80 Gal Bradford White Water Heater Element Replacement

Ever step into a shower, expecting that comforting rush of hot water, only to be met with an icy blast? Or perhaps your utility bills have been mysteriously creeping up, even though your showering habits haven’t changed? If you own an 80-gallon Bradford White water heater, these frustrating scenarios often point to a common culprit: a failing heating element. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this isn’t a problem that requires an entirely new water heater. In fact, tackling an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement is a highly manageable task for many homeowners and a routine job for pros, one that can save you significant money and restore your home’s hot water comfort.

At HVACRLY, we understand the importance of a reliable hot water supply. We promise to walk you through every step of diagnosing, preparing for, and executing an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement safely and effectively. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to restore your hot water efficiency, understand how to 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement like a seasoned pro, and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

Understanding Your 80-Gallon Bradford White Water Heater Elements

Your 80-gallon Bradford White electric water heater is a workhorse, designed to provide ample hot water for larger homes. At its heart are typically two heating elements—one upper and one lower—that work in tandem to heat the water inside the tank. When one or both of these elements start to fail, your hot water supply suffers.

Why Do Water Heater Elements Fail?

Heating elements are robust, but they don’t last forever. Several factors contribute to their eventual failure:

Sediment Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral deposits (scale) accumulating on the element’s surface. This acts as an insulator, forcing the element to work harder, overheat, and eventually burn out.
Age and Wear: Like any electrical component, elements simply degrade over time from constant heating and cooling cycles.
Power Surges: Electrical fluctuations can sometimes damage the delicate coils within the element.
Dry Firing: If an element is energized when the tank is empty or partially empty, it can quickly burn out. This is a common problem after draining the tank if you forget to refill it before restoring power.

Signs You Need an 80 gal Bradford White Water Heater Element Replacement

Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent prolonged hot water woes. Here are the tell-tale signs of common problems with 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement:

No Hot Water At All: If you have absolutely no hot water, both elements or the thermostat might be faulty.
Limited Hot Water: If you get some hot water, but it runs out quickly, it often indicates that one of the two elements has failed (usually the lower one, as it does most of the work).
Lukewarm Water: Similar to limited hot water, this can be a sign of a failing element struggling to reach the set temperature.
Tripping Breaker: A shorted-out element can draw too much current, causing the circuit breaker to trip repeatedly.
Higher Energy Bills: A struggling element takes longer to heat water, consuming more electricity and driving up your utility costs.

Understanding these signs is the first crucial step in any successful 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement project.

Safety First: Essential Precautions Before You Begin

Working with electricity and water simultaneously requires extreme caution. Before you even think about grabbing a wrench, prioritizing safety is non-negotiable. These 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement best practices will keep you safe and prevent damage to your home or water heater.

1. Disconnect All Power

This is the most critical step. Find your home’s main electrical panel (breaker box) and locate the breaker labeled for your water heater. It’s usually a double-pole breaker (meaning two switches linked together) and might be labeled “Water Heater” or “WH.”

Flip the breaker to the “OFF” position.
Double-check: Consider placing a piece of electrical tape over the breaker or a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag to prevent anyone from accidentally turning it back on while you’re working.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

Next, you need to stop water from entering the tank. Locate the cold water inlet valve at the top of your water heater (it’s typically on the right side, with a blue or cold water pipe leading into it). Turn the handle clockwise until it’s completely closed.

3. Drain the Water Heater Tank

You can’t replace an element if the tank is full of water! Draining the tank will take some time, especially for an 80-gallon unit.

Connect a garden hose: Attach one end of a standard garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of your water heater.
Route the hose: Lead the other end of the hose to a floor drain, a large utility sink, or outside your home to an area where 80 gallons of water can safely drain away.
Open a hot water faucet: To prevent a vacuum from forming and speed up the draining process, open a hot water faucet somewhere in your house (like a bathtub or sink).
Open the drain valve: Slowly open the water heater’s drain valve. Be patient; an 80-gallon tank can take 30-60 minutes to drain completely.

Pro Tip: If your water heater is very old, the drain valve might be clogged with sediment. You might need to use a bucket to catch some water as it slowly drains or be prepared for a messy situation. A cleanout port can also be helpful if sediment is an issue.

4. Verify No Power with a Multimeter

Even after flipping the breaker, it’s a good practice to confirm there’s no power. Once you open the access panels for the elements, use a non-contact voltage tester or a multimeter to verify that no voltage is present at the element terminals. This extra step is a hallmark of an experienced technician and crucial for your safety.

Gathering Your Tools and Replacement Parts

A successful 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement relies on having the right tools and parts readily available. This section serves as your comprehensive 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement guide for preparation.

Essential Tools You’ll Need:

Flathead and Phillips Head Screwdrivers: For removing access panels and terminal covers.
Socket Wrench Set: Specifically, a 1-1/2 inch socket or a specialized water heater element wrench to remove the old elements.
Wire Brush: To clean sediment and corrosion from the element opening.
Adjustable Wrench or Channel Locks: For the drain valve or hose connection.
Garden Hose: For draining the tank.
Multimeter or Voltage Tester: To test for power and diagnose faulty elements.
Rag/Towels: For any spills.
Work Gloves and Safety Glasses: For protection.
Flashlight or Headlamp: To illuminate dark areas.

Choosing the Right Replacement Elements:

This is where precision matters. Bradford White water heaters come with specific elements, and using the wrong ones can lead to inefficiencies or further damage. Before purchasing, note down your water heater’s model and serial number (usually found on a sticker on the side of the tank).

Voltage and Wattage: Most 80-gallon electric water heaters use 240-volt elements, typically 4500 watts. Always match the voltage and wattage of your old elements exactly. Check the label on the element or your water heater’s data plate.
Element Type: Bradford White typically uses screw-in type elements, which thread directly into the tank. Less common are bolt-on elements, which are secured with bolts and a gasket. Ensure you buy the correct type.
Sheath Material: Standard elements are usually copper or incoloy. Incoloy elements offer better resistance to scale buildup and corrosion, making them a good choice if you have hard water.
Quantity: For an 80-gallon electric water heater, you’ll generally need two elements. It’s often recommended to replace both the upper and lower elements at the same time, even if only one has failed, as they tend to wear out similarly. This is a smart 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement tip.

You can find replacement elements at most hardware stores, home improvement centers, or HVAC supply houses. Always opt for quality replacement parts, preferably OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or reputable aftermarket brands.

Step-by-Step 80 Gal Bradford White Water Heater Element Replacement

With safety measures in place and your tools ready, it’s time to get hands-on. Follow this detailed guide on how to 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement effectively.

Confirm Power and Water Are Off: Reiterate the safety checks. Ensure the breaker is off, the cold water supply is closed, and the tank is drained.
Access the Elements:
- On your Bradford White water heater, you’ll find two removable access panels, typically held by screws—one near the top and one near the bottom.
- Remove the screws and carefully pull off the panels.
- Beneath each panel, you’ll see a layer of insulation and a protective plastic cover over the thermostat and element wiring. Remove these covers.
Test the Elements (Optional but Recommended):
- With the power confirmed OFF, use your multimeter set to the “ohms” (resistance) setting.
- Disconnect one wire from each terminal of the element.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the two screw terminals of the element. A good element will typically show a resistance reading between 10-16 ohms (check your element’s specifications for exact values).
- A reading of “OL” (open loop) or infinity indicates a bad element.
- Also, test for a short to ground: touch one probe to a terminal and the other to the metal flange of the element. If you get any resistance reading other than “OL” or infinity, the element is shorted and needs replacement.
Disconnect Wiring from the Old Element:
- Take a clear photo of the wiring connections before you disconnect anything. This will be invaluable for reconnecting later.
- Using a screwdriver, carefully disconnect the wires from the terminals of the element you’re replacing.
- Ensure no wires touch each other or the tank.
Remove the Old Element:
- Place a shallow pan or towel beneath the element opening to catch any residual water.
- Fit your 1-1/2 inch socket or element wrench onto the hex head of the element.
- Turn counter-clockwise to loosen and unscrew the element. It might be stiff, especially if it’s been in for a long time.
- Once loose, carefully pull the old element straight out. Be prepared for a small amount of water to escape, even if you drained the tank thoroughly.
Clean the Opening:
- Use a wire brush or scraper to clean any sediment, rust, or old gasket material from around the element opening threads. A clean surface ensures a good seal for the new element.
Install the New Element:
- Apply a small amount of pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape specifically designed for water applications around the threads of the new element.
- Carefully thread the new element into the opening by hand, ensuring it goes in straight and doesn’t cross-thread.
- Once hand-tight, use your element wrench or socket to tighten it securely. Do not overtighten, but make sure it’s snug enough to prevent leaks.
Reconnect Wiring:
- Refer to your photo from step 4.
- Reconnect the wires to the terminals of the new element. Ensure connections are tight and secure.
- Replace the plastic terminal cover and the insulation.
- Reattach the outer access panel.
Refill the Tank and Purge Air:
- Close the water heater’s drain valve completely.
- Turn on the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
- Go to the hot water faucet you opened earlier (or any hot water faucet in your home) and let it run until all air is purged from the tank and a steady stream of water flows out. This is crucial to prevent dry firing of the elements.
- Check for leaks around the newly installed elements. If you see any, tighten the element slightly more.
Restore Power and Test:
- Once you’re absolutely sure the tank is full of water and there are no leaks, go back to your electrical panel.
- Flip the water heater’s breaker back to the “ON” position.
- It will take some time for the water to heat up (an 80-gallon tank can take a few hours for the first full heating cycle). Monitor the system for the next few hours and check for consistent hot water.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Element Replacement

Even with careful execution, sometimes issues can arise after an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement. Here are solutions to common problems with 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement:

No Hot Water After Replacement

Check Breaker: Ensure the breaker for the water heater is still in the “ON” position.
Thermostat Reset: Your Bradford White water heater has high-limit reset buttons on its thermostats (usually red). If the water heater overheated at some point, these might have tripped. Push the button firmly to reset.
Wiring Check: Double-check all wiring connections at the elements and thermostats. Loose wires can prevent proper operation.
Element Test: If you didn’t test the new elements before installation, test them now to ensure they weren’t faulty out of the box.

Leaking Around New Elements

Tighten Element: The most common cause is the element not being tightened enough. With the power OFF and water supply OFF, drain a small amount of water from the tank (just enough to drop below the element level), then gently tighten the element a bit more.
Thread Sealant/Tape: Ensure you used enough pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape on the threads of the new element. If not, you might need to drain the tank completely, remove the element, reapply sealant, and reinstall.
Cross-Threading: In rare cases, the element might have been cross-threaded during installation. This requires removing the element and carefully re-threading it.

Breaker Tripping After Replacement

Shorted Element: A new element can sometimes be faulty or become shorted if installed incorrectly. Test the new elements for continuity and for a short to ground (as described in step 3 of the replacement guide).
Incorrect Wiring: Ensure no bare wires are touching the tank or other metal components, which could cause a short.
Incorrect Wattage: Verify the new elements match the wattage of the original elements and your water heater’s specifications. Using elements with higher wattage than the circuit can handle will cause the breaker to trip.

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still facing issues, it’s always wise to call a licensed plumber or electrician. They can safely diagnose and resolve more complex electrical or plumbing problems.

Beyond Replacement: Maximizing Your Water Heater’s Lifespan and Efficiency

Completing an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement not only restores your hot water but also presents an opportunity to enhance your system’s overall performance and longevity. Understanding the benefits of 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement goes beyond just hot water.

Immediate Benefits of Timely Element Replacement:

Consistent Hot Water: Say goodbye to cold showers and waiting endlessly for hot water.
Lower Energy Bills: New, efficient elements don’t have to work as hard, consuming less electricity. This is a significant eco-friendly 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement benefit.
Extended Water Heater Lifespan: By addressing failing components, you reduce strain on other parts of the system, potentially extending the life of your entire unit.
Reduced Risk of Further Damage: A failing element can sometimes lead to thermostat issues or other electrical problems if left unaddressed.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices for Your Water Heater:

Beyond the immediate fix, consider these tips for a more sustainable 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement and operation:

Set the Temperature Wisely: Most experts recommend setting your water heater to 120°F (49°C). This is hot enough for most household needs, prevents scalding, and significantly reduces energy consumption compared to higher settings.
Insulate Your Tank: If your water heater is in an unheated space (like a garage or basement), an insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss, saving energy.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the tank can further reduce heat loss and speed up hot water delivery.

Ongoing 80 gal Bradford White Water Heater Element Replacement Care Guide:

Regular maintenance is key to preventing premature element failure and ensuring peak efficiency.

Annual Tank Flush: Drain a few gallons of water from the tank annually to remove sediment buildup. Sediment can insulate elements and reduce tank capacity.
Check the Anode Rod: This sacrificial rod protects your tank from corrosion. It should be inspected every 3-5 years and replaced if it’s heavily corroded.
Inspect Elements Periodically: During your annual flush, if you’re comfortable, you can remove and inspect the elements for heavy scaling or signs of wear.
Monitor for Leaks: Regularly check around the base of your water heater and connections for any signs of leaks.

By integrating these practices, you’re not just replacing a part; you’re investing in the long-term efficiency and reliability of your home’s hot water system.

Frequently Asked Questions About 80 gal Bradford White Water Heater Element Replacement

How often should water heater elements be replaced?

There’s no fixed schedule, as it depends on water quality and usage. However, in homes with hard water, elements might need replacement every 5-10 years. In softer water areas, they could last 10-15 years or more. Look for the signs of failure discussed earlier rather than relying on a strict timeline.

Can I replace just one element in my 80-gallon Bradford White water heater?

Yes, you can replace just the failed element. However, it’s often a smart move to replace both the upper and lower elements at the same time. If one has failed, the other is likely nearing the end of its lifespan, and replacing both prevents having to drain the tank and repeat the process again soon.

What’s the difference between a screw-in and a bolt-on element?

A screw-in element has threads that screw directly into a threaded port in the water heater tank, sealed with a gasket. A bolt-on element (less common in modern residential units) uses a flange that is bolted to the tank, sealed with a large gasket. Most Bradford White electric water heaters use screw-in elements.

Why is my new element tripping the breaker?

A new element tripping the breaker usually indicates a short circuit. This could be due to a faulty element right out of the box, incorrect wiring (e.g., a bare wire touching the tank), or an element installed without the tank being fully refilled (dry firing). Always ensure the tank is full before restoring power.

When should I call a professional for element replacement?

While many DIYers can tackle this job, you should call a licensed plumber or electrician if you:

Are uncomfortable working with electricity and plumbing.
Encounter rust or severe corrosion around the elements, indicating a potentially compromised tank.
Can’t drain the tank completely.
Have tried troubleshooting common issues after replacement without success.
Suspect other components (like thermostats or wiring) might be faulty.

Your Hot Water, Restored!

Tackling an 80 gal Bradford White water heater element replacement might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, tools, and a clear guide, it’s a perfectly achievable task. You’ve not only saved money but also gained valuable insight into the workings of your home’s hot water system.

Remember, consistent hot water and efficient energy use are hallmarks of a well-maintained home. By following these steps and incorporating our care tips, you’re ensuring your 80-gallon Bradford White water heater continues to serve your family reliably for years to come. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you ever feel out of your depth—your safety and comfort are paramount. Stay safe and stay comfortable!

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David Clark

Founder & Lead HVAC Specialist at HVACRLY

David Clark is the founder of HVACrly and a certified HVAC specialist with 10+ years working on residential and light-commercial systems. He turns complex heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration topics into clear, actionable guides focused on safety and energy efficiency. When he’s not on a service call, he’s testing tools and writing step-by-step tutorials.