Out of sight, out of mind. This saying generally holds for some appliances including burners and water heaters. However, water heaters also need routine maintenance like any other appliance. The consequences may be dangerous for your health and that of those around you if you do not properly maintain them.
The most likely cause of failures in electric b is damage to the heating element. These can be easily replaced with new ones if you know what you’re doing. Most residential electric water heaters come with two heating elements. Generally, both these elements are identical in the same heater but often perform different functions.
Why Does My Water Heater Have Two Heating Elements?
While most residential water heaters come with two elements, some also need only one of these to work. However, both heating elements have different jobs according to the thermostat in any one particular heater.
Both heating elements may work simultaneously or otherwise depending on the type and function of the heater. Water heaters with two elements generally also have two thermostats that work independently. Here’s how a heater with two elements generally works.
Roles of the upper element
This element may or may not have a thermostat of its own.
The storage tank of the heater is filled with a drip pipe. The pipe empties water at the bottom of the tank.
This element heats the water at the top. Hot water does not move down since it is less dense than cold water.
This element automatically turns off when water at the top reaches the desired temperature.
Roles of the lower element
This element begins getting power after the upper element is turned off.
It heats the water in the rest of the tank to the required temperature before turning off and entering standby mode.
The lower element turns on again as hot water exits from the bottom of the storage tank for consumption. The cycle is repeated in case all water is removed from the storage tank.
The Different Types of Heating Elements
Different companies heat element space that makes different kinds of water heater elements. These companies produce different elements that can differ in size and shape. You should also understand that these heating elements often use different installation methods.
Here is a breakdown of how heating elements differ from one another:
Size
Most heater elements are U-shaped. However, they aren’t all the same size. Some elements are longer and thinner. Others are shorter and wider. However, the surface area on both is often equal.
The size of the element also depends largely on the size of the heater.
Type of Material
Companies use different types of materials in making these elements. Using different materials affects the following: –
The longevity of the elements
Maintenance costs
Ease of replacement
Efficiency
Protection if it turns on without water
Connection With the Heater
Water heater elements come in a variety of fits. This determines how easy it will be for you to replace the element.
Bolt-in type
Screw-in type
Clamp-on type
How to Tell Which Heating Elements Fit Your Heater?
Several methods can help you figure out which element is best for your water heater. You can use a combination of these to determine which heating elements fit.
Check Your Heater’s Wattage Rating
The power rating of your heater element is often listed on the face of the element itself. If the element has corroded or broken off, you can often find the voltage and wattage rating written on the water heater’s body.
Read The Element’s Model Number
The model number of each heating element is mentioned in the user manual of most electric water heaters. It is also listed on the body of the heater. However, don’t buy a new heating element based on the model number alone. You must also match the model number of the heating element with its power rating. This will help you get the most accurate replacement heating element for your water heater.
Get the Right Size and Shape
This probably goes without saying but you need to remember the exact shape and size of your heating element. Not only will this ensure a proper fit. It is very important to prevent your water heater from short-circuiting.
Ensure that your new element has the same fit as the one in your heater. If you buy a clamp-on element to replace a bolt-in type, the chances of it fitting are very slim.
Choose the Best Suited Quality of the Heating Element
It’s important to choose a water heater element that can handle the hardness of the water from the supply and doesn’t corrode easily. Plus, it’s also important to figure out what sort of element ‘density’ you need. The density of the element is the wattage distribution along the element.
The better the element, the lower its wattage density. Elements with low wattage density are better at handling hard water. However, if the hardness level of your supply waters is nominal, even high-wattage density elements will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find the right upper and lower water heater elements for my water heater?
You may not be able to find the exact element in your water heater when you go out looking for a replacement. This is especially true if you have an older heater that is no longer in production. However, there is a way to bypass that problem. Buy a heater element that has the same fit and is similar in size. It should be rated for slightly lower power consumption.
Do all types of water heaters have heating elements?
No. Not all water heaters have heating elements. Instead, only direct electrical water heaters use them. Other types of heaters apply different methods to heat water from the supply.
Is it possible to replace both water heater elements all by myself?
You can replace both water heater elements yourself! With our guide, you will be able to identify which heating element fits your heater. You can also learn how to replace the water heater element in your heater. The process is simple and will save a lot of money.
How long should the water heater elements last?
This largely depends on their usage and the quality of the supply water. The quality of the elements themselves also plays a role. Moreover, it’s important to note that dry-firing elements are likely to disintegrate faster. This is unlike those that have been used more carefully.
Conclusion
Both the lower and upper water heater elements of a heater are similar. In most instances, they are rated for the same power consumption. The best way to check a suitable replacement is to visually check the body of your water heater. In addition, you should also read the model number and power rating of the upper and lower water heating elements.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
