water heater element

[steveandreae]

Anybody have or know where I can get a heating element for my water heater on 1976 convertable. 20 gallon heater. I'm trying to avoid pulling boat apart to replace the whole heater. Thanks

 

[Beckytek]

Take the element to a plumbing supply, hardware store, or Lowes. They should be able to supply one.

 

[Fanfare]

Tell them if it is 110v or 220v.

 

[steveandreae]

Thanks to you both. This element looks like something out of Thomas Edison's laboratory, but I suspect I can do a replacement. Steve

 

[SereneWarrior]

These are easy/cheap to replace. Just depressurize your fresh water system by turning off the pump and opening a tap. Then, drain the hot water heater. Remove the old element using a large crescent wrench. Take it to the hardware store/Loew's/etc. Get the replacement. reverse the process to recomission the system. Easiest repair I've ever done to a boat.

 

[Fanfare]

While the element is out and the water drained look through the element hole with a flashlight to see if an old element left any chunks inside when it blew. These old pieces can make your hot water rusty. You can wet vac pieces or sediment out at this time if there are any.

 

[bostonhatteras]

While you're in there replace the calrod. Its the 'zinc' so to speak for the steel tank. usually it is part of the inlet or outlet fitting. It is a normal wear item and is supposed to be replaced every three years

 

[steveandreae]

Unfortunately this is not a submersible element. It is a heating coil running through ceramic discs that fit into a steel tunnel in the water heater. This thing looks ancient and difficult to replace.

 

[bostonhatteras]

so its a dry heating element like a stove top would have? Take some pics and post them get the manufactures' spec plate info too. someone will know.