Water heater element

[BB_TX]

After 14 years my water heater element finally gave up. And yes, it did have water in it. Problem is that I can’t get the old element out. My heating element socket made for that purpose is not very strong and slips on the element nut. I have a 1 1/2” socket in my 3/4” drive ratchet set, but the wall thickness makes it too large to get thru the hole to reach the element.

Suggestions welcome.

[dieselguy]

My socket was just a bit too big, so I used a Dremel tool to slightly enlarge the opening. I don't remember the socket size or if I used 1/2" or 3/4" drive. By the way ... unless you're just oozing with dough, go to Lowe's and buy a replacement element for half the price. It was rated within 1 amp of what came out of the HWH and just a bit shorter. Has worked great for years.

[BB_TX]

My 3/4” drive socket wall thickness made the diameter too large. I will go find and check the diameter of a 1/2” drive socket and see if the wall thickness is thin enough to work, and if so add one to my collection.

[Dave W]

While I haven't had to replace an element, have in other instances resorted to grinding an inexpensive socket wall thinner. I just bought a 1-1/2" socket for our HW heater but haven't checked for fit yet.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I dislike ruining tools for other uses but sometimes things just need to happen

[jcurtis934]

I would be asking myself at what point is a new heater warranted and for me it would certainly be at this time. Yeah, you could perform surgery on the old unit, but does the tank or electronics then die? Just a thought for you.

[BB_TX]

Yeah, pretty old. But still works great on propane. And my WH electric is only controlled by the switch on the WH itself, no control board involved. So a $10 element is the go to for now.


Grinding down a cheap socket is a good idea. Too bad the local trades day is not this weekend or I could probably pick up a socket for a dollar or two.

[BB_TX]

Success. A 1/2” drive 1-1/2” socket fit thru the hole where the 3/4” drive socket would not due to slightly thicker wall. Didn’t have to grind it down.

[GregN]

I got this one off Amazon, just in case I needed it. Ended up putting in a new water heater.
https://www.amazon.com/ONENESS-369-E.../dp/B085VK1GBD

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by GregN

I got this one off Amazon, just in case I needed it. Ended up putting in a new water heater.
https://www.amazon.com/ONENESS-369-E.../dp/B085VK1GBD

That would have worked. My standard one like that is too short to reach into the water heater compartment. But the 1/2" drive 1-1/2" socket I bought cost less than that Amazon tool and likely more useful.

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by BB_TX

That would have worked. My standard one like that is too short to reach into the water heater compartment. But the 1/2" drive 1-1/2" socket I bought cost less than that Amazon tool and likely more useful.

For sure the socket would get more use. As far as it being able to pull an anode rod out of a home HW heater - none that I've ownd. Every home heater anode has needed my long breaker bar and a cheater plus a second person with a lever arm between the water connections to keep that heater from rotating with my impact gun I felt was to rough on a light tank

[DutchmenSport]

I burned up my element a couple years ago when I forgot I had the water heater in by-pass, the tank was empty, and I flipped on the electric. I knew what I had done almost immediately, but it was too late.

I decided right then and there (this was the second heating element on 2 different trailers now.) The first one (on a Keystone Outback) did just die. I decided it was time to finally invest in the right tool. So off to my dealership and paid the price for the handy dandy customized socket just for the water heater element. Thin-walled, but it goes in the hole. Worked great! And hope I never have to use it again. It's become part of my permanent Camper tool box. I also have a dedicated socket and wrench for the water heater plug (anode rod) too.