How to Remove a Water Heater Element Without an Element Key (4 Steps)
Content
Have you ever tried to remove a water heater element without the right wrench?
This guide will show you how to remove a water heater element without using an element wrench. A wrench is ideal for working with tight bolts, but there are alternative tools you can use. Perhaps you don't have an element wrench handy or don't know how easy it is to remove the water heater element without one.
To do this, I'm going to use an alternative tool such as a socket wrench, ratchet wrench (spanner), standard adjustable wrench, or dual channel locks. I will also tell you what precautions to take and show you how to easily remove the water heater element without damaging it.
Water heater element styles
There are two types of water heater elements: bolted and screwed. The latter is more common in new heaters. Adapters are also available to use screw-in elements inside bolt-on elements.
A corroded water heater element looks something like the picture below.
Removing a water heater element in 4 steps or less
Required Tools
Requirements:
Recommended alternative:
Other valid alternatives:
Less desirable alternatives:
Not necessary:
estimated time
The task of removing the water heater element without using the element wrench should take no more than 5-10 minutes.
Here are four steps:
Step 1: turn off the electricity and water
Before proceeding with the removal of the water heater element, two things must be disabled:
- Turn off the power – Turn off the circuit breaker to which the water heater is connected. If you want to be more secure, you can use an electrical tester to make sure no current is running through the water heater.
- Turn off the water supply – Close the water supply valve. Probably located above the water heater. Then drain the hot water already in the heater by opening the hot water tap closest to it.
If you suspect sediment has built up in the drain valve, connect a small tube to the drain valve and open it briefly before closing the water supply valve. This should remove the sediment in the drain valve.
Step 2: Inspect the Water Heater (Optional)
If desired, carry out a final inspection of the water heater itself for the following:
- Make sure it doesn't leak.
- Check for signs of rust.
If the water heater is leaking or has rust on it, it should be checked by a professional plumber.
Step 3: Remove the access panel cover
Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel cover. Also carefully remove the cover over the thermostat.
At this point, you should also quickly inspect the wiring for signs of melting or other damage. If you find a damaged part, it's time to replace the wire to prevent problems later.
Step 4: Remove the water heater element
If you're going to use a socket or ratchet wrench, a 1½" (or 38mm) socket will probably fit snugly. The same goes for the wrench.
These are the three best alternatives to using a wrench. Otherwise, you can use an adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, or two-way locks, and other alternatives only if none of these are available.
Using pliers or a vise will be more difficult than using a wrench, wrench, or channel lock due to the tightness of the element.
Tighten the wrench around the water heater element and loosen it by turning it counterclockwise.
If you are using dual channel locks, place them on the lid and turn until the element loosens. Continue to loosen the bolts holding the water heater element until the element is completely removed from its place.
You have now successfully removed the water heater element without using the element wrench.
Reverse process
Whether you removed the water heater element to clean it, repair it, replace it, or replace it, you can get started after following the four steps above when you're ready. The installation procedure for the water heater element will be the same, but in reverse order. Briefly, to (re)install the water heater element:
- Attach the water heater element.
- Tighten the element using the same tool you used to remove it.
- Reattach the access panel cover with a screwdriver.
- Turn on the water supply again. (1)
- Turn on the power again.
Summing up
In this how-to guide, I showed you how to remove a water heater element without using an element wrench. This is only useful if you can't get an element key to use. The element wrench is better for removing the water heater element than all nine suggested alternatives (socket wrench, ratchet wrench, wrench, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, two-way locks, pliers, vise, and breaking bar).
The Element Wrench has a wide neck designed to fit perfectly on the exposed part of the element and is better suited for loosening tight elements. Professional plumbers always use the element wrench. Frequent use of something other than the key for the element can damage the element if used abruptly. (2)
However, the purpose of this guide was to show you that it is certainly possible to remove a water heater element without the use of an appropriate tool, such as an element wrench.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to check the heating element without a multimeter
- Can a ground wire shock you?
- How to install a water hammer absorber
Recommendations
(1) water supply - https://www.britannica.com/technology/water-supply-system
(2) Professional plumbers - https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/find-a-plumber/
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