What thread are water heater elements?

[LD1]

Wondering if anyone knows off the top of their heads what thread heater elements are.

Looking to get a thermometer to put in place of the upper element in my buffer tank for my 2-tank geothermal DHW heating setup.

Going to Menards this afternoon to get the pex and fittings to plumb it and wanted to see what they have

 

[brasco426]

I believe NPT is standard

 

[LD1]

what size is what I was really looking for

 

[mjw357]

1" NPT I think. See if they have a replacement element there to check.

 

[Zerk]

I bet menards sells elements. Match it up.

 

[kcflhrc]

water heater elements are standard 1" IPS threads.

 

[Mysfyt]

I did a little search and it looks like 1"npt is pretty standard for most home water heaters. Did see one that was 1-1/4"npt, but it was a larger 6500 watt.

 

[techman]

Be a bit careful. I believe that the thread in the tank is a straight thread since O-rings or gaskets are used to seal the element. So an NPT tapered pipe or fitting may not easily seal, or seal poorly (leak). For your need I would start with an old element, remove the element and electrical connections with a saw and grinder, weld or braze the holes shut then drill and tap a 1/8" or 1/4" NPT to fit your thermometer. You could also remove the P/T valve on top, which is a 3/4" or 1" NPT and use an adapter to fit the thermometer.

Paul

 

[Xfaxman]

Check your tank for an optional T&P plugged pipe fitting on the top of the tank, like mine has.

 

[LD1]

Check your tank for an optional T&P plugged pipe fitting on the top of the tank, like mine has.

Tank has the T&P valve. Want to leave it there. Are you saying yours has a second T&P port?