Hot Water Element Problem

[TheCanuckian]

Here is my simple problem....

My hot water tank has a 1500w/120 Element. We have hard water. Every year, it burns out. Only mine, none of the neighbors.....

Why? Any ideas?

As usual, thanks for your help !!

PS...Just changed it today, for the fourth year in a row !! Never changed one in 30 years of camping in Travel Trailers, Motor-homes,etc, etc

[aruba5er]

water heater elements come in varying lengths. If the watts per foot is too great it will overheat the element. Is yours about 7" long? either look for a longer one that will fit or reduce the wattage to 1000 watts. Is the hardness building up on the element and making it overheat because it can't get rid of the heat? Sounds like it is. Maybe a fine micron filter in your water line might help also.

[Chris_Bryant]

hardint wrote:
I never heard of the orientation of the element of importance before , please elaborate ???

The element in RV water heaters is so close to the bottom of the tank, the mineral deposits can be stirred up and land on the element. With the element vertical, the deposits just fall away- with it horizontal, they will short out the element.

[westend]

Is there any chance that the water level in the heater tank changes and exposes part of the element?

[nomad297]

hardint wrote:
I never heard of the orientation of the element of importance before , please elaborate ???

Ditto.

In my three decades of plumbing, this is nothing I have ever heard of of. It sounds like one of those practical jokes you play on a green helper -- like a 2x4 stretcher.

Bruce

[hardint]

I never heard of the orientation of the element of importance before , please elaborate ???

[Chris_Bryant]

Are you making sure you install it with the element vertical? It's important to note the orientation, and install accordingly.

[TheCanuckian]

We turned the tank on April 14. It burned out yesterday !! Every year, when we winterize, I take it out and fill the hole with an old element. When we return,change the element, turn on the water, refill the tank and wait 24 hours before we turn it on. Every year, it works fine for a month or so, and then....pfffffffttt !!

As we say in Quebec..... Mystery and Gum Balls !!

[midnightsadie]

I just changed mine after 8yrs. even with hard water,ours is well water. it should last longer.

[MrWizard]

moved from technology corner

[RoyB]

I agree with SCH911. Thats about the only thing that burn one up... You are probably draining the water for winterizing. Maybe somehow it gets turned on after you have drained the water.

Maybe install a MASTER SWITCH real close to electric element and throw that switch OFF when you drain the water for winterizing... I think I have a couple of spots in the trailer that reads HOT WATER ON-OFF...

????
Roy Ken

[sch911]

Any chance you're leaving it powered when there is no water in the tank? It'll burn out in a few minutes if that happens...