I think I burned out my WH's electric heating element

[smallstonefan]

Hi all,

I tried using the electric heating element of our water heater last weekend and it didn't work. I've been using gas since we bought our Surveyor 294, but I suspect I hit the switch when it was empty at some point.

Is this a difficult/expensive repair? Now that we're at a permanent campground and have electricity, I would like to use the electricity rather than gas...

thanks!

James

[Malco]

Very easy fix other than the wrench size is quite large(can't remember the size).I ran ours the first time out with the water heater dry.You just drain water heater,unhook wires from element and turn the element out,then reverse to hook up.

[B47]

Originally Posted by Malco

Very easy fix other than the wrench size is quite large(can't remember the size).I ran ours the first time out with the water heater dry.You just drain water heater,unhook wires from element and turn the element out,then reverse to hook up.

And one last thing - install the hairpin shaped pin into the electric side toggle switch when you are all done changing it out.

That should serve as a reminder to check the water level in the WH before turning the electric on.

And one last last thing - instuct your family members to do the same.

[funkyJunk]

Very cheap fix. Not sure if this is the exact one you need but the prices seem right:
Amazon.com: Camco 02103 1000w 120v Screw in Water Heater Element - HWD: Home Improvement

[TexasBBQ]

It's an easy replacement. Just be sure to get the right size, 1000W or 1500W. Check the manual to see which one.

It takes a 1.5 inch socket. I ended up getting one at Lowes for $7. It was short enough to get behind the gas tube assembly so I didn't have to remove it.

As B47 said put the cotter key in the On switch when you shut it down. I do that religiously every time we pack up.

Here's what I found from the previous owner.

[funkyJunk]

And I replace my anode rod every year as well. Keeps your water system from getting fouled. I think those take a 1 1/16 socket.

[GlacierGus]

... I've been wanting to ask. How do you get the pin back into the switch? The switch is behind everything and I cannot get an open shot at the tiny pin hole. How do you get this accomplished? My unit is a Suburban. Thanks.

[youroo]

I am with you Gus,once you get that little (igogho8w) pin out I never want to put it back in! Youroo!!

[TURBS]

long needle nose pliers !

[GlacierGus]

Thanks turbo. I've tried with a shorter needle nose pliers. I'll get a longer one. But there is so much crammed into that corner that I can't get a clear shot at the hole, assuming I could even see it. I'll try again.

[TURBS]

iv e used a long pair and come in from the right side of the hw heater switch behind tube with great success .

[B47]

Originally Posted by funkyJunk

And I replace my anode rod every year as well. Keeps your water system from getting fouled. I think those take a 1 1/16 socket.

That is the size ny Suburan WH anode rod takes.

[B47]

Originally Posted by GlacierGus

... I've been wanting to ask. How do you get the pin back into the switch? The switch is behind everything and I cannot get an open shot at the tiny pin hole. How do you get this accomplished? My unit is a Suburban. Thanks.

The pin can be inserted - just takes a little twisting, turning and holding your mouth just right

If you can't get the pin in, I suggest getting a lenght of wire and bending it so you can get behind the lines and into the hole. This will serve the same purpose as the pin - just a reminder that you need to check for water in the WH before flipping the switch on.

[B47]

Originally Posted by youroo

I am with you Gus,once you get that little (igogho8w) pin out I never want to put it back in! Youroo!!

And if you don't insert the pin you might be having the same experience as smallstonefan and several others have had.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by B47

The pin can be inserted - just takes a little twisting, turning and holding your mouth just right

If you can't get the pin in, I suggest getting a lenght of wire and bending it so you can get behind the lines and into the hole. This will serve the same purpose as the pin - just a reminder that you need to check for water in the WH before flipping the switch on.

which way you hold your mouth then ?

[bill and theresa]

I leave the pin out of mine and I installed a switch inside with a red light. I turn the wh on and the light is red off and no light. Is an easy mod the water heater plugs into a receptical and you switch the receptical.

[B47]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

which way you hold your mouth then ?

Well that depends on where you are located and what time it is!

[youroo]

Originally Posted by B47

And if you don't insert the pin you might be having the same experience as smallstonefan and several others have had.

Thank you very much for the advice,I will go buy a clip and put it in right away. Youroo!!

[B47]

Originally Posted by bill and theresa

I leave the pin out of mine and I installed a switch inside with a red light. I turn the wh on and the light is red off and no light. Is an easy mod the water heater plugs into a receptical and you switch the receptical.

This would as a good secondary warning IMHO. However, I still like the pin method - a simple mechianial method - if the pin is in then you are reminded that something needs to be done/checked before proceeding.

[smallstonefan]

Thank you everyone for the info! I will find the wattage I need and get this done.

MUCH appreciated!