Electric water heater element

[lsproul]

Has anyone replaced the electric element in the suburban water heater. I Just wanted to know how easy or dificult it would be.

Thanks'

Larry Sproul
2005 Montana Mountaineer 297rks

[MuddyPaws]

It's not at all difficult.

You'll need a 'thin walled' socket, 1 1/2 inches (I think). If you can't find a thin wall socket you'll need a dremel tool to shave away the sheet metal around the rod so a normal socket will fit.

Chances are the place that sold you the rod also sells a cheap-o socket like tool.

Be sure to turn the power off first!

Remove the anode rod & drain the tank.

I found it easier to remove the gas tube in front of the rod than to try to work around it.

Good Luck
MuddyPaws

[H. John Kohl]

MuddyPaws covered my experience to the T. Again Remember to disconnect your 110 power and let the hot water cool down before working on it.
Good luck and stay safe.

[wersqu]

Once you buy the socket replacing the element is no problem. I am on my 3rd. I just don't seem to remember th shut it off when I drain the water. When you get a replacement. Buy 2 and keep one for a spare.

[Roofcam]

Buy the replacement and the low priced socket made for the change at Home Depot. With the low price I agree that it's a good idea to buy a spare, for the next likely occurrence. I believe it takes only about a minute to destroy an element when the tank is empty.

[happy campers]

quote:Originally posted by Roofcam

Buy the replacement and the low priced socket made for the change at Home Depot. With the low price I agree that it's a good idea to buy a spare, for the next likely occurrence. I believe it takes only about a minute to destroy an element when the tank is empty.

Are you saying that both the element and the socket are available at Home Depot? That's got to be less expensive than the RV parts store. Where do they display them? In plumbing? Thanks

[VanMan]

yep - pull out the old one and take it with you. A "fast recovery" element may also be available - the one that's really longer but bent in half to fit in the same hole.

[Native Tex]

Be sure to refill the tank before flipping on the electricity!!! You can pop an element in a dry tank with just the flip of a switch. The other guys have covered the installation really well.

[lsproul]

Thanks for all the help. sounds easy enough. I'm not gonna try it until I get the trailer out of winter storage. I will let you know how it goes.

lsproul
Mountaineer 297rks
03 Duramax
16k Reese Slider