Water heaters, whether electric or otherwise, are high-dollar investments that require extra attention for performing a high-quality installation. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it yourself. As specialists in electric water heaters who install them regularly, we are here to provide you with some of the basic instructions to guide you along in your project. These instructions are fairly simple to follow but if you find yourself a bit challenged by the process, feel free to leave it to the pros at One Source. Read on to learn how to install your own water heater.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the electric water heater installation, it’s essential that you have all the necessary equipment on hand. Below is a list of everything you’ll need for the job:
- Electric water heater
- Appropriate water heater fittings (based on the manufacturer’s recommendations)
- Teflon tape or pipe joint compound
- Screwdriver
- Wire connectors
- Wire Strippers
- Electrical tape
- Voltage tester
- Pipe cutter (if needed)
Installation Instructions
1. Shut Off the Power and Water Supply
The first step of the installation process is one that is mostly concerned with safety. Head outside and locate the circuit breaker for the water heater and turn it off. Then, turn off the water supply valve to the water heater to prevent any wet messes.
2. Drain the Old Water Heater
With the power and water turned off, you will need to drain the old water heater to make it easy to move it and prevent other problems. Connect your water hose to the drain valve, which is typically located at the bottom of the water tank. The other end of the hose should go in a place suitable for drainage, suck as a drain out the outdoor area. Open the drain valve to allow the water in the water tank to flow out.
The length of time it takes to for the tank to drain out the water completely depends on its size. Typically, a standard residential water tank has a flow rate of about 10-15 gallons per minute.
3. Disconnect the Old Water Heater
Before you can install the new electric water heater, you will need to disconnect the electrical wiring from the old water heater. Use your voltage tester at this point to ensure that there is no more power running through the unit. Using your wrench, disconnect the water supply pipes from the heater as well.
4. Prepare the New Water Heater
Now, we’re getting into the actual installation work. Depending on the electric water heater you bought, you may need to do some assembly work before placing it in its location. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that all fittings or valves are installed as well. You will find yourself applying Teflon tape or a pipe joint compound to the threaded ends of the water supply pipes, making it easier to connect it to the unit.
5. Install the Electric Water Heater
With the water heater assembled, you are now able to start putting it in its place. Position the water heater in the designated location. It is important that this location is compliant with all local building codes.
Then, connect the water supply pipes to the appropriate fittings on the water heater. Using your wrench, tighten the connections as best you can. After that, connect the electrical wiring according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Wire connectors and electrical tape are extremely useful for securing these connections.
Once everything is connected, turn on the water supply and check all the connections for leaks, tightening them as necessary.
6. Fill and Test the Unit
Go back inside the house and close all the faucets and fixtures around the house. Then, open a hot water faucet in a tub or sink. Doing so will allow air to escape from the system.
Turn on the water supply to the water heater at the circuit breaker to allow the water heater to fill with water. As the water fills, continue checking the system for leaks.
7. Adjust the Temperatures as Needed
Give the water heater about 30 minutes to heat and then adjust the temperature to your desired preferences. Keep a close eye on the function and performance of the water heater for the next few days to ensure that it is working properly.
Expert Electric Water Heater Installation Services – Call Now!
Phew! That’s quite the process there! If the installation job seems a bit intimidating to you, Call One Source Today. We have a team of experts dedicated to this installation service who will equip your home with a new water heater in no time.
