Instructions on How to Install Domestic Hot Water Storage Tanks

A storage tank provides hot water for the home.

The average domestic hot water tank is a insulated cylinder with an immersion heater and two electrical connections. The tank works by releasing hot water from the top of the tank into a faucet and replacing it with cold water at the tank bottom.

Things You'll Need

• Cylinder tank and fittings
• Manufacturer’s installation manual
• Hose
• Plumber’s wrenches
• Linseed oil
• WD-40
• Dolly
• Propane torch
• Solder flux
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Consult your local building codes for water heater regulations and make sure that you acquire any necessary permits. Choose the new water cylinder and ensure the manufacturer provides a full installation manual and fittings.

2. Clear the area around the old hot water tank of all flammable items. Switch off the water heater and allow the system to cool for four hours. Measure the distance between the hot and cold water inlet pipes on the old tank and ensure that the same dimensions fit the new tank. Isolate the electrical supply to the existing water heater by removing the fuse or turning off the electrical breaker. Switch off the electricity at the main supply point to the house. Turn off the cold water supply to the existing heating system and any other heating appliance. Turn off the main cold water supply to the house. Turn off any gas supply at the main valve.

3. Turn on a hot water faucet and drain the tank. Turn off the faucet once the water has drained. Attach one end of the hose to the tank drain valve and place the other end over a house drain. Loosen the drain valve connection slowly with a wrench. It should move in a counterclockwise direction. Drain the remaining water from the tank through the hose.

4. Disconnect electrical supplies to the heater. Disconnect plumbing from the heater and disconnect any gas supplies to the heater. If the joints are stiff, wipe with a little linseed oil to loosen them or spray with WD-40. Enlist a helper to lift the old tank onto the dolly and move outside. Clean up any water or sediment spills around the tank area.

5. Place the new tank into position with a helper’s assistance. Line up the tank to be flush with the plumbing connections. Install new valve fittings and connections of the new tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the shut-off valve between the cold water supply and the tank fits correctly. Solder the copper joints with the propane torch and solder flux. Connect the ground wires to the heater, and then the electric power lines and gas lines.

6. Turn on the cold water supply to the tank, followed by the main water supply to the house. Allow the tank to fill with cold water. Open the bleeder valve on the top of the tank to vent air from the tank so it fills completely. Reinstall the fuse in the fuse box or turn on the breaker and then turn on the electric power supply. Set the thermostat at your required temperature, switch on the power supply and allow the water to heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill kettles and buckets with cold water prior to turning off water supplies to ensure supplies during the replacement process.

• Hire a professional plumbing and heating installer if you are not qualified for this job.

• Always use proper-sized copper wire.

• Make sure that the water heater and electricity supply are properly grounded.

References

• American Water Heaters: Residential Electric Water Heater Installation Instruction and Use & Care Guide
• DynaMo Services: How To: Install a Hot Water Tank
• Copper Development Association: Soldering school; The Basics

Resources

• Dr. Energy Saver: Water Heater Service, Information and Installation
• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Water Heating
• U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers; Conventional Storage Water Heaters