Heating Element Removal And Replacement - Bradford White E32-50S Service Manual

Heating Element Removal
1. Turn power "OFF" To water heater.
2. Turn off cold water supply to heater. Connect hose to drain
spigot of water heater and route to an open drain. Open
a nearby hot water faucet to vent heater for draining. Open
drain spigot of water heater and allow heater to drain
to a point below the Element(s).
3. Close drain spigot and remove hose.
3. Remove access cover(s) and insulation.
4. Remove plastic thermostat protector from thermostat(s).
5. Disconnect wires from element terminals.
6. Remove element from tank using 1-½ deep well socket or appropriate wrench. Unscrew element counter-clockwise to
remove from tank.
7. Be sure to remove old element gasket from the tank. It is not recommended to be re-used.
Heating Element Replacement
1. Check element terminal block for proper electrical rating. NOTE: Some elements have dual ratings, be sure to check
all surfaces of the element terminal block (see illustration below).
2. Apply new element gasket to the new element. Be sure gasket is seated flat against element flange without rolls or
gaps (see illustration below).
3. Clean any debris from element fitting on tank. Lubricate element threads as needed with thread lubricant.
4. Thread new element clockwise into tank. Tighten element using 1-½ deep well socket or appropriate wrench. Do not
over tighten, over tightening may damage element gasket.
5. Reconnect wires to element, be sure connections are snug and corrosion free. Do not over tighten, doing so may
damage terminal block.
6. Resume water supply to heater, be sure tank is full of water and check for leaks.
7. Re-install plastic thermostat protector(s).
8. Re-install insulation and access cover(s).
9. To resume operation, BE SURE TANK IS FULL OF WATER and restore power to water heater. Verify proper heater
operation.
Date Code
Terminal
Block
High voltage exposure. Be sure power is
"OFF" when performing this procedure.
Heater components and stored water may be
HOT when performing the following steps in
this procedure. Take necessary precaution to
Element Rating.
Example: (4500 Watt, 240 Volt)
Element Flange
Element Gasket Seated Flat Against
Element Flange Without Rolls or Gaps
Manufacturer Identification
Page 16
SERVICE PROCEDURE E32-VI
Heating Element Removal
and Replacement
WARNING
WARNING
prevent personal injury.