Water heater element help!!!

Ecwaters67 · 04-28-2019, 11:48 AM

We need to change the water heater element in our 2016 Bullet Premier 22RBPR. That sucker is next to impossible to access! Can anybody help or advise?!?!

Logan X · 04-28-2019, 12:05 PM

On my water heater, a suburban I think, you have to remove the gas line which runs in front of the element. Below is a YouTube video which shows how to get to the element. The element removal starts at 7:54.

https://youtu.be/RABSPiXy2Qk

**chuckster57** · 04-28-2019, 12:58 PM

If your element is in the front, underneath that oval cover you’ll need a thin wall 1 1/2” socket.

If it’s on the backside, the same socket works but doesn’t need to be thin wall.

I bought a 1/2” drive 1 1/2” socket from AutoZone, then proceeded to grind down the outside diameter.

Ecwaters67 · 04-28-2019, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If your element is in the front, underneath that oval cover you’ll need a thin wall 1 1/2” socket.

If it’s on the backside, the same socket works but doesn’t need to be thin wall.

I bought a 1/2” drive 1 1/2” socket from AutoZone, then proceeded to grind down the outside diameter.

We bought a standard socket, but the space between the small gray box that the element is in, and the bottom of the element doesn’t allow for the socket to fit. So you’re saying that there a “thin line” socket that should fit? Or should I be able to grind down the socket I have? Thanks so much for your help!

**chuckster57** · 04-28-2019, 03:56 PM

I ground mine down. The socket I bought at Auto Zone was fairly stout so I was able to take enough material off to make it fit. As I remember I chucked it up in my drill press and then used 150 grit paper on it, Didn't have to take a whole lot off.

Ecwaters67 · 04-28-2019, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I ground mine down. The socket I bought at Auto Zone was fairly stout so I was able to take enough material off to make it fit. As I remember I chucked it up in my drill press and then used 150 grit paper on it, Didn't have to take a whole lot off.

Thanks SO much!!!

**sourdough** · 04-28-2019, 05:45 PM

They do make "thin wall" sockets so you don't have to grind down the thicker unit - if you can find one. I bought my last thin wall at NAPA.

**chuckster57** · 04-28-2019, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

They do make "thin wall" sockets so you don't have to grind down the thicker unit - if you can find one. I bought my last thin wall at NAPA.

The Napa store in my town seems to think everything they sell is gold plated.

**sourdough** · 04-28-2019, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

The Napa store in my town seems to think everything they sell is gold plated.

Yes, I think that as well! I buy my NAPA Gold oil filters there (no one sells Wix) and it was the only place to find a thin walled socket in the over 1" range (don't remember exact size)! After using it, it's not so.....no gold plating.

**chuckster57** · 04-28-2019, 06:14 PM

A few years ago I bought a 1 7/8” socket from Rayco, try $78.00. I use it a lot so I guess it’s worth it, it is 3/4 drive and I use an impact adapter.

bobbecky · 04-28-2019, 08:27 PM

Bought one of these years ago, and no grinding needed. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Residen...y&sr=8-1-fkmr0

**chuckster57** · 04-29-2019, 02:53 AM

That works. I don’t have prime and couldn’t wait.

kksfish · 04-29-2019, 03:13 AM

I use the one that Bob used and it works well! I think I bought it at Lowe’s many years ago and it came on a snap hook with about six other common size plumbing sockets which also fit most of the fixtures in the house...

roadglide · 04-29-2019, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecwaters67

We need to change the water heater element in our 2016 Bullet Premier 22RBPR. That sucker is next to impossible to access! Can anybody help or advise?!?!

What makes you think the element is bad? My impact water heater has been started several times on electric with out water from operator error and just recently. There are 2 buttons that should reset the ele water heater . Draining your water heater offten will will help .

BAPotter · 05-05-2019, 05:03 PM

Check your local pawn shop and pick through their loose sockets bin. Should find one for about $2. Pawn shops are every few blocks around here.

Ecwaters67 · 05-05-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadglide

What makes you think the element is bad? My impact water heater has been started several times on electric with out water from operator error and just recently. There are 2 buttons that should reset the ele water heater . Draining your water heater offten will will help .

Where would I find these two buttons? We don’t have any hot water

**chuckster57** · 05-05-2019, 05:31 PM

The reset buttons are under a rectangular cover, with two rubber round “plugs” that you can press.

Should be located on the front of the water heater just to the left of center about 1/2 way up.

Ecwaters67 · 05-05-2019, 05:38 PM

We’ll take a look and see if we can find them. Our water heater is in a VERY awkward spot...TERRIBLE design, IMO.

**sourdough** · 05-05-2019, 05:48 PM

When you get this situation resolved it would be greatly beneficial to you to identify all of your critical operations (appliances/LP/batteries) and know 1)how they operate, 2) how they are wired/plumbed and 3) where they are and how to access them. Doesn't take much time but saves SO much in the event of a failure.

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