How to Replace an Electric Water Heater
For the most part, electric water heaters are trouble-free. But if you are having problems that you can't easily repair, it might be time to replace your electric water heater. A homeowner such as yourself can replace an electric water heater. However, if you're not comfortable with or familiar with electrical connections, you should hire a licensed electrician to replace it instead. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Electrical meter
- Garden hose or bucket
- Pipe wrenches
- Union fittings (if none on the old heater)
- Pipe cutters
- Screwdriver
- Relief valve
- Open-end wrench
- Hand cart or dolly
- Electrical pliers
- Wire cutters and wire nuts
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water supply to the water heater at the main shut-off valve and the electric supply at the main panel. If in doubt, check electric at the water heater with an electrical meter to ensure the power is off.
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2
Drain the water from the heater by turning on all hot water faucets in the house. Attach a garden hose to the draincock, and drain the water into a floor drain or outdoors. Or fill and empty buckets.
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3
Disconnect the water lines with an adjustable or pipe wrench. There may be union fittings along the water lines, or they can be disconnected at the tank by using a pipe cutter. Remove the old water heater.
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4
"Walk" the new electric water heater into place, or use a hand cart or dolly. Set into place and connect water lines. Install temperature and pressure relief valve on top of heater. Remove top plate to expose wires. Use pliers, wire cutters and wire nuts to make connections to wires from main panel.
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5
Fill the water heater completely. Drain a gallon or so from the draincock to remove any sediment from the tank. Turn on electrical power. Set the thermostat.
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Tips & Warnings
Drain water heater every six months to remove sediment.
Insulate both hot and cold water pipes.
Install an insulated "jacket" around the water heater to conserve energy.
Always consult a licensed electrician if you have any doubts about electrical connections.
