Are you having a hard time due to limescale build-up in your water heater? Do you require the best water heater element for hard water to boost the water heater’s performance? If yes, read our content ahead and pick the best water heater element in 2023!
Many water heaters die prematurely when hard water begins to deteriorate the heating elements. The running expenses will also increase due to limescale build-up.
In our content, we have highlighted the seven best water heater elements along with premium guidelines. We have also answered the most frequent inquiries. Thus our reviews will surely be of great help & lead you to the right type of water heater element. So, Let’s not procrastinate and jump in now!
How Does The Water Heater Element Work?
When the water is cold, the built-in thermostat of the water heater sends an electrical current to the water heater elements. Generally, water heaters feature two heating elements. Firstly the top one activates and warms up the half water. Then the lower element activates and completes the job. Once the water has reached the required temperature, the thermostat ceases the flow of electrical current.
Why Do You Require The Best Water Heater Element For Hard Water?
By hard water, we basically mean water, with either a High concentration of magnesium & or calcium. If the water heater conditions hard water, it will leave sediments (calcium deposition) behind. Such sedimentation can obstruct the whole communication between the thermostat & the water element. It can ultimately lead to water heater dysfunction and even explosion. Only a high-end water heater element can survive through the sediment build-up.
What Are The Type Of Water Heater Elements?
Before choosing the right water heater element, you must have a clear idea of the different types of water heater elements. The most common ones are –
High-Density Water Heater Element
This is the most affordable water heater element. It is made up of copper and features a zinc coating. Such designs are available in either flange or bolt attachments. During enormous heat production, high-density heating elements are more prone to damage & corrosion.
Low-Density Water Heater Element
If you require a high-quality water heater element at a mid budget level, the low watt density water heater element will be the best choice indeed.
Its components are less vulnerable to corrosion due to their large surface. You will require a screw-type connection for proper installation. These copper elements usually come with silver & magnesium carbonate plating.
Ultra-Low Density Water Heater Element
This is basically the stainless steel water heater element. Among all, this one is the most pricey and highly efficient in bearing limescale build-up.
Low Watt Density Water Heater Element Vs. High Watt Density Water Heater Element
As a beginner, you might have a tough time choosing between different types of water heater elements. Let’s compare the low & high-density water heating elements in a tabulated format now!
| High-Density Water Heater Element | Low-Density Water Heater Element |
| High-density elements feature copper components with zinc coating. | Low-Density elements have a copper body with magnesium or silver plating. |
| These heating elements are more sensitive to corrosion. | They are less vulnerable to corrosion. |
| It requires a bolt or flange attachment. | It requires screw attachments. |
| It is cheap. | It is comparatively pricey. |
Our Top Picks!
Nowadays, lives are quite busy, and going through a detailed review article might seem like a drag. So, in this section, we have listed the top products which are renowned for their user-friendliness as well as performance. Be very wise and choose the right one according to the requirements.
Best Wrench For Hex Head Design: Camco 5″ Screw-In Water Heater Element: This is a zinc-plated wrench with a screw-in design to smoothly remove or replace the heating elements.
Best High-Density Water Heater Element: Camco High Watt Density Screw-In Water Heater Element: This is an affordable solution compatible with most water heaters out there.
Best Water Heater Element Overall: Suburban 520900 Water Heater Element: It’s the best tool with high compatibility for the whole SW series.
Best Low-Density Water Heater Element: Camco 240V Low Watt Density Water Heater Element: Camco has developed this heating element for users who are suffering from water sedimentation.
Best Heating Element For Superior Fittings: Rheem SP10869MM Screw-In 240-volt 4500-watt Element: This unit offers great fittings for ease of installation.
Best Repairing Kit For Affordability: Rheem SP20060 Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit: Rheem has manufactured this classy tune-up kit, which features functional heating elements, a thermostat, and gaskets.
Best Heating Element For Ecosmart Water Heaters: Ecosmart HE 55220 Heating Element: This high-quality heating element is easy to replace & install.
Reviews On The Best Water Heater Element For Hard Water: Check Out The Latest Update Now!
The modern market of water heating elements is pretty huge and overwhelming. That’s why, in this section, we have reviewed the best water heating elements suitable for most residential water heaters. Let’s check the
Camco 5″ Screw-In Water Heater Element
If you are having a hard time replacing the water heater element, the Camco screw-in wrench is definitely the most effortless solution. This heavy-duty & high efficient zinc plated wrench can pass through offsets where regular wrenches can’t. Due to its high compatibility with hex-style residential water heater elements, most users have highly appreciated it.
Specifications:
- Brand: Camco.
- Model Number: 09883.
- Item Dimensions: 8.5″ x 1.8″ x 3.6″.
- Head Style: Hex.
- Item Weight: 0.66 Pounds.
- Size: Single Unit
- Color: Multi.
- Batteries Required: No.
- Battery Cell Type: Zinc.
Features:
- Camco has come with a zinc plates screw-in water heater element.
- It is around 5 inches long.
- The heating element is compatible with residential heaters with a 1-1/2″ hex screw-in design.
- It features cross holes for easy removal & installation. Just utilize a screwdriver and adjust the torque as per requirements.
- Users can install this one for residential water heaters.
What Does The Customer Like?
This is the perfect tool that offers proper grip to remove the hex-style screw-in water elements. The holes are large enough to run the screwdriver smoothly. It is definitely a nice tool for the price.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
Its materials are a bit cheap.
Camco High Watt Density Screw-In Water Heater Element
The brand Camco has manufactured a high Watt water heater element for different replacement situations. This element can function in any consequences as long as 120V voltage & 2000 W wattage is used.
High-density heating elements are quite suitable for residential water heaters. Thankfully this screw-in design shows high compatibility with most models of premium brands produced after 1994.
Specifications:
- Brand: Camco.
- Item Dimensions: 7.68″ x 1.75″ x 1.75″.
- Item Weight: 0.4 lbs.
- Heat Output: 2000 Watts.
Features:
- Camco high-density water heater elements can function with most water heaters of 120V & 2000W.
- This unit is pretty convenient to set up.
- It is chrome plated externally and features copper tubes for collecting mineral deposition.
- As it is chrome plated, it won’t rust but will be oxidized over a long period.
- The tank diamond is around 9 inches minimally.
- The brand has provided detailed instructions for replacement or installation.
- This high wattage heating element is compatible with classy brands like Bradford White, American, GE, GS Wood, Sears, Mor-Flo, Reliance, Whirlpool, and many more.
What Does The Customer Like?
Camco High-density heating element is a cheap yet classy solution when the water heater breaks due to sedimentation build-up. It will only take 1 or 2 hours to install it. This unit will function as long as the heater supports 120V elements.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
Some customers have complained about their poor delivery service.
Suburban 520900 Water Heater Element
The suburban Water heater is a screw-in heating element to reduce limescale build-up in the water heater. You will require 120V voltage and 1440 W mounting specifically to install this unit. Other than the screw-in heating element, their package contains a gasket with specific compatibility for the SW series.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Suburban.
- Brand: Suburban.
- Model: 520900.
- Item Weight: 6.6 ounces.
- Product Dimensions: 15.01″ x 8.78″ x 4.9″.
- Package Dimensions: (3.7 x 27.7 x 6.1) c.m.
- Package weight : 0.235 kg.
- Fit: Universal.
- Country of Origin: China.
Features:
- Suburban screw-in water heater elements offer a nice & universal fit.
- Users will require a 1-½” socket for installation & replacement.
- This model is compatible with SW series heaters, including – sw6del, sw12de, sw16de, etc.
What Does The Customer Like?
This is a universal fit for Suburban Water heaters. Every customer has loved it for its overall performance. It is quite easy to assemble as well.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
The company didn’t provide any installation guidelines.
Camco 240V Low Watt Density Water Heater Element
Are you suffering through the issues of a limescale build-up? If yes, go for the Camco 240V heating element as it is the best low-watt density water heater element.
The 02583 model can only be mounted with 240V & 4500W units. Camco has developed this screw-in heating element specifically for residential water heaters. Low-density elements feature a special fold-back style for high efficiency and reduced sedimentation.
Specifications:
- Model: 02583.
- Brand: Camco.
- Head Style: Square.
- Item Dimensions: 11.69″ x 1.75″ x 1.75″.
- Tank Diameter: 13 inches.
- Item Weight: 11.2 ounces.
- Country of Origin: China.
Features:
- They are highly efficient in decreasing sedimentation.
- This unit is easy to assemble & clean.
- The element is around 10.75 inches and can easily accommodate in a tank of 13 inches.
- The package contains gaskets for proper fittings.
- Camco 02583 heating element shows superior compatibility with the models manufactured after 1994. These brands include – Rudd, Sears, State, Bradford White, Craftmaster, Whirlpool, etc.
What Does The Customer Like?
Camco 240V Low Watt Density Water Heater Element offers the best performance as it can reduce limescale build-up with low electricity usage. Moreover, it can heat up the water within the shortest possible time. This element was easy to install or replace. You will definitely love it for its price.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
Some customers didn’t like its packaging.
Rheem SP10869MM Screw-In 240-volt 4500-watt Element
Rheem is a leading brand in the world of air conditioners, gas furnaces, and water heaters. From that lineup, it has manufactured a low-watt density screw-in heating element to reduce the issues of sedimentation. It’s a value for many products with extreme energy efficiency. Among different types of water heater elements, Rheem SP10869MM is the best stainless steel water heating element in 2023.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Rheem.
- Part Number: SP10869MM.
- Item Weight: 14.4 ounces.
- Product Dimensions: 15″ x 6″ x 3″.
- Country of Origin: China.
Features:
- Install this low-Density Water Heater Element in the input of 208V & 3380 Watt.
- The element is around 13.44 inches long, and the overall diameter is around 0.316 inches.
- It features a threaded attachment with an NPSM configuration.
- The thread’s length is 1 inch, and the external diameter is around 1-9/32 inches.
What Does The Customer Like?
This is a quality element with superior fittings. It’s super easy and less time-consuming to install.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
The company didn’t honor the warranty.
Ecosmart HE 55220 Heating Element
Ecosmart HE 55220 heating elements are especially suitable for tankless 5.5 kW units. You can only use this element only if the mounting voltage is around 220 V. The brand has specially designed it for the US. So, international users will require adapters or converters to install the heating element at their destination.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Ecosmart Water Heaters.
- Part Number: HE55K208V.
- Item Weight: 11 ounces.
- Product Dimensions: 10″ x 2″ x 2″.
- Voltage: 220 V.
- Country of Origin: China.
Features:
- Ecosmart heating element shows high compatibility with tankless Eco Pou 6, Eco 8 & 11.
- This heating element measures around 8.5 inches.
- Users can mount it only with 220V & 5.5KW units.
What Does The Customer Like?
If the Ecosmart water heater has malfunctioned, purchasing the Ecosmart heating element will definitely sort the issue. The best thing about Ecosmart is – that, unlike the competitors, its OEM parts are available in the market. Customers didn’t face any leakage problems as well.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
Some customers had a hard time fitting the new O rings.
Rheem SP20060 Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit
The brand Rheem has come with a high-quality tune-up kit to replace the parts of the electric water heater. Due to this kit, replacing the OEM components has become super convenient & straightforward. Its 240V 4500W heating element & gasket is quite efficient. This unit is compatible with water heaters with 1-inch screw-in heating elements.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Rheem.
- Part Number: SP20060.
- Item Weight: 2 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 4.5″ x 0.8″ x 16.6″.
- Country of Origin: China.
- Size: 2.
- Finish: Bronze/Copper Metallic.
- Material: Copper and Plastic.
- Voltage: 240 Volts.
- Wattage: 4500 watts.
Features:
- Rheem tune-up kit contains a 1-inches screw-in water heater element, thermostat & gasket.
- The water element is compatible with 4500W & 240V mounts.
- This kit is pretty efficient and has eased up the overall installation procedure.
What Does The Customer Like?
This kit has eased up the whole repairing procedure. So, customers didn’t have to waste their money on replacing the entire water heater. Get a water element wrench, and installation will become easier than ever before. The provided heating element & thermostat is pretty functional.
What Does The Customer Dislike?
Some customers have complained about poor customer service and not receiving a refund.
How To Choose The Best Water Heater Element For Hard Water?
Choosing the most suitable heating element for the water heater is certainly not easy. You have to match it up with the style of the water heater. Other than that, there are many other factors to consider like – material, wattage, attachment, or any other features. Let’s check out below as we have discussed that below in detail!
Tank Or Tankless:
Before choosing a water heater element, you must be clear about your requirements. Tankless water heaters are highly portable, affordable, and energy-efficient. On the contrary, tank water heaters offer a good solution for storing water up to 50 gallons. Depending on your heating system, choose the most suitable element.
Material:
Checking out the material of the element is necessary indeed. Go for the material which has a high strength to bear sedimentation.
Wattage:
Choose the correct wattage before investing in the best water heater element. If the element wattage is lower than the heater wattage, the element won’t heat up the water on time properly. If the element wattage is higher than required, then it will function too much & drain early.
Attachment Type:
The most common attachments are –
Flange Type:
Flange-type attachments feature four small bolts.
Threaded Type:
If you have a modern water heater, a threaded attachment will be the best one. Take a large wrench and install the water heater elements and install them on either side of the tank with two bolts.
Energy Efficiency:
The most energy-efficient element will offer the best performance at a low cost. So, be very careful while choosing the heating element as the electricity bill is a major point of consideration.
Features:
Nowadays, High-quality water heating elements feature special technology to prevent sedimentation. Such technologies include – mineral deposition reduction or inhibition.
Besides, you can also focus on other factors like – flow rate, first-hour rate, or recovery rate.
FAQ:
- How long do electric water heaters last with hard water?
Hard Water can greatly affect the overall longevity of the electric water heater. That’s because – hard water causes mineral deposition leading to decreased efficiency. According to our research, limescale build-up can reduce the heater’s lifespan by up to 2 years.
- Which water heater element is best?
Among different types of water heater elements, ultra-low-density heating elements are the best indeed. They are made up of stainless steel or nickel and can easily bear sedimentation. Even though they are energy efficient, they are relatively pricey.
From the overly concentrated market, we would recommend Rheem SP20060 Electric Water Heater as the best one for its superior compatibility and convenient threaded attachment. However, if you have a low budget, go for Camco 240V Low Watt Density Water Heater Element; it is highly affordable yet functional against sedimentation as well.
- How to protect the water heater from hard water?
Hard Water contains excess minerals, especially calcium, which is harmless to our body but can largely reduce the efficiency of water heaters. The most effective way to protect the water heater from hard water is to install a water softener. It will prevent calcium deposition not only in the water heaters but also in the whole plumbing system.
Final Verdict
What is the best water element for hard water? What To look for in the best water heater element? Will you go for a high density or a low density one? I believe you have already found answers to all of these queries. In our content, we have listed only the premium quality water heating elements of 2023.
However, among all, we would recommend the Suburban 520900 Water Heater Element & Camco 240V Low Watt Density Water Heater Element for their efficiency and performance. You can go for any of our suggested heating elements as per the requirements. So, are you ready to replace the heating elements and improve the overall performance of the water heater?
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