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Old 05-26-2017, 04:28 AM   #21
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My routine is to turn off the switch at the water heater AND the circuit breaker. It is not until I have the DW let me know she has water from the faucets in hot and cold that I turn on the water heater switch and circuit breaker.

Making it a habit, each trip, is what I believe to be your long term solution. If you use a written check list, Write It Into the checklist.

Also, if your electric element burns out, you can still use the water heater on propane, AFTER filling it with water of course.
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Old 05-26-2017, 04:50 AM   #22
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Originally Posted by campnqueen View Post
Ok so let's sad the electric heating element is cooked.
On a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (pro to do repair it)....
how hard is it to replace an electric heating element?

I am a woman a little smarter than the average bear. ( no smart comments from the peanut gallery!)
You will need a 1-1/2" 6 point 1/2" drive thin wall socket to remove the element! No a Monkey Wrench will Not work! Youroo!!
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Old 05-26-2017, 05:58 AM   #23
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They sell a stamped metal socket wrench in the plumbing tools section the big box home improvement stores. I have one and spare element after mine was turned on by the dealer and fried it.
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:16 AM   #24
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I don't know what model water heater I saw this on, but the water heater electric on-off switch had a small hole through it that you could insert something like a cotter pin through when it was in the off position. so when it is off you insert the cotter pin and when it is inserted it prevents the switch being moved to the on position. also, the electrical wires to the water heater thermostat are attached with terminal lug connectors. I have not done this, but I would think you could remove the rubber cover over the thermostat and remove on of the electrical leads. wouldn't this keep the electric element from getting any power?
I found a photo
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:20 AM   #25
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I found a photo
Could attach a flag that says WATER? to the cotter pin.
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:28 AM   #26
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Could attach a flag that says WATER? to the cotter pin.
THAT is a GREAT idea!!
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Old 05-26-2017, 07:00 AM   #27
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That's a Suburban WH. I don't think that's good idea pulling those wires off. But you could put the pin back in.
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Old 05-26-2017, 04:54 PM   #28
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Blue painter tape over the switch. It won't leave residue if not left there forever.
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:11 PM   #29
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I control this problem by insuring only one person sets up for all things water.
Step 1 Set heater bypass valves to normal usage.
Step 2 Open pressure relief valve on heater until water comes out while connected
to water
Step3 No power to heater until water out as in step 2.
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Old 05-29-2017, 08:44 AM   #30
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Not difficult. Part may be available at Home Depot or Lowes. Needs 5 minutes work and as much over thinking as you like. Look for step-by-step videos on YouTube.
Except for mine. Atwood dual WH has the element in the BACK of the unit. so the entire heater has to be removed to replace it. Needless to say after I fried my element I'm totally propane heat now

Amazon has these as well for you prime members...
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Old 05-29-2017, 11:01 AM   #31
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Except for mine. Atwood dual WH has the element in the BACK of the unit. so the entire heater has to be removed to replace it. Needless to say after I fried my element I'm totally propane heat now

Amazon has these as well for you prime members...
Is there an access panel behind the WH that enables disconnection of the water lines to remove the WH and operate the bypass valves? If so, you can probably change the heating element through there too.
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Old 06-06-2017, 02:04 PM   #32
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Is there an access panel behind the WH that enables disconnection of the water lines to remove the WH and operate the bypass valves? If so, you can probably change the heating element through there too.
Haven't found one, but working on my slide so have cut open the underbelly for that. After I have that all buttoned back up will move to under the water heater and open that and have a look see.....
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