How to Select the Right Water Heater Element
- 1). Turn off the water heater circuit breaker inside the main breaker panel.
- 2). Remove the screws from the access panel and remove it from the side of the water tank, exposing the thermostat and heating element.
- 3). Pull the plastic thermostat cover from the thermostat and face of the element. Look on the face of the element for the voltage and wattage of the element. All elements should have this information listed.
- 4). Confirm you have a screw-in water heater element and not a flange-type element. You can identify a flange type element by the four screws that hold the element to the side of the water heater. If your water heater is equipped with a flange element, purchase an adapter kit to install a screw-in element.
- 5). Check the information on your water heater's label to verify voltage and wattage. Make a note of which brand of water heater you have, the gallon size and whether or not you have two access panels on the side of your tank. Take this information to a home improvement store or plumbing supply store to purchase the correct element.