Removing Plumbers Tape When Reinstalling Threaded Heating Element

Updated 09/20/2019 | Published 09/19/2019

Question:

I have a long threaded heating element. Having trouble screwing it back in to the water heater. It want thread in correctly. May have to remove the plumers tape to get it going. Any sugestions

asked by: Gary B

Expert Reply:

If you need to remove the plumbers tape along with using the Camco Wrench for Screw-In Water Heater Element # CAM09883, you can sometimes pull the entire piece off at once by hand but most of the time it's dried and stuck in your threads. You can remove the more difficult pieces from the male end with a wire brush that should remove the tape without damaging the threads.

After you've removed the tape, use a wet rag to wipe away the residue that often remains from teflon tape. Brushing the female end with a toothbrush and water can help remove the remaining tape and ensure a clean surface. Finally use a rag to dry both ends before reapplying new plumbers tape.

expert reply by: Patrick R