How to Install a Water Heater

This is for installing a new electric water heater. If you want gas do the plumbing only and get a licensed gas installer to locate it and hook up the gas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• wrenches, tube cutter, tape measure

1. 
   the pipes will need to be accessed

   First you need to locate the water cut off to the house.It may be out at the street with the water meter or there could be an in line one somewhere
   between the outside and the water heater. Cut the water on in a sink and have some one watch that it starts to slow when you think you have the right cut off. It will stop completely after the pipes have drained.

2. 
   locating the heater

   Location. Assuming you are replacing an old heater you will know where to install the new one. If it is a total new location remember all the hot water will have to feed from the heater. You will have to cut the pipes and install "t" fittings so you can connect to the heater. There are a lot of rules for gas so you have to get a gas professional to locate it for you.

3. 
   heater with unions

   Do not attempt to install a gas heater. This is for electric heaters only. You can use just the directions for the plumbing and do that part but all gas lines and connections should only be done by a licensed GAS plumber. You can connect with hard fittings but it is better to use unions so you can take the lines loose if needed. There are also other advantages to unions which become apparent over time. Unions are fittings that connect the pipes to the top of the heater with a wrench. They allow the nut to turn while the pipe stands still. You can reuse them and also level the heater without disturbing the pipe fittings.

4. 
   If you don't hook up the pop off line you could flood your house.

   The heater will be clearly marked showing you where to connect the cold in and the hot out. don't forget the pop off or overflow valve. It will have a small spring loaded lever and it pops up automatically if there is too much pressure in the heater. You should connect a pipe to it and place it over the floor drain or run it through the wall or floor to the outside.

5. 
   Filling the tank

   If you are connecting the electrical yourself or if someone else is doing it DON'T cut the electricity on until the heater is full of water.
   It will burn out the elements. You will hear the water stop when the tank is full.

6. 
   Identify your pipes.

   Your big home store plumbing department will help you get all the right type and size fittings you need. You will need to know what type of pipe your feeder is. Don't forget to use your digital camera. He will also be able to get the right glue and adapters to change from one type of pipe to another.

7. 
   Cut offs are a real plus!

   You might want to install cut offs at your heater. They can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

8. 
   There are adapters for everything.

   Now you are back home hook everything up. It is just like working a puzzle. Cut the water back on slowly checking for leaks. You will hear a lot of spitting and banging until all the air gets out of the pipes.
   Once the tank is full cut on the electricity to the tank and in about 25 minutes or so you should have hot water.

Tips & Warnings

• Read instructions carefully.
• Don't start late in the day.
• Don't try this without someone to help you.
• Do not try to hook up gas unless you are a licensed gas plumber.

[gahazeleyes]

on 5/29/2009 Very detailed. Thanks for sharing.