Whirlpool 140385 User Manual

13

5.  Clean the area where the gasket(s) fits to the tank. If  

you are replacing the bottom element, remove the   
accumulated sediment on the bottom of the tank.

6.  Make sure the replacement element(s) has the correct  

voltage and wattage rating by matching it to the rating 
plate on the water heater. Position the new gasket(s)  
on the element and insert it into the water heater    
tank (Figure 14). Tighten the element by turning it    
clockwise until secure.

7.  Close the drain valve. Open the nearest hot water   

faucet and allow the tank to fill completely with water.  

Figure 14

Spud

Screw-in

Element

Gasket

Thermostat

Holding
Bracket

To purge the lines of any excess air and sediment,    
keep the hot water faucet open for 3 minutes after a  
constant flow of water is obtained.

8.  Check for leaks around the element(s).
9.   Reconnect the electrical wires to the element and 

securely tighten the screws. Replace the plastic  
thermostat cover making sure the attachment points  
are engaged on the thermostat.

10.  Replace the access cover(s).
11.  Make certain the tank is filled with water. Applying   

electric current to heater elements not submerged in  
water will destroy them.

12.  Reconnect electrical power to the water heater.

1.  No power to heater

2.  High Temperature Limit Switch open

3. Non-Functioning 

upper 

thermostat

1.  Turn on electrical switch. Check for blown fuses 

or tripped breaker

2.  Reset. Check for source of trouble and correct

3. Replace 

thermostat

1. 

Non-Functioning

 thermostats

2. 

Non-Functioning

 lower element

3. Improper 

calibration

4.  Thermostats set too low
5.  Sediment or lime in tank
6.  Heater too small for job
7.  Wrong piping connections
8. Leaking 

faucets

9.  Wasted hot water
10.  Long runs of exposed pipe
11.  Hot water piping on outside wall

1. Replace 

thermostats

2. Replace 

element

3. Replace 

thermostats

4.  Set thermostats to desired temperature
5.  Drain. Determine if water treatment is needed
6.  Install adequate  water heater
7. Correct 

piping

8. Repair 

faucets

9. Advise 

customer

10. Insulate piping

11. Insulate piping

1. Improper 

Calibration

2.  Thermostats set too high
3.  Sediment or lime in tank
4.  Heater too small for job
5.  Wrong piping connections
6. Leaking 

faucets

7.  Wasted hot water
8.  Long runs of exposed piping

9.  Hot water piping in exposed wall

1. Replace 

thermostats

2.  Set thermostat to desired setting
3.  Drain. Flush-Provide water treatment if needed
4. Install 

adequate 

heater

5. Correct 

piping

6. Repair 

faucets

7. Advise 

customer

8. Insulate 

piping

9. Insulate 

piping

1. 

Non-Functioning

 upper element

2.  Non-Functioning lower element

1. Replace 

element

2. Replace 

element

1. Excessive 

water 

pressure

2. Closed 

system

1.  Use Pressure Reducing Valve and Pressure 

Relief Valve

2.  See “Closed System/Thermal Expansion” section

1. 

Non-Functioning

 thermostats

2. Improper 

calibration

1. Replace 

thermostats

2. Replace 

thermostats

1.  Sulfides in the water

1.  See “Anode Rod/Water Odor” section

Figure 13

Screws

Wires

Element