How to Install a Whirlpool Electric Water Heater

Whirlpool sells a number of electric water heaters that differ in type and capacity, from the Energy Smart, self-cleaning models to their largest, 80-gallon capacity water heaters.

Whichever Whirlpool electric water heater you choose to purchase, however, they all can be installed following the same basic steps. For do-it-yourselfers with even moderate experience, installing a Whirlpool electric water heater should not take longer than two hours.

Things You'll Need

• Voltage tester
• Screwdriver
• Garden hose
• Hacksaw
• Carpenter's level
• Wooden or plastic shims
• Propane torch
• Lead-free solder
• Teflon tape
• 2 Adjustable wrenches
• Wire nuts

Instructions

1. Begin removing the old water heater by turning off the power to the water heater's circuit at the main breaker and turning off the heater's water supply by shutting off the main valve. Use a screwdriver to remove the heating element access panel on the water heater's side, and use a voltage tester to be certain that the water heater has no power. Drain out all the water by attaching a hose to the tank's discharge valve. Use a hacksaw to disconnect the water pipes.

   Disconnect and label the supply wires at the top of the heater, and move the entire heater out of the way.

2. Lift the Whirlpool electric water heater into place and use a carpenter's level positioned along its side to determine if it is level. If not, use shims to position it correctly.

3. Position the water heater's shutoff vale in the open position. Using a propane torch and solder, connect the end of the cold water supply pipe to the shutoff valve.

4. Locate the water heater's heat trap fitting and wrap its threads with Teflon tape. Using two wrenches, attach and tighten the blue fitting to the cold water port and the red fitting to the hot water port. Remove the wrenches and use them to connect the pipe run line to the water heater.

   Turn the main water shutoff valve on, and turn on all the hot water faucets in the house. Leave them running until the water runs smoothly; then, turn off all of the faucets.

5. Use a screwdriver to take off the electrical box coverplate and use wire nuts to connect the water heater wires to the circuit wires. Locate the bare copper or green ground wire and attach it to the ground screw. Reattach the coverplate.

6. Remove the access panel to the thermostat (located on the side of the water heater), and use a screwdriver to set the water temperature. 120 to 125 degrees is the recommended setting.

7. Turn on the water supply to a faucet near the water heater and fill the tank completely. After the tank is full, turn the power back on. Locate and press the "Reset" button on the thermostat panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get help removing your old water heater. Sediment can build up in water heaters over time, making them extremely heavy.

• Be certain that the power is the first thing you shut off and the last thing you turn on when installing an electric water heater. Do not try to turn the water heater on before the tank is completely full of water. The heating elements will burn out if they are exposed to air.

References

• Lowes.com

Resources

• More information about Whirlpool electric water heaters