OK, lets take a look at the two procedures which have been
described.
1) The Chris procedure. Open TP vavle to relieve pressure.
Close both the TP valve, and all the hot faucets. Put the
necessary thread sealant on the new element. Remove the
element, and replace as quickly as possible, while still
being careful. A little bit of water comes out the element
hole, can't be avoided. Since the faucets upstairs are
closed, the vapor lock helps hold the water in the heater. A
helper uses a bucket or pan, and catches as much of the
water as possible.
2) A smug, condescending asshole Dufas goes to change the
elements on electric water heater. Confidently and smugly,
he derides that good for nothing Mormon guy. Dufas closes
the TP valve, and opens the hot water faucets. Loosening the
heater element, gravity pulls water out of the hole left by
the element. Air rushes in the hot water faucet, the water
pours out of the element hole, as air rushes in the hot
water faucet(s) upstairs. Dufas pours water all over the
floor, curses, and runs to get a mop. All the time declaring
how superior he is, to that dumb Mormon. Dufas turns water
on, water sprays out the threads, the new element doesn't
have any thread sealer.

Yeah, you got me that time. I really look stupid. Can I hand
you a towel?

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"The Daring Dufas" wrote
in message ...
Stormin Mormon wrote:
That doesn't square with what I have been told. Close the
cold inlet. Open a hot faucet, to relieve the pressure.
And
then *close* the faucet. You sure don't want a bunch of
air
coming in the faucet, and allowing the water to drain out.
Bad enough that some air gets in the element hole.


I don't think you completely read my post.

"Hint, close the T/P valve first and any open hot
water faucets." This was after relieving pressure.

Premature postification, it happens to all men sooner
or later. *snicker*

TDD