Water Heater Elements 101
Last Updated: 10 June 2024
***DISCLAIMER: PLEASE REFER TO YOUR MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC MODEL. IF YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE YOUR OWN HEATER, PLEASE DO SO WITH CAUTION; U.S. WATER HEATING SOLUTIONS, LLC. AND THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED BELOW ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSOCIATED LIABILITIES. THIS ARTICLE IS MEANT TO PROVIDE AN INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL SUMMARY AND DOES NOT SUPERSEDE OFFICIAL WATER HEATER REPAIRS OR MANUFACTURER INFORMATION.
What is a water heater element?
An element is the part of the water heater that physically heats the water. They typically have a black, blue, or silver threaded head and are composed of stainless steel, copper, or incoloy. The element screws into the water heater and has a gasket that slides over the metallic shaft to create a seal/leak guard between the head and your water heater.
How many elements does my water heater have?
The quantity and type of elements are dependent upon the size of the unit. Residential units will typically have one or two elements, while commercial units may have up to nine elements. The larger the water heater, the more elements it will have.
What is the most common cause of element replacement?
Sediment Build-up
The most common cause of element failure is mineral build-up (a.k.a. scale) which often leads to elements shorting out. The element is submerged directly into the water, meaning that any calcification, magnesium, or any other minerals are constantly surrounding the element as it heats up. As a result, the minerals tend to gather, hardening on the element. This prevents it from reaching its full heating capacity. If this corrosion continues to build up long enough, reaching the head of the element, it will short the element out. One of the most obvious symptoms of a malfunctioning element is insufficient hot water, which may also be accompanied by popping sounds, as experienced by some customers in the past.
Dry Fire
The most common cause of element failure for brand new units is dry fire. Prior to operating an electric water heater for the first time, the instruction manual will emphasize the importance of filling the unit such that the elements are submerged to avoid instantaneous failure, a.k.a. dry fire. If the elements in your water heater are dry fired, this will not be covered by your water heater's warranty.
How can I find a replacement element for my water heater?
The fastest way to find the replacement element for your water heater by having your water heater's model and serial numbers. If you call us, we will also check for the possibility of warranty coverage on the replacement parts and labor. Many units will also display the element voltage and wattage on the ratings plate (the label which contains your unit’s model and serial number).
If you are able to remove the element and it is still intact, you may also find the voltage/wattage and part number on the sides of the head of the element. The replacement element(s) MUST have the SAME voltage, wattage, and length as noted by the manufacturer. Although it is also strongly recommended to replace an element with an element of the exact same material, you may still use a copper element in place of a stainless steel element.
Operating a water heater with the incorrect elements may lead to inefficient usage and/or the possibility of the element damage. The major manufacturers also strongly recommend OEM replacement elements ONLY.
Can I replace water heater elements myself?
Yes; you can change elements on your own, however, please ensure that you have properly matched up the correct voltage and wattage for your replacement part(s). Additionally, the unit must be filled and properly vented PRIOR to restoring power after the element has been changed to avoid a “dry fire.” Attempting to operate an element dry can damage the element, as it is made to submerged (there are dry fire resistant elements, usually made of stainless steel to help eliminate this risk). Note: If your unit is covered under parts warranty and you dry fire the elements, they will NOT be covered by your warranty.
Looking to Purchase a Water Heater Element?
Common Water Heater Elements:
U.S. Water Heating Solutions stocks an array of elements for residential water heaters and commercial water heaters. Please be sure to verify which element is compatible with your water heater before purchasing. Our team of experienced parts experts will be more than happy to assist you with part number verification; we will need your water heater's model number and serial number.
A.O. Smith / American / Reliance / State:
- 100108283 | High-Watt Density Basic Screw-In Element, 240V, 4500W
- 100108290 | Corrogard Zinc-Plated Copper Mid-Line Screw-in Element, 240V, 4500W
- 100108303 | 5-1/2" Copper Heating Element, 120V, 2000W
- 100109635 | 10.75" Corrogard Zinc-Plated Copper Mid-Line Screw-in Element, 208/240V, 4500/6000W
- 100210052 | 11" Heating Element Kit, 240V, 4500W
Bradford White:
- 415-42541-02 | 220-42541-00 | 11.25" Incoloy Element w/ Square in, 120V, 1500W
- 415-48642-00 | 265-48642-00 | Heating Element Kit, 2 Elements, 208/240V, 3500/4500W
Rheem:
- SP6708 | Element Gasket
- SP10552MH | 1" Copper Resistored Screw-in Element HWD, 240V, 4500W
- SP10552ML | 1" Copper Resistored Screw-in Element MWD, 240V, 4500W
- SP10869PH | 1" Stainless Steel Resistored Screw-in Element MWD, 240V, 5500W
- SP10869ML | 1" Stainless Steel Resistored Screw-in Element LWD, 240V, 4500W
- SP10874GH | 1" Copper Resistored Screw-in Element HWD, 120V, 2000W
- SP17618AM | 1" Stainless Steel Dry Fire Resistant Screw-in Element LWD, 240V, 4500W
U.S. Water Heating Solutions Has All Your Electric Water Heater Needs Covered
Whether you are looking to purchase a replacement element for your water heater or you need additional water heater repairs, contact the professionals at U.S. Water Heating Solutions to get the job done! Element replacement is one of our most common services. We even perform warranty repairs for many of the top manufacturers (including element replacement), as long as your unit is still covered under warranty.
Call our dispatch department at 1-833-879-4776 or fill out our online form to get in touch with our team today!
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