Camco universal screw-in elements fit virtually all residential 240V electric tank water heaters using the standard 1-1/2" element thread. They are the most widely stocked aftermarket elements at plumbing supply houses, hardware stores, and online. Camco offers three density variants suited to different water quality conditions.
Element options and water hardness guide
- 4500W High-Watt Density ($20-30): Standard screw-in element for soft-to-moderate water. Higher surface watt density heats water faster but builds mineral scale faster in hard water conditions. Fits 40- and 50-gallon tanks.
- 4500W Low-Watt Density ($25-35): The correct choice for hard water (above 7 gpg hardness). The larger element surface area reduces the surface temperature per square inch, dramatically slowing scale accumulation on the element surface. Extends service life 2-3x in hard water.
- 5500W Heavy Duty ($25-35): Higher wattage for faster recovery in high-demand households. Requires verifying the existing circuit capacity (30A minimum per element). Best for 50-gallon or larger tanks with multiple simultaneous users.
Thread types
- Screw-in (threaded, 1-1/2" hex): Most common residential type. Fits AO Smith, Rheem, State, Reliance, Bradford White, and most other brands.
- Bolt-in (4-bolt flange): Less common; found on some older Bradford White and GE models. Camco stocks bolt-in elements separately -- verify before ordering.
Replacement procedure
- Turn off the circuit breaker and verify zero voltage with a non-contact tester.
- Drain the tank below the element port.
- Disconnect the two element leads and unscrew using a 1-1/2" element socket.
- Install the replacement with a new neoprene gasket -- hand-tight plus a quarter turn, no more.
- Refill the tank completely before restoring power. A dry element burns out within seconds.
Cost
- 4500W high-watt density: $20-30
- 4500W low-watt density: $25-35
- 5500W heavy duty: $25-35