Things You'll Need:
- Garden hose
- Hacksaw
- New hot water tank
- Copper flex connectors
- Solder
- Soldering gun
- Wrench set
- Teflon tape
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Step 1
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the water heater. Place the opposite end of the hose in a bath tub, or route it outside.
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Step 2
Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to open it. Flip the pressure relief switch at the top of the water tank to aid in emptying the water. The pressure relief valve has a tube that runs directly under it.
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Step 3
Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel to the electrical box of the water heater. It will be located on the water tank. Disconnect the wires by unscrewing the plastic wire caps.
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Step 4
Cut the water pipes to the water tank using a hacksaw. Cut the pipes about 6 inches from the water tank.
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Step 5
Remove the old water tank from the water closet, and set it outside. Position the new water tank inside the closet.
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Step 6
Connect the copper flex connectors to the inlet and outlet water supply lines. Solder the copper pipes to the existing pipe before connecting the other end to the water heater.
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Step 7
Install the pressure relief valve if it is not already manufactured with it in place. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads and tighten it down on the water tank with an appropriate size wrench.
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Step 8
Turn on the water supply, and fill the water tank. Check the drain valve to make sure that it is closed. Turn on a hot water faucet in the home to allow air to escape. Turn it off when water begins to flow.
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Step 9
Connect plastic wire connectors to the wiring from the home to the hot water tank junction box. Position the cover on the junction box and secure it with the screws.
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Step 10
Turn the power back on to the water heater after it has filled. Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees.
