wait for at least 20 minutes. This method will help you to loosen the stuck heating element.
Step #4. Start removing the heating element
You can start removing the element from the system after ensuring it has loosened. For removing the element, please don’t use too much pressure; it may harm your heater. Attempt to turn the socket counterclockwise over the heating element. Pound the socket wrench handle to allow the heating element to start rotating. If the heating element is stuck after making the above attempts slide the breaker bar over the socket wrench handle.
While turning the wrench with the bar, have a partner keep the top of the socket wrench above the heating element. When the heating element begins to revolve, take the bar from the socket wrench handle. Then, with the socket wrench, continue rotating the heating element until it is entirely removed from the hot water tank. We hope it’s clear to you how to remove the stuck water heater elements.
Why Does Heater Element Get Stuck?
There are many reasons for this problem, and the first is that it’s possible you haven’t replaced your water heater’s heating element since purchasing it. If you’re still using the heater’s original heating element, it may have reached the end of its useful life. These items are built to endure a lifetime. However, the material may degrade with time. Because you cannot remove the substance, it will become adhered to other water heater components. That is why, if your water heater isn’t working correctly, professionals recommend inspecting the insides.
Your water supply might be the second reason. If you live somewhere with hard water, the heater element may become stuck. Hard water would have a lot of minerals and compounds in it. They are responsible for the water’s ‘hardness.’ As you may know, prolonged exposure to such substances can harm the heating element’s health and durability. We’ve ended up with a deteriorating heating element once again. A heater element might become stuck much sooner than you realize in this situation.
You may also be interested to know about common water heater element problems.
It’s A Wrap!
We hope that this guide will assist you in learning how to remove stuck water heater element. Please read the article carefully to understand it completely. Thank you, friends, for being with us until the end! You may also want to read about how to clean water heater and how to lift a water heater.