Replacing The Heating Element in the Boiler: Cost, Process and Common Causes Of Failure

Water heating in boilers becomes possible through the main boiler component called the tubular electric heating element (TEE). Heating elements are in the same category as other equipment because their operational life ends due to multiple possible failure triggers. The heating process for water may stop completely, or the boiler will operate less efficiently. Changing heating elements constitutes a usual service procedure that untrained persons and experts can execute. The following article examines heating element replacement costs and steps needed for replacement and explains the types of heating elements and their origins of failure. 

Causes of heating element failure

Heating elements can fail for several main reasons:

1. Scale and mineral buildup: Scale formation coupled with mineral buildup is the reason heating elements fail, and it is because of its effects on heating elements. Scaling on heating elements decreases efficiency and makes the heating element heat past recommended levels, thus reducing its operational life. 
2. Overheating of the heating element: The heating element experiences excessive temperature, one leading cause of its failure. The problem occurs from faulty thermostats or insufficient water in the boiler tank. An overheated heating element causes its breakdown.
3. Mechanical damage: The heating element becomes damaged when it faces mechanical pressure at any time. The boiler and its components sustain damage when dropping heavy items onto it or when plumber Ottawa performs unsatisfactory installation methods. 
4. Wear and tear over time: Heating elements have a limited lifespan like any other appliance. They can fail due to normal wear and tear on the materials.
5. Faulty thermostat: Heating elements will experience failure because of the typical deterioration that affects their component materials. A broken thermostat will force the heating element to stay switched on at high heat distributions, destroying it.

The cost of replacing the heating element

A boiler heating element replacement is evaluated by multiple variables, including the boiler model, alongside location specifics and heating element material pricing. A replacement for a Canadian heating element costs between 150 and 400 Canadian dollars, but the bill depends on the parts’ expenses and technical difficulty. Contacting a professional for Boiler Repair will incur a work fee that must be considered, among other costs. Superior Plumbing and Heating can perform quality water heater repairs, including heating element replacement and other maintenance services. For accurate price quotes and advice, contact a plumber Ottawa directly to learn more about the cost of repair work.

Types of heating elements and their replacement

Different heating elements exist, and distinctive methods are used for their replacement. This essay explains the basic types of heating elements together with their replacement methods. 

Wet heating element

A heating element becomes known as wet when it interacts with boiler water. The replacement process for this component remains straightforward. Before removing the heating element, you should turn off the boiler and drain the water before unscrewing the fasteners, allowing you to remove the element. After the system connection of the new heating element, a check is performed during water pouring. Perform a leak test to verify boiler water tightness and the satisfactory water heating performance. 

Dry heating element

Dry heating elements do not come into contact with water; they heat only the metal tube. A boiler technician should turn off the power to the boiler system before extracting the element-bearing tube from its position. Check for leaks before installing the new heating element, and then connect the boiler. Check that the new heating element tube is installed securely without water leakage throughout the process. 

Boilers with multiple heating elements

A boiler with various heating elements allows single-element replacement without requiring the replacement of all elements. The repair entails shutting down the boiler before checking each element and substituting defective items, followed by checking element operation when repair work is complete. Post-replacement testing: you should verify the correct operation of all heating elements during different modes and adequate water temperature management.

How a plumber Ottawa would do it

Professionals specializing in Toronto boiler repair begin every procedure with complete problem diagnosis. A full replacement of faulty elements constitutes only part of the repair process since the technician needs to confirm that other boiler sections remain intact.

Stages of work:

• Complete disconnection of the boiler from the electrical network.
• Drain the water from the boiler and thoroughly clean all connections.
• Replacing the faulty heating element and checking the new part.
• Check the tightness of all connections to the network.
• Testing the boiler for performance.

Recommendations for preventing breakdowns:

• Regular descaling of the boiler, especially in regions with hard water.
• Check the thermostat for proper temperature control.
• Timely replacement of worn elements.

Conclusion

Scale and mineral buildup on the heating element reduces its efficiency, which can lead to overheating and rapid failure. Minerals deposited on the component increase its workload, which in turn causes overheating and damage to the heating element. This process usually occurs gradually, reducing heat transfer and increasing the load on the boiler.

A faulty thermostat can be another cause of heating element failure. If the thermostat does not turn off the heating element in time or does not work properly, it can lead to overheating of the water and damage to the heating element. The heating element will run for an excessively long time,