Projects
Installing an Electric Water Heater
Project Overview
Even with proper maintenance, your water heater will eventually need to be replaced. Today's water heaters are designed to last 6 to 12 years. Step one of this project begins after the old water heater has been removed. When working on an electric water heater, the first step is to turn off the power. Do not restore power until the job is done. Also make sure the heater is full of water before you restore power; otherwise you will destroy the element.
6 Steps
- Set the water heater in place
- Solder the shutoff valve to the end of the cold water supply pipe
- Wrap the threads of the water heater heat trap fitting with Teflon tape or coat with pipe compound
- Install the water supply
- Remove the electrical access plate
Step 1
Set the water heater in place
Use a carpenter's level to check the unit for plumb in two directions, and level it with wooden or plastic shims.
Step 2
Solder the shutoff valve to the end of the cold water supply pipe
Use a propane torch and lead-free solder to connect the valve to the supply line. The valve must be in the open position when you solder.
Step 3
Wrap the threads of the water heater heat trap fitting with Teflon tape or coat with pipe compound
Attach the blue-coded fitting to the cold-water inlet and the red-coded fitting to the hot-water outlet. These fittings are directional; they have arrows that show the proper installation. Tighten with two adjustable wrenches.
Step 4
Install the water supply
Use two adjustable wrenches to connect the pipe from the pipe run to the water heater. Turn the main shutoff on and open all line valves. Open all the faucets in the house and run the water until it flows steadily from the faucets. Close the faucets. The tank must be full of water before you restore power. The elements will burn out in seconds when exposed to air.
Step 5
Remove the electrical access plate
Always turn off the power to the unit before you do any electrical work. Connect the electrical supply according to the manufacturer's instructions using wire nuts. Connect the bare copper or ground wire to the ground screw. Replace the electrical access plate. Remove the thermostat access plate.
Step 6
Adjust the thermostat
Recommended settings are 48 to 51 degrees Celsius. Now open a faucet near the heater, turn on the water supply, and fill the tank until the faucet is flowing. The tank must be full before you restore power. When the tank is full, restore power and press the reset button on the panel.
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