For the past year, it seemed that the hot water was not as hot as it was when I purchased the house. I put off calling as plumber as it would cost $50 just for them to walk in the door, plus another $100 for labor and probably over $50 for any parts. A new water heater would cost over $300 plus about $150 in labor.
Well, the cold weather and the less than 5 minute shower got old. So I did a little research at Lowe's and the Home Depot on water heaters and how to repair them. Most problems with electric water heaters is that either the heating element goes out or the thermostat dies. The Home Depot had a kit with 2 heating elements and 2 thermostats for $31.
So, I figured I would give it a shot. I purchased the kit and followed the directions. Overall I would say it was pretty simple. Just have to be very careful or you will get spayed like I did. Followed the direction, but the heater didn't empty completely.
I changed the elements first and then tested it. That did not do it, so I changed the lower thermostat and it worked. I can now take an hour shower if I really wanted to. Below is a shot of the old heating element and in case you didn't know new ones are chrome.. More photos can be found at Flickr.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: element, heat, heating element, tank, thermostat, water, water heater | Leave a comment »
Tulio Bertorini 