Hot water does not last long. Model 82vh40-2 mnf. 05/2005
If the lower heating element burns out the upper element will heat the top part of the tank then shutoff.
homw depot/lowes etc should carry elements.
1 turn off breaker, remove element access cover (the 2 panels on the front of the heater) test for electricity at the reset button ( uppermost device in upper panel) to make sure power is off.
2 turn off water (I usually turn off the cold water main to stop water cross feeding into hot supply line back into heater)
3 disconnect the 2 wires on the lower element, test with continuity tester. shhould be no continuity between terminals and tank, but around 10 ohms between the 2 terminals.
Check the thermostat for continuity if tank is cold thermostat should be closed ie zero ohms across the 2 terminals.
If stat is bad replace stat; disconnect wires push it up out of the spring clip insert new stat reconnect.
If element is bad:
drain tank.
connect garden hose to tank drain valve, open tank drain valve turn water main on to clear rust sediment and get water flowing.
Next remove filter screen from a hot water faucet then turn on ( a hot faucet upstairs or higher than tank drain). Now turn water main off, air will now go in through hot faucet and tank will drain, takes about an hour.
Use a water heater element wrench about$10 to remove element(s)
make sure no bits of rubber gasket are left in element opening- dig em out with a screwdriver if needed.
Insert new element with its gasket and tighten.
reconnect wires
DO NOT TURN ON ELECTRICITY!
BE SURE TO FILL WATER HEATER WITH WATER !
Turn water main back on -air will come out of the hot faucet for several minutes. When water runs without any air sputtering, turn off faucet and replace the faucet filter screen.
check element(s) for leaks.
turn breaker back on.
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