"Wet" changing electric water heater elements.

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Ballvalve

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Does anyone else save a ton of time by not draining the electric water heater to change an element?

Release pressure, then close all valves above.

Pull the element, the loss of water is minimal without a vent.

Can usually be done and lose less than a gallon. Of course you need to be on a drain pan or in the basement.

Probably not a good idea on a T&M job however.
 

Redwood

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I seldom do it.
With the bottom element removed I use it as an opportunity to break up the minerals accumulated in the bottom of the water heater and remove them.
 

Ballvalve

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I use a shop vac with a garden hose to smash and suck the bottom when needed. If they gave us a nice 1" port at the bottom, all would be easy.

"they" dont want it easy on us.
 
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