Thread: What size socket for Electric Water Heater Element

What size socket wrench is the element for Electric Water Heaters?

Originally Posted by Loren Sanders Sr.

What size socket wrench is the element for Electric Water Heaters?

I don't know the size but it is pretty large. Heck, you can pick up a water heater element wrench for a few dollars when you buy the new element. I replaced my elements last year and I think the tool was only a few dollars. If your tank has two elements I would highly recommend replacing both at the same time.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

I don't know the size but it is pretty large. Heck, you can pick up a water heater element wrench for a few dollars when you buy the new element. I replaced my elements last year and I think the tool was only a few dollars. If your tank has two elements I would highly recommend replacing both at the same time.

Thanks Scott, I have some large sockets that I use to R and R Water Pressure Regulator Kits so I may not need to purchase one just for the Elements.

Most are 1.5 inches.

Originally Posted by Dom D'Agostino

Most are 1.5 inches.

1.5 inches?

Hmmm ... I was thinking they were more like 24 inch pipe wrench size.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

1.5 inches?

Hmmm ... I was thinking they were more like 24 inch pipe wrench size.

Actually, I was considering a 60" Tong Wrench (Chain Wrench).... Thanks Jerry, you have validated an answer I got from another source. Take care.

Originally Posted by Loren Sanders Sr.

Actually, I was considering a 60" Tong Wrench (Chain Wrench).... Thanks Jerry, you have validated an answer I got from another source. Take care.

Loren,

When I saw your question this morning I figured I'd let others answer it first, but my first thought was the 24" pipe wrench with a cheater bar (5' piece of pipe slipped over the handle of the pipe wrench)... not far from your 60" Tong Wrench.

My choice would be the big Crescent wrench with a pipe extension on the handle.

Could be a flange with two bolts, or maybe I dreamed that in another lifetime, the 70's, last time I installed an element.

Originally Posted by Loren Sanders Sr.

What size socket wrench is the element for Electric Water Heaters?

Go measure the size of the hex head on a new element for your heater, I think they are 1 1/4" but not sure. Then either rent or buy a impact wrench (air or electric). The nuts are always seized and the impact will knock it loose with little trouble. Put anti-seize compound on the threads of the new element for next time.

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Go measure the size of the hex head on a new element for your heater, I think they are 1 1/4" but not sure. Then either rent or buy a impact wrench (air or electric). The nuts are always seized and the impact will knock it loose with little trouble. Put anti-seize compound on the threads of the new element for next time.

Is there an anti-seize compound safe for potable water? I am not familiar with one if there is.

Originally Posted by Loren Sanders Sr.

Is there an anti-seize compound safe for potable water? I am not familiar with one if there is.

The socket is 1.5". You can get one at any hardware store for $6-$12.
There is a hole in the socket for a screwdriver to fit into to turn the socket.
The heating elements are normally very easy to remove with the socket and screwdriver. Most heating elements have an O-Ring to seal it, No need to use any anti-seize compound.

For a demo to remove the element watch this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNu96KQ6fp8

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

1.5 inches?

Hmmm ... I was thinking they were more like 24 inch pipe wrench size.

Ya forgot the sledge to beat on the end to make it work!!!

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

..... If your tank has two elements I would highly recommend replacing both at the same time.

Execlent suggestion. Usually the lower one goes first for some reasion. Perhaps it is used more than the top. But as you have gone the distance to drain the tank---replace the other element too. Good time to inspect the wiring connections to insure they are all tight incuding the feed.