defective or burned out heating element in hot water heater

[Donald Partsch]

How do I go about testlng for a defective or burned out heating element in a Rheems hot water heater then after identifying the “bad” one what are the correct steps in changing it?

[digger]

Your Electricity supplier will renew the element in your Rheem hotwater tank and put the cost on your next power account. To test an element you require a meter and a knowledge of electricity, the only mistakes are fatal ones unless you have the knowledge.Have a Happy New Year.

[AKPlumber]

Best way to determine if an element is good or not is simply to eyeball it. This will require throwing the breaker and draining the tank, and usually most “universal” elements will require an element socket and a steel rod with which to turn it (available at any Lowe’s, HD or plumb supply). Testing with a meter simply involves checking for continuity, but sometimes this can be tricky as you can get a false reading if it’s still in the tank and submerged, unless it’s totally separated. Not a big deal just pull the elements and give em a look see, might save ya an unnecessary service bill.

[scarrell]

Thanks for the replys I got .I talked to an old plumber & followed his advise (tested for continuity–his way) found burned element, pulled it out of the tank(without draining tank–shut off water supply,turn off breakers in elec. panel, then pull old element & install new one VERY FAST!!!) turn water supply on & reset breakers. All is well,water is hot & plentyful.

[AKPlumber]

Congrats. And a little cheaper than having the electric co do it too

[Author]

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