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If your shower goes cold mid-rinse or your dishwasher runs long and lukewarm, the culprit is often a failing water heater element. Think of elements as the stove burners inside your tank—when they’re working, water heats up fast; when they’re clogged or corroded, performance drops and your energy bill climbs. Replacing the right element restores comfort and can save you money over the long run.
Water heater elements come in a few standard shapes and sizes, and picking the wrong type is like buying the wrong shoe size—no matter how nice it looks, it won’t fit. The two main mounting styles are screw-in (also called threaded) and flanged. Screw-in elements twist into a threaded port, while flanged elements bolt to a flat plate on the tank. Knowing which your tank uses is step one.
Screw-in elements are popular with many modern residential tanks. They’re compact, usually easier to replace, and commonly come in lengths such as 4", 6", 8", and 12" to match different tank depths. If your tank is a 20-gallon or 30-gallon, you’ll often see shorter elements; larger tanks like 50- or 80-gallon models typically require longer lengths to reach the heat zone.
Flanged elements mount with bolts and a gasket and are used in older or larger commercial tanks. They’re bulkier but useful when you need a more secure seal. Flanged elements are common on very large tanks—think 50 gallons and up—or in systems where easier access is needed without removing the entire element assembly.
The element’s material affects lifespan, corrosion resistance, and price. Copper elements heat quickly and are often budget-friendly, but they can corrode faster in hard water. Stainless steel and Incoloy (a nickel-chromium alloy) offer better resistance to mineral buildup and are worth considering if you live in a hard-water area or want a longer-lasting part.
If you want low upfront cost and your water is soft or treated, copper elements are a sensible choice. They conduct heat well and get your water up to temperature quickly, but expect to replace them more often in mineral-heavy water conditions.
Stainless steel and Incoloy elements are the workhorses for tough conditions. They’re more expensive up front but resist scale and corrosion, which can extend service life dramatically. If you have a 40- or 50-gallon tank and hard water, upgrading to one of these materials can be money well spent.
Elements are rated by wattage and voltage, with the most common residential specs being 1500 watts at 120 volts and 3000 watts at 240 volts for larger tanks. Wattage determines how quickly an element can heat water—higher wattage equals faster recovery—but it must match your tank’s circuit and thermostat rating. Installing a 3000-watt element on a 120-volt circuit won’t magically produce more heat; it’s all about compatibility.
Many electric water heaters have two elements: one near the top and one near the bottom. The top element typically heats the upper portion of the tank first, giving you quick hot water, while the bottom element maintains temperature. If one element fails, you might still get hot water for a short time, but both elements working together offer the best performance for tanks from 30 to 80 gallons.
Tank size matters. A 20- or 30-gallon tank needs different element wattage and length compared to a 50- or 80-gallon model. Smaller tanks benefit from quicker-recovery, mid-range wattage, while larger tanks need higher wattage and longer elements to reach deeper into the tank. Always check your heater’s manual or the element stamped with model numbers before buying a replacement.
As a quick rule of thumb: 20–30 gallon tanks often use 1500-watt elements; 40–50 gallon tanks commonly use 3000-watt elements; very large commercial or high-demand residential tanks may use higher wattages or multiple elements. Temperature settings between 120°F and 140°F are typical, so set thermostats accordingly to balance comfort and energy use.
How do you know it’s time to swap the element? Look for these telltale signs: water that never gets hot, water that gets hot and then turns cold suddenly, noises like popping or sizzling (from scale buildup), or visible leaks around the access panel. A multi-meter test can confirm an open or shorted element if you’re comfortable with basic electrical troubleshooting.
You don’t need to be an electrician to diagnose a bad element. Turn off power, remove the access panel, and use a continuity test with a multi-meter. No continuity often means a burned-out element. Remember: always ensure power is off at the breaker before touching wiring—safety first.
Replacing an element is a common DIY job if you have basic tools: a screwdriver, an element wrench, and a garden hose for draining. Drain enough water from the tank so the element’s tip is above the water line—this usually means draining a few gallons depending on element depth. After draining and removing the old element, clean the gasket surface, install the new element snugly, and refill the tank before powering up.
1) Turn off power at the breaker. 2) Shut off water supply and drain a few gallons. 3) Remove access panel and insulation. 4) Disconnect wiring and unbolt or unscrew the element. 5) Install new element with proper gasket, reattach wiring, refill tank, and restore power. If you’re replacing a flanged element, have a helper—those can be heavy and awkward.
Proactive maintenance pays off. Flushing the tank once a year helps remove sediment that cakes onto elements and causes inefficiency. If you live in a hard-water area, consider a water softener or anodes that reduce corrosion. Inspect the element periodically for scale or discoloration, and replace the sacrificial anode rod when it’s depleted—this little rod can be a big guardian for your tank and elements.
Insulating your tank with an insulation blanket reduces heat loss, meaning your elements don’t have to run as often. Don’t wrap elements directly; apply a blanket to the tank body and use proper cutouts for access panels. This is an inexpensive way to cut standby heat loss and save on electric costs.
Beyond the element itself, a few accessories make life easier: thermostats for precise temperature control, element wrenches for safe removal, replacement gaskets to prevent leaks, and anode rods to slow corrosion. There are also element testers that let you quickly check continuity and resistance without removing the part. When pairing parts, always match the element’s thread type, length in inches, and wattage with the tank’s specifications.
Smart thermostats and programmable controllers can make your heater more efficient. Lowering the thermostat to 120°F when you’re away or asleep can cut energy use and slow scale buildup. If you have a household with a dishwasher and no in-unit booster, setting closer to 140°F can ensure better sanitation—but weigh the risk of scalding for households with kids or seniors.
Prices for replacement elements vary by type and material. Basic copper screw-in elements are the most economical, while stainless steel or Incoloy options cost more but last longer. Flanged elements and OEM parts for specific models can be pricier still. Look for warranties of one year or more, and read the fine print to ensure coverage for corrosion or failure.
Comparison sites and parts marketplaces let you compare prices and specs side-by-side—handy when matching thread size, length in inches, and wattage. Don’t chase the lowest price blindly; check return policies and compatibility guarantees. Buying a better material that lasts longer can be cheaper over several years than swapping cheap elements repeatedly.
Some jobs are best left to licensed electricians or plumbers. If you’re uncomfortable working with live circuits, or the tank shows signs of rust or leaks at the tank body (not just around the element), that could signal a larger issue that requires professional inspection. Also consider a pro if your heater uses high-voltage or hard-to-reach elements—safety and code compliance matter.
Upgrading to more efficient elements and insulating your tank can reduce energy use. For homes with solar or heat-pump options, pairing a modern element with renewable sources boosts savings. Simple habits—lowering temperatures, fixing leaks, and draining sediment annually—are effective eco-upgrades that don’t cost much but pay back over time.
Before hitting buy, confirm: element type (screw-in vs. flanged), length in inches, thread size, material, wattage and voltage, and whether your tank uses single or dual elements. Match the thermostat rating and make sure any gasket is included. If in doubt, take a photo of the old element and tank label—retailers and comparison sites can often help verify the right match with that information.
Comparison websites aggregate prices, specs, and user reviews so you can quickly see which elements fit your tank and budget. They’re especially useful for comparing OEM parts vs. aftermarket upgrades like stainless steel or Incoloy options. Use comparison tools to filter by wattage, length in inches, and material to find the best balance of price and longevity.
Replacing a water heater element is one of those home fixes that pays quick dividends: faster hot water, lower energy bills, and fewer cold showers. Whether you choose an affordable copper element or invest in a stainless steel upgrade, the key is matching specs and following safe installation practices. Think of it as choosing the right tool for the right job—do that, and your water heater will thank you with reliable warmth.
Water heater elements are small in size but big in impact. Choosing the right type—screw-in or flanged—selecting the proper material and wattage, and following simple maintenance habits can extend life, cut costs, and improve comfort at home. Use comparison sites to check prices and compatibility, match specifications carefully, and don’t hesitate to call a professional when electrical or tank issues go beyond a simple swap. With the right part and a bit of care, your hot water system will keep running smoothly for years.
| Water Heater Elements | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Anode 165mm To 30 Liter | kr. 120,- | |
| Immersion Heater 3kw - 400v | kr. 1.500,- |
