How to Install an Electric Hot Water Heater

You need to have some knowledge not only of electricity but plumbing as well, when you install an electric hot water heater. If you are adept in these two areas, then you can install an electric hot water heater yourself. However, you might need an extra hand to move it into place as water heaters are fairly heavy.

Things You'll Need

• Electric hot water heater
• Cinder blocks
• Copper tubing
• Pipe cutters
• Steel wool pad
• Flux
• Solder
• Copper tubing adapter fittings and unions
• Teflon tape
• Wrench
• Ball valve
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Conduit
• Conduit connector
• Wire nuts

Instructions

1. Have adequate electrical power to operate your electric hot water heater. Most units require 220/240 volts and 30 to 60 amps. Upgrade the power, if necessary.

2. Use two cinder blocks to create a platform for the water heater. This protects it from any possible flooding and also makes it easier for drain access. Slide the heater on top of the cinder blocks.

3. Cut copper tubing for the cold water supply to the required length. Clean one end with a steel wool pad, and apply flux to both the pipe and a female adapter fitting. Slide fitting onto end of copper tubing.

4. Solder female adapter fitting to copper tubing and the male end of a union onto the other end. Wrap Teflon tape around threads of pipe nipple on top of the water heater. Add the copper tubing and tighten with a wrench.

5. Add a short piece of piping to the union and solder. Then install a ball valve. Remove the temperature and pressure relief valve, add Teflon tape to the threads and reinstall. Make sure the opening points toward the floor. Solder on a length of pipe from the relief valve to 3 to 4 inches above the floor.

6. Remove the cover plate on top of the electric water heater. Take out a knockout above the cover plate with a hammer and screwdriver. Place the threaded end of a conduit connector into the knockout hole, and tighten the connector nut.

7. Feed electrical wires through a piece of conduit, through the connector and into the tank. Attach conduit to connector. Attach ground wire to ground screw, and join black wires to black wires and white wires to white wires with wire nuts. Turn on electrical power and water supply to water heater.

Tips & Warnings

• Enlist another person for help when you need to lift the water heater.

• Consult a licensed electrician when upgrading electrical power or making electrical connections.