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Dirtpig's avatar
Dirtpig
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013

Water heater electric element replacement

I changed out my electric element in my 6 gallon suburban water heater in my camper. I did a video of the process if anyone would like to see how it was done. http://youtu.be/wBwrOO1h_E0
  • edatlanta wrote:
    Did you check the propane connection for leaks after you reinstalled the propane tube? I do this check with either soapy water or a propane detector every time I have to remove a propane connection.

    Great video.


    I annotated the video to include this step. Thank-you everyone for your input.
  • edatlanta wrote:
    Did you check the propane connection for leaks after you reinstalled the propane tube? I do this check with either soapy water or a propane detector every time I have to remove a propane connection.

    Great video.


    Thats a very good point, though it would never leak when the hotwater tank isnt operating (heating by gas) its possible it could leak when it is heating if the connection was not secured properly.
  • dougrainer wrote:
    bob213 wrote:
    I'm a fan of Teflon tape on both the element and anode rod but your video should be very helpful for anyone who hasn't replaced one yet. Great job!


    No need to use dope or tape as both Suburban and Atwood heat elements are sealed by a rubber o ring. Doug


    I understand that for leak protection you don't need the Teflon tape if it has the rubber gasket but "in my mind" I'm thinking about thread protection for when I go to remove it. Maybe a little less rust? Like I said it's "in my mind" and the few cents it cost to put some Teflon tape on won't break me and shouldn't hurt anything. I have been told that "my mind" doesn't always work correctly though....:)
  • Did you check the propane connection for leaks after you reinstalled the propane tube? I do this check with either soapy water or a propane detector every time I have to remove a propane connection.

    Great video.
  • bob213 wrote:
    I'm a fan of Teflon tape on both the element and anode rod but your video should be very helpful for anyone who hasn't replaced one yet. Great job!


    No need to use dope or tape as both Suburban and Atwood heat elements are sealed by a rubber o ring. Doug
  • I'm a fan of Teflon tape on both the element and anode rod but your video should be very helpful for anyone who hasn't replaced one yet. Great job!
  • C.B. wrote:
    Watched your video and I have a question.

    After removing the old element you immediately installed the new one.

    The question is. Did the new element have Teflon tape on the threads already, or did you put Teflon tape on, or did you install it without anything on the threads?


    C.B.


    I did not put any teflon tape on the threads of the element, the old element i removed along with the new one i put in had a rubber gasket.

    Hope that helps
  • Watched your video and I have a question.

    After removing the old element you immediately installed the new one.

    The question is. Did the new element have Teflon tape on the threads already, or did you put Teflon tape on, or did you install it without anything on the threads?


    C.B.