the old element next to the new element-there is 2x as much length as you see in this view

There was a knock on the door-the first I ever heard since being here..."UPS". It was my special water heater element. The thing is full of curves-squeezing 5500 watts of element into a space normally reserved for less. The old one had come out reluctantly and it's original shape was unknown- but now I suspect it was just like the new one. The new one went right in and is working fine...and no leaks in any of the hot water lines either. So, I cleaned the tub and took a bath and then shut the water heater off with the switch in the closet after giving the water time to heat up fully. Fifty gallons of hot water is such over kill for me but the heater was free so I figured I'd go with it for now. It's so nice having running hot water- next, a washing machine please.