Express Sewer & Drain Blog

Follow this easy guide for a common water heater repair—replacing the heating elements of your water heater. If you have any trouble with your water heater repair or would like a professional to do the job for you, call Express Sewer and Drain Co. We’ll be happy to help with your water heater repair.

Water Heater Repair Instructions  

1. Turn off power. Before you begin your water heater repair, be sure to turn off the power to the water heater at your home’s circuit box.
2. Shut off water. The next step in your water heater repair is to turn off the water heater’s cold water supply. If there is not a valve on the water heater, shut off your home’s water supply.
3. Drain water. After you’ve turned off the power and water, you need to drain the water. Attach a hose to the faucet at the bottom of the water heater. Run the hose outside and then turn on the faucet until all the water is drained. Remove hose and close faucet. Now you’re ready for the next step in your water heater repair.*Helpful water heater repair tip: Opening the pressure release valve at the top will create airflow and help the water drain.
4. Remove heating element. Now that you’ve done all the prep work in your water heater repair, it’s time to remove the heating element. Use a screwdriver to open the door to the heating element. Remove plastic and move insulation aside. Next, remove the wires from the heating element. Take careful note of how the wires are attached. Then remove the element from the water heater with a heating element wrench.
5. Replace heating element. Next, you’ll replace the old heating element with the new one—an important step in your water heater repair. Start by screwing the new heating element in place. Then attach the wires to the new heating element. Your water heater will likely have more than one heating element. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the additional element if necessary. Replace insulation, plastic cover and door to  water heater repair heating element.
6. Turn on water. Now that you’ve completed most of your water heater repair, it’s time to finish up. Turn the water heater’s water supply back on. Turn on the hot water from a faucet to release air from the water heater.  *Helpful water heater repair tip: Make sure the pressure valve and bottom faucet are closed.
7. Turn on power. Turn the power to the water heater back on.
8. Wait and test. Wait a few hours and then turn on the hot water from a faucet to see if the water is hot. That’s it! You’ve finished your water heater repair.

Call About Your Water Heater Repair

If you’re still having problems with your hot water heater repair, give us a call. We’ll quickly determine the problem and repair your hot water heater for you.