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Old 04-29-2022, 03:37 PM   #1
mbanders
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Default Stuck electric element in water heater

I am a short time owner here so... Late last season i was checking the anode rod/drained the system and I saw the black on/off switch. Turned it on with no water in the tank, and everything I read tells me I fried the element. Got a new element, but cannot for the life of me get the old dead one out. I have all the recommended tools and tried copious amounts of PB blaster. All I can think of is to call a plumber or replace the entire H2O heater. Any suggestions/ideas? Thanks.
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Old 04-29-2022, 04:56 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbanders View Post
I am a short time owner here so... Late last season i was checking the anode rod/drained the system and I saw the black on/off switch. Turned it on with no water in the tank, and everything I read tells me I fried the element. Got a new element, but cannot for the life of me get the old dead one out. I have all the recommended tools and tried copious amounts of PB blaster. All I can think of is to call a plumber or replace the entire H2O heater. Any suggestions/ideas? Thanks.
Use an impact wrench.
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Old 05-02-2022, 12:13 PM   #3
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I just replaced my burned-out unit... and it was a bugger to get out. What I did was to spray it liberally with WD40 and wait for 24 hrs.

Then instead of using a screwdriver in the socket tool, I used a large pipe wrench, tried turning it slightly tighter, then went to loosen it. It took a fair amount of swearing, grunting, and sweating... But it came out!

But unfortunately, on my weekend trip, it STILL didn't work. (Fridge did on AC for the first time) Now I have to check the circuit breakers and switch...

It's always something!

When I sold RVs I used to tell my customers...To own an RV you need three things,

1. A good tool kit
2. Patience
3. A good sense of humor
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Old 07-01-2022, 03:37 PM   #4
mbanders
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Thanks guys !
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Old 07-01-2022, 04:00 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kmikesell View Post
I just replaced my burned-out unit... and it was a bugger to get out. What I did was to spray it liberally with WD40 and wait for 24 hrs.

Then instead of using a screwdriver in the socket tool, I used a large pipe wrench, tried turning it slightly tighter, then went to loosen it. It took a fair amount of swearing, grunting, and sweating... But it came out!

But unfortunately, on my weekend trip, it STILL didn't work. (Fridge did on AC for the first time) Now I have to check the circuit breakers and switch...

It's always something!

When I sold RVs I used to tell my customers...To own an RV you need three things,

1. A good tool kit
2. Patience
3. A good sense of humor
You are lucky. I've heard of a few stories about guys using a pipe wrench on that nut and ripped a hole in the tank.

A little PB Blaster and an impact wrench does wonders.

BTW...... If you don't have a 1/2" impact wrench, they are a LOT cheaper than a new water heater... and you'll use it a lot if you have one.
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Old 07-01-2022, 09:50 PM   #6
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Try this socket. It’s designed to fit in the tight space where the electric heater element lives. Short extension and a 1/2” ratchet will allow you to get better leverage on it.
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Old 07-02-2022, 09:01 AM   #7
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Shane -

Did you intend to add a link? Perhaps to something like this? About $8 at any hardware or big box store, and worth having in your tool kit long term. A big screwdriver, or a metal rod through a pair of holes will give you plenty of leverage. Though it is called "Universal", be sure to check the size.

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Old 07-02-2022, 09:10 AM   #8
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I think he's just trying to confuse us.
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Old 07-02-2022, 09:18 AM   #9
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You may be right. Too early in the morning for me to know for sure. Coffee!

By the way, be real careful about using oil of any kind. Clean off the tank threads really well before screwing the new unit in. If you get oil into your drinking water, you will be unhappy - it tastes terrible and lasts forever.

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Old 07-02-2022, 11:11 AM   #10
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Default To Quote Homer Simpson, “D’OH!”

Ha! Sorry, we are at Swan Bay in the 1000 Islands* and the WiFi is spotty at best. Plus it was late after a long day. Plus I’m just an idiot sometimes.

Anyway, enough excuses. Here ya go…

Camco 09951 Professional Water Heater Element Socket https://a.co/d/8yDnwkL



*HIGHLY recommend camping in the 1,000 Islands. The natural beauty, fishing, etc is absolutely amazing. Swan Bay is an RV resort, but there are also about 10 different state parks to camp in. But make your reservations early, all the campgrounds fill up Fast!
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