Water Heater Flood damage

[Standupguy]

- --- My basement took in 6+ feet of water...Im going to replace the furnace at some point--no biggie really since mostly heat with wood!!!! My question is regarding my water heater. I replaced the pipes since the bent off when it floated!! However it kicks on(its electric) but water does not HEAT...so lowes sells a heating element for 20 bucks...I can not for the life of me figure out where the hell the old one comes off and new one on...do I replace both? upper and lower parts? UUUGGGHHH...trying to save cash here!!! HElP!!!
Noah----- -

[MELOC]

i just replaced both in my heater. the bottom one was bad, but since i got them at lowe's for $9 each, i decided to replace both of them. it's pretty obvious where they go once you remove the two covers and pull back the insulation if it is in the way. the elements screw in or are bolted on and they have two wires attached. basically it looks like a big nut with two wires screwed onto it.

turn off the electricity and water and drain the heater. you need to open the highest hot water tap in your house so the water drains back into the heater and open the drain on the bottom. disconnect the wires. use a large deepwell socket or a water heater element socket and unscrew the elements. if bolted on, undo the bolts. pull the element(s) out and replace. be sure to put the new gasket on the new element and tighten the element, but don't over-tighten the element to the point where it mashes and stretches the gasket or it will leak. reconnect the wires and fill the heater before you turn on the power. if you run the heater while empty, the elements may burn out.

[tamsam]

OK one more thing to check first. Pull the covers and with power on use a volt meter and see if the elements are getting any elect. If it was wet the thermostates may not be working. Just a thought before you replace the heating elements. Sam

[Standupguy]

Thats what I needed....thanks guys!!