Electric water heater installation is a great do-it-yourself task. It really isn't as hard as you may think. If you're not afraid of doing some basic electrical work and plumbing, you can save yourself some money.
The average service life of a water heater is between 8 to 12 years. If your heater is reaching old age, it might be time to consider a water heater replacement.. Looking at a new energy efficient model would be a wise choice and an electric water heater could save you money in the long run. You can read our reviews of the best electric tankless water heaters on the market today.
How to Install an Electric Water Heater
Once you've decided that your best solution is to purchase another water heater, it's time to get down to the job of getting it installed. Keep in mind, when the job is done, you'll have an old water heater to junk. Here's a list of the tools and supplies you'll need to get your electric water heater installed properly:
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Step 1: Remove the Old Water Heater
- Turn OFF the electricity to the water heater at the electrical panel.
- Check the water heater's electrical wiring with a voltage detector to make sure that no power is reaching the unit.
- Label the wires with tape to mark how they are connected.
- Disconnect the wires.
- Open the hot water faucet in the house and let it run until the water is cool.
- Shut OFF the cold water supply to the water heater.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve.
- Open the valve and drain the tank.
- Open a faucet to allow air into the tank.
- Remove the T&P discharge pipe from the T&P valve.
- Set the discharge pipe aside to use later.
- Disconnect the water supply pipes.
- Remove the old tank using a hand truck.
Step 2: Install the New Water Heater
- Set the new tank into a drain pan.
- Install the T&P discharge pipe to the T&P valve.
- Wrap the hot and cold heat trap nipples with plumbers tape.
- Attach the flexible hoses to the hot & cold heat trap nipples. (Use the dielectric fittings if required).
- Line each end of the connector body threads with plumbers tape.
- Attach one end of the connector body to the flexible hose.
- Hold the hose to the pipe (allow for a little slack) and mark and cut the pipe.
- Remove any burs on the cut pipe.
- Slide the compression nut onto the pipe.
- Press the pipe onto the connector fitting and tighten the compression nut.
- Install earthquake straps.
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Step 3: Fill the Tank with Water
- Remove the aerator from the nearest faucet and open the hot water side.
- Turn ON the cold water supply to the water heater and check for leaks.
- Fill the tank full of water. When the water run from the open faucet, the tank is full.
- Leave the faucet open until it stops sputtering.
- Do not connect the electrical wiring until the tank is completely full of water.
- Remove the junction box cover and connect the green ground wire to the green ground screw.
- Twist the wires together with wire connectors.
- Follow the labels on the wires you marked when you removed them from your old water heater.
- Replace the junction box cover and turn ON the power at the electrical panel.
- If your water heater does not have power, be sure to turn OFF the power at the electrical panel before checking your connections.
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Why a New Water Heater Fails
A new electric water heater is a solid performer and will likely not give you any troubles for the next few years. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you cross it entirely off your list. Here are 3 common problems people run into after installing their electric water heater.
- Leaks - a leak is almost always a water supply connection. Double check all of your water connections.
- Upper Element - If your water heater tank isn't completely full when you turn the power on, the upper element will "dry fire" and burn out. If this happens to you, the elements are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace.
- Power - A power problem can be a number of issues. There could be a problem with the wiring in your home, or the voltage may be incorrect, it could also be as easy as flipping the switch in your breaker box. But when it comes to electrical issues, it's never a bad idea to call a professional.
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