If you’re unsure which circuits control the water heater, try turning off the circuits and testing the ports on your water heater with a multimeter. The readout should be 0 V. You don’t want electricity powering the heating element in the water heater while you’re working.

Most water heaters should have a drain next to them to catch any run-off.

Some electric water heaters have 2 access panels on the top and the bottom each with their own heating element.

Do not remove the heating element if you haven’t drained the water from your tank. Water will come out and could burn you otherwise.

If you cannot get the heating element clean, you can order a replacement from the water heater’s manufacturer. They usually cost around $35 USD.

Your heating element should already have a seal on the threading to prevent leaks. If it doesn’t wrap 5-6 layers of Teflon or plumber’s tape around the threading.

If the water still isn’t hot, check the wire connections to the heating element. If they’re correct, then you may have a problem with the unit’s thermostat.

Some electric water heaters have 2 access panels. Each of the access panels will have their own thermostat.

If your wires are reattached to the wrong screws on your new thermostat, then your water heater will not work.

Be careful not to break the bracket that holds the thermostat in place since you cannot replace that component individually.

Order an identical thermostat from the water heater’s manufacturer. They usually cost around $20 USD.

You can leave the labels on your wires if you want or you can remove them.

Avoid turning the thermostat higher than 120 °F (49 °C) since it could cause scalding water temperatures from your fixtures.

If the pilot light is out and you smell natural gas around your water heater, leave and call your utility company immediately since you may have a gas leak. Do not attempt to light the pilot light if you smell gas.

Don’t attempt to relight the pilot light while your water heater is still on.

Some water heaters have an ignitor button next to the dial. If your water heater has a pilot light button, you do not need to use a lighter.

Don’t turn the thermostat higher than 120 °F (49 °C) or else the water coming out of your fixtures may scald you.

You don’t need to turn off any power while working on a gas water heater.

The water coming out of your hose will be very hot and could cause scalding-hot burns.

The hose on the left side of your thermostat controls the gas intake. The pipes and lines on the bottom of the thermostat lead to the pilot and burner inside the unit. You can remove the lines while your water heater is still draining.

Don’t unscrew the thermostat while there’s still water inside since it could spill out.

Replacement thermostats can be bought online or directly from the water heater manufacturer, and they usually cost around $85-$90 USD. Teflon tape may also be called thread-seal or plumber’s tape.

Make sure the thermostat is right-side up when you’re finished or else the dial will be upside down.

You do not need to seal the connections from the lines to your thermostat.

Many water heaters have a drain in the floor next to them.

Set the run-off pipe aside since you’ll need to attach it to the new valve.

The valve may release steam as you unscrew it. Keep your head away from the valve and wear work gloves while handling it.

Pressure-relief valves can be purchased online or directly from the water heater’s manufacturer for about $20 USD. Teflon tape may be called thread-seal or plumber’s tape. Any of these will work for sealing your valve.

Keep the lever on top of your valve is horizontal when it’s installed.

You may need to seal the run-off pipe with Teflon tape as well if it hasn’t already been sealed.

You can also turn off your water faucet once the stream is steady.