Page 226 - 12558 Drexler Builder Binder.pdf

faucet will help the tank drain faster. the air removed and is completely full turn power OFF
and check with a non-contact circuit tes-
5 Remove the upper or lower of water. Failure to perform this step ter before working on the water heater.
can cause the upper hea ng element to
access panel on the water
heater, and then fold back the burn out. Once you are certain the tank
insula on and remove the plas c is completely full of water, close the hot
element/thermostat cover. water faucet.

Figure 35 - Drain Valve
Check the newly installed Figure 36 - Upper and Lower Thermostats
Figure 34 - Access Panel 11 element for leaks. If a leak is • A replacement thermostat (available
With the tank drained and present, ghten the element at your local plumbing supplier).
6 power o , remove the power un l the leak stops. If you cannot stop Note that the upper and lower ther-
wires from the element you the leak, drain the tank and remove the mostats are different (above). Some
models only have one thermostat.
intend to replace. element. Inspect the gasket for dam-
age. If the gasket is damaged, replace • A business card to check the gap
Remove the bad element using between the thermostat and the tank
7 an element wrench. the gasket and re-install the element.
• Tape and a permanent marker to
Once the element is success- mark the wires
Make sure the new element is 12
8 the correct replacement by fully installed and there are no • A flat blade and a Phillips screwdriver
referring to the water heater’s leaks, replace the power wires, Steps for Replacing the
data plate for voltage and wa age thermostat cover, insula on, and access
informa on. panel. Make sure all wire connec ons Thermostat:
are ght. Replace the cover on the Turn the power OFF at the
9 Clean the threads in the tank electrical junc on box. 1 circuit breaker or remove fuses.
opening with a rag. Insert the
new element equipped with a 13 Restore power to the water NOTICE: It is not necessary to drain the
rubber gasket. NOTE: Use a drop of heater. It may take two hours tank to replace a thermostat.
hand dishwashing liquid to lubricate the for the tank to heat up. Open the electrical junc on box
gasket to help avoid damaging the Replacing the Thermostat 2 on top of the water heater. Using
gasket as it is being ghtened. Tighten a non-contact circuit tester, check
with an element wrench. WARNING! Working on an ener- the power wires to make certain the
gized circuit can result in severe injury power is OFF.
NOTICE: Do not turn power back on un l or death from electrical shock. Turn
the tank is completely full of water. For power o . Check wires with a non-con-
complete instruc ons on lling the tank, tact circuit tester to make sure power

follow Step 8 in the Installa on sec on.
is o . When you are nished, be sure

Rell the tank by opening the all covers are secured to reduce the

10 cold water supply valve. Make risk of re and electric shock.

MAINTENANCE
sure a hot water faucet is open
and the drain valve is closed. Allow the To replace the thermostat, you’ll need
hot water to run full for at least three the following tools and supplies: Figure 37 - Non-Contact Circuit Tester
minutes to make sure the tank has all • A non-contact circuit tester. Always

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 23