Water Heating Systems

Seisco Tankless Heaters

Electric Water Heaters

Replacing a Heating Element

Required Tools:

• Phillips head screw driver
• 1 inch element wrench or adjustable wrench
• bucket
• rag
• hair dryer
• battery powered voltmeter.

Warning: To avoid electrical shock, make sure that all of the power is off to the heater before attempting to remove the old heating element and while installing the new heating element.

1. Turn off all the power to the heater. Confirm the power is off with a voltmeter, even if the status light (or LED) on the control board is off. There may be multiple breakers powering your model heater.
2. Open a hot water faucet nearby. While the water is running, turn off the water supply to the heater. This will help siphon some of the water out of the heater.

   

   Typical inlet valve ( closed position)

   

   Figure: Heating elements used in Seisco water heaters, standard 1" screw flange, 12" long.

3. Using a large Phillips screw driver, remove the six screws from the right bottom clean out plate on the under side of the heatingchamber to drain the remaining water from the heater into a bucket. Replace the plate after draining.
   
4. Using a Phillips head screw driver, remove the two screws holding the red and black wires to the top of the heating element.
5. Use the element wrench to loosen the heating element. Wrap a rag around the heating element to prevent water from dripping onto the control board. Remove the heating element and the o-ring seal from the heater.
6. Make sure the new o-ring seal is in position on the new heating element and install the assembly into the heater. Tighten the element until snug (not more than 6 ft-lbs.).
7. Replace the red and black wires back onto the top of the heating element with the two Phillip head screws.
8. Make sure the hex head drain plug screw is tight and turn on the water supply to the heater. Check for leaks and water seepage around the heating element and drain plug.
9. If any water dripped onto the control board, use a hair dryer to dry the board and the rest of the heater. Make sure to dry behind the board as well. The heat from the hair dryer will not harm the control board.
10. Fill up the heater with water. If there are no water leaks, turn all the power back on.

Note: If the heater sounds an alarm and a 126 diagnostic code appears, turn the power off, check for leaks again and dry the entire heater thoroughly. The alarm means that moisture was detected and the control disabled the heater.