Water Heater Element Replaced

[Bill-N-Donna]

The heating element that was on our camper takes a 1.5” socket. Just ask me how I found that out. We have a 10 gal water heater by Suburban Model # SW10DE. The water heater didn’t seem to be heating after I introduced water into the lines and turned on the heater. Well DUH, you really should turn of the bypass before you turn on the heating element. It is true what they say about burning up the element if there isn’t any water in the tank. First time I ever allowed that to happen! However, I have a new element in place and it is working fine now.

I was told that the element I purchased was a universal element, which is exactly like the one I removed. After removing it I was expecting it to be completely burned into but it didn’t look all that bad except for the mineral deposits on it.

I had to remove several items out of the way so I could remove the element. I wasn’t certain which cover it was so naturally I took off the wrong cover first. The element is near the bottom of the tank. The part near the top where you see insulation is the reset switches. The burner tube was in the way of removing the element so I carefully pulled it back until I had room to remove the element.

Just thought it would be a good reminder to remind everyone about not forgetting the water bypass when flushing out their lines. It’s the season when several of us are getting ready for the camping season.

[DQDick]

Thanks for the reminder and pictures. Good info.

[indy roadrunner]

The ole "dry fire". Yep, been there - done that - and felt like a dope afterwards. How could I have done such a thing after being so careful all these years of making sure water was in the tank. I think they call it a "senior moment".

[wingerphil]

yep, been there done that!

I bought both the socket and the new element at Home Depot and have helped change out a couple of others since I did mine, so don't feel bad, it's a common occurance, or at least it is for the people that hang out with me!

I never thought, maybe it's me???!!!!

[scductman]

Did the same thing DW cut the WH on before I cut the water on. it only takes about 5 mins to burn up. Just for Info Bill the top cover is the resets but also the WH t-stat and WH highlimit t-stat. sometimes the element will cause the t-stat to burn up.
Bobby

[Art-n-Marge]

Good story and pictures, Bill n Donna!

Yup, I think that picture showing the filament shows that it doesn't look that bad, however I think what burns up is inside the plastic part.

How about this next time you use the bypass? Attach a sign right on the power switch for the electrical element (mine has a separate switch to turn on and off the electrical for the WH). The sign should say something like "Bypass is enabled". Then don't remove the sign until the bypass has been moved to the normal position.

Good thing these elements are not that expensive. I think if the universal matches the wattage of the element, then there's nothing wrong with that. I'd only worry if the universal replacement has a higher rating than what's present. Fortunately I still have my manual for reference. I might have the same WH as yours.

[1retired06]

And I thought I was the only one who had destroyed a HW element with a dry tank!