How to change an element in a Atwood 10 gallon water heater

[Randy_A]

Does anyone know the procedure for changing an electric water heater element in a 10 gallon Atwood gas/electric water heater?

[eddieelk]

RandyA. Would it be easier if you pulled out the washer/drier? I had to pull out the w/d on my Pace Arrow to fix a leak, and the only problem was the flexible dryer vent hose. I removed the outside vent cover and fed the hose out the hole while pushing in the W/D. Eddie Elk.

[RandACampin]

cKarlGo wrote:
I watched this being done on my old 5er HWH by a tech at the Camping World in Myrtle Beach, SC. *If* you have the right tools, it's straightforward. If you do not, then it'll be a pain.

The model of HWH on that 5er had a metal plate/shield/whatever over it that could not be removed. That made it very difficult to get the tool in to properly loosen the old element and tighten the new one.

Be sure that you take pics beforehand so you're sure of your wiring.

Wiring does not matter on a heating element. It's striclty a resistive load with no polarity.

[cKarlGo]

I watched this being done on my old 5er HWH by a tech at the Camping World in Myrtle Beach, SC. *If* you have the right tools, it's straightforward. If you do not, then it'll be a pain.

The model of HWH on that 5er had a metal plate/shield/whatever over it that could not be removed. That made it very difficult to get the tool in to properly loosen the old element and tighten the new one.

Be sure that you take pics beforehand so you're sure of your wiring.

[Sez_Hoo_]

Be sure to use some teflon paste on the threads when you button things back up to help prevent any leaks

Use the pink colored teflon tape. It will hold up to the high water temps. Pink is designed for potable water use. I've replaced hundreds of water heater elements and never used an inch of tape and NEVER had any leaks.

[Old-Biscuit]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Be sure to use some teflon paste on the threads when you button things back up to help prevent any leaks.

Shouldn't be needed....new element comes with new gasket.

OR should say I've never used any on elements and no leaks.

[rgatijnet1]

Be sure to use some teflon paste on the threads when you button things back up to help prevent any leaks.

[Randy_A]

Thanks Old Biscuit,
Sounds pretty much like changing an element in a household water heater. My problem is access. I think I may have to pull the water heater out, at least part way. I can see the protective cover from a small access panel under my washer dryer, but no way can I reach it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Electric element is located under a protective cover on backside of tank (inside rv)

Need to OPEN AC circuit Breaker for the element AND the 12V DC fuse (Atwood uses a 12v dc fused circuit to power a relay (inside protective cover) that allows the 120V AC to power element.

Drain water heater (Hold PRV open to help drain)
Remove protective cover over element
Disconnect two wires on element
Unscrew element and pull it out (towel under it as some water will come out)
1 1/2" socket