What wrench is needed to replace the heating element?

It isn't recommended to replace a heating element. It isn't cost efficient and could be dangerous.

Need more info is it a tank tankless. your element is going bad if you do not want to do it get a plumper but if you can turn a wrench its easy I say again easy
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+wire+a+double+element+hot+water+heater&qpvt=how+to+wire+a+double+element+hot+water+heater&FORM=VDRE
Make sure you turn off the electric you can save a fortune doing it your self. and as long as you follow the instruction you',ll be fine make sure you have water in the tank before turning the tank back on or you will burn up the element

The most likely malfunction is that one or both of the heating elements have shorted out. The elements are not that hard to replace but does take large wrenches. The elements can be purchased at Lowe's or HD.

NOTE: I would recommend you replace both heating elements since they seem to go about the same time.

Buy elements at local hardware store or home center, like Lowes
Look at label on side of tank.
Label shows element wattage.
Element is also printed on end of element in tiny letters-numbers.
Typical elements are 4500 and 5500 watts.
Tank needs 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker for 5500 watt element.

Water heaters are fully repairable by homeowner.

1) Have you tested water heater to see if element is problem? You need cheap multi-meter from Home Depot.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

2) To change element
a) turn off power
b) drain water from drain valve ... once it starts draining, loosen element slightly while tank still has weight to hold against you turning element wrench.
Here's what to do if water heater won't drain:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-will-not-drain.html
c) open covers on tank, remove element using element-wrench from hardware store or home center.
If element won't come out:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-remove-old-water-heater-element.html
d) Clean out tank if needed.
e) Replace element.
f) Fill tank entirely with water before turning on power or element will burn out.
g) Once tank is filled, and water flows steady out of tub spout, turn on power.
Each steps above is shown on following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html

3) You need to buy some things:
Screw-in type (not bolt-in type) Element that matches wattage on tank label. New Element comes with washer.
Inexpensive Element wrench.
Inexpensive multimeter if you are going to test parts first.
Some pieces of pipe and hose if tank sediment needs to be cleaned out.
Washing machine hose if tank will not drain (return after job is done).

4) Also:
You need flat tip and phillips screwdriver.
Lighting to work on tank
Some WD-40 if element is stuck in place.
Garden hose to drain tank.
Shop vac and duct tape if you need to vacuum out sediment.
Tarp to protect floor and carpet
Maybe a knife to cut back insulation on wire if wire is burned at element.

Web links above go through entire process step by step.
Add a comment if you need more help, I'll be back around 5 CST

The first thing to do is shut off power supply to the heater. Then while water is still on hook up garden hose to drain valve on bottom of heater. Place hose to floor drain or some other location for safe drainage. Open drain valve and if it starts draining at a good rate then shut water supply valve off to heater. You will want to open hot side of closest faucet to prevent vacumn which will slow or stop draining. After heater is done draining shut off drain valve and faucet . Remove the cover plates on top and bottpm of heater. Usually four small screws. Locate heating elements and disconnect wiring,label if you need to for reinstallation. There are two kinds of heating elements,one is held in place with 4 hex head bolts,and the other is screwed in. If yours has the bolts carefully remove to avoid breaking bolts.Then just pull out to remove To reinstall there will be a new rubber gasket with element, fit it in place and insert element back in heater. Reconnect wires. If there are no bolts apparent then the element screws into heater. You will need a pipe wrench or large wrench to remove the element. The same thing with this element is that it should have a new rubber gasket. Put gasket in place and wrap threads with 5 to 6 wraps of teflon tape. Install element and tighten snugly. Connect wires,refill with water and check for leaks. If no leaks then turn power back on. Put cover plates back on and you're done. I hope this helps you. Thanks

'Rheem 81VP15S point of use' is a single-element, 15 gallon, 120V electric.
Other 'point-of-use' sizes range from 2-1/2 to 6 gallon to 20 gallon.

Electric water heaters have 2 parts: thermostat and element. One is not functioning correctly. Most likely the element caused by sediment build-up.

How to determine if tank has element or thermostat problem:
Do not turn off water going into tank. Put hose on drain valve. Open drain valve. Does water come out like open spigot? If water does not flow, then heater is likely clogged with sediment.

Solution 1: If water flows out like a spigot, the thermostat is probably bad. Read: How to replace thermostat.

Solution 2: Water does not flow, so element is surrounded by sediment build-up and cannot heat water. You need to clean out tank with shop vac, and put in new element ... plan full day and 3 trips to hardware store. Simply draining tank will not remove sediment. Sediment is chunky and will not come out voluntarily.

Buy element before starting:
-Turn off electricity
-Open cover on side of tank, remove insulation (these have to be put back for proper operation of thermostat)
-The are 2 electrical parts >>the element and the thermostat which is located above element
-Element wattage is printed on element and also shows on label on side of tank
-I think Rheem element is held in place with 4 hex bolts
-Take photo of element to hardware store so you have part on hand before removing old element
-If element is 1-1/2' diameter hex type, you need inexpensive element wrench from hardware store + the element

Drain tank and clean sediment:
-Read: To open drain on water heater so water comes out
-Read: How to clean sediment out of water heater

Hi,
Thios tip tells how to replace the element and has a picture of the tool that you need to replace that hot water heating element...

How to replace the Thermostat and Element for Electric Hot Water Heater
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4656414-replace_thermostat_element_electric_hot

heatman101

most of electric element is 1 1/2" socket. No need to hire pro , at www.bangslush.com they sell the element socket for only $ 14.95 with free shipping. The socket is especially engineer for 1 1/2" water heater elements, the socket not like other, the elements is snug fit for easy removal and replacement. it also snap on onto the socket the element will not fall off the socket

you need to purchase an element wrench from a hardware or plumbing outfit, power down unit,remove 2 wires off element and use wrench to loosen element and turn out and reverse to replace

after you shut off electric and water and drain tank they are unscrewed. they make a large socket like wrench to remove i have also removed using a basin wrench