If it is hot then your work is done. To preserve your home appliances, including water heaters, you need to ensure they are properly installed and regularly maintained. Got a question, leave it in the comments below! Even though electric water heaters are of better quality than gas water heaters, about 53% of Americans own a gas heater instead, compared to 40% who use electric water heaters. This will depend mainly on the type and size of the water heater, whether it is powered by electricity or gas. On demand tankless water heaters are typically offered with one of two fuel sources, gas (natural gas or propane) or electric. If there's no drain underneath the pipe, put a bucket underneath to catch water dripping from the discharge pipe. Using an old valve is not recommended. Let the water run for three minutes to empty air and debris from the tank. No changing of power sources (i.e., electric to gas) or structural modifications. If your water heater is gas, you will need to hook up a gas supply line from the stub at the wall to the new water heater. You do not have to do this when installing an electric water heater, which makes the installation seamless. (that’s because gas is typically a cheaper fuel source than electricity). Installing an electric water heater is not that difficult of a task, and it's one you will repeat in life, so why not learn to do it yourself? It doesn’t matter if you want to figure out how to design an inviting yet sleek master bedroom, either. It may take several hours to initially heat the water. However, you have nothing to lose understanding the basics of how your water heating device works, and the available options when there is a need for replacement. Next is to drain the tank. Step 16: Flip the breaker to begin heating water. If your home doesn’t have a pressure-reducing valve, a pro can install one for you. Needed Tools and Supplies to Install Electric Hot Water Heater: Before you get started with the installing process you should gather the items you would need during the installing and removing process! Now check the wires with a voltage detector before starting. Place the new water heater in a drain pan. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for exact sizing. If you’ve never installed a tankless water heater, but think it’s something you want to try, give this article a read and you can determine whether it’s within your wheelhouse. Cut the pipe so it's no more than 6 inches above the bucket. Step 15: Install pipe insulation on the hot water pipes close to the heater. When replacing a water heater, it's easiest to keep the same fuel type and roughly the same tank size. Duration became one of important consideration when you want to install water heater. Water coming from the discharge pipe may be hot. The best electric hot water heater is sure to provide the extra heat that you need. If the new water heater is shorter and the old wires won't reach, surface-mount a 4-in. The expansion tank installs to the cold-water supply line near/above your water heater. The working mechanism of an electric water heater is of little concern to an average homeowner as long as it serves its primary purpose of supplying hot water. For example, a 40-gallon water heater is properly sized for a demand of 30 gallons. This is enclosed by a cover plate, which you can remove to inspect the wire connections inside. This flexibility provides a … The two main cost factors for installation is the plumber's la… Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Propane or natural gas-fired water heaters are more cost-effective than electric. With electric water heaters, you won’t use heating oil, propane 1, or gas to create your hot water.They tend to be more energy efficient than traditional storage, gas-fired heaters. It’s the most prevalent water heating system in a contemporary home. First, heat the pipe with a torch and solder it to the intake. Electric water heater installation requires that the expansion tank pressure match the main water pressure to work effectively. Submit Your Information. A domestic hot water heater can be sufficient and just as efficient as a boiler for small spaces such as homes 1,200 square feet or smaller. The basement floor is concrete. Sometimes opening a hot-water faucet on a sink helps the water heater tank to empty faster. Here is a video guide to support your learning. Locate the wall studs closest to the strap measurement and drill pilot holes. Cap the wire off and insert a mark or labeling to prevent possible confusion at a later stage. More than 90% of water heaters installed in U.S. homes are tank-style. Plug in the electric supply and wait for a while before using the most amazing under-sink instant water heater just now installed by you. Tankless water heaters cost around 2-3 times more than traditional storage tanks. Remove the thermostat access plate and then pull back any insulation to expose the thermostat. Wrench. The only downside is that it is quite expensive to set up compared to the others. With the water supply still on, turn a faucet on hot and let it run until the water is cool. A dripping pipe usually means the pressure is too high. A tank water heater, as the name implies, keeps hot water ready to use in a large tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons. First determine the fuel source: gas or electric? Installation by a licensed plumber – all installations are completed by fully licensed and accredited plumbers backed by Dux. Check local building codes before you get started to ensure compliance. Check that is the water hot. Water heaters are heavy so use a helper, appliance dolly or hand truck when moving the appliance. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installing a thermostatic mixing valve. Photo by Supreme. Before you buy, note the stem length required by your water heater model. Some areas require dielectric fittings to reduce corrosion between two different metals. Some areas require seismic straps to prevent earthquake damage. Got a question, leave it in the comments below! Before we dive in, you should get all the tools and materials needed handy to make your work a seamless process. Connect one stainless steel supply line to the hot water valve and to the inlet nipple on the water heater. Appliances that run on gas are prone to a gas leak; water heater is not an exception. Alternatively, you can take a picture. You will need to make a few modifications to the heater and have knowledge of basic plumbing techniques. Thus, the need to know this DIY strategy for electric water heater installation. It’s easier to run the vent if you install a “power-vented” type of natural gas (or propane) water heater. Solder the connections to the valve before attaching to the plumbing. Apply soldering paste to both the pipe and fittings, and assemble. What do you think? Sandpaper. Compared to the other water heaters available in the market, an electric water heater is the most affordable option in terms of the initial cost. If you're planning to replace an existing electric hot water heater, now is the time to make sure the original water heater wiring is up to snuff. Pipe cutter. Use a flexible hose kit for water hookup. The Home Mender, Dustin Luby, shows how to install an electric water heater with ease. Power unit and verify proper operation. Cap the wire off and insert a mark or labeling to prevent possible confusion at a later stage. Seismic straps should be installed approximately 6 inches from the top of the water heater and 18 inches from the bottom. Disconnect the power source to your electric water heater from the circuit breaker unit. A 2-gallon expansion tank works with water heaters up to 50 gallons. Cut the relief valve tube to length and solder a … To get rid of the air in the tank and plumbing, let the hot water tap run for a few minutes. Connect the electrical supply according to manufacturer’s instructions. Whether you are using gas or electricity to power your tank-type water heater, you are bound to incur additional cost on energy. I was given an electric on-demand water heater. If you're leak free, fill the tank. Then attach the hoses. The Secondly, disconnect and dismantle the water input pipe. It will reduce your energy bills, free up space from your home, and look more … With electric water heaters, you won’t use heating oil, propane 1, or gas to create your hot water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiring the new water heater. What makes it more interesting is that anyone can do it as far as you have a little knowledge of plumbing and electrical installation. Heating elements in electric water heaters must be immersed in water or they will overheat and burn out quickly. Defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for seismic strap installation. Can a tank water heater be installed outside. When you disconnect the wires, label them so that you can have them easily ready for the new water heater. Hi, I’m Emma, Editor of Sunrise Specialty. Clean the end of the pipe and the fitting, then connect it to the joint. Our insight can guide the way for you. Turn OFF the electricity to the water heater at the electrical panel. You’re done! Voltage Detector. electric water heater installed on concrete; Author: sgull (AK) I had a residential boiler and an electric water heater professionally installed recently in the basement. In this video you'll learn how to install a gas water heater and earthquake straps. They tend to be more energy efficient than traditional storage, gas-fired heaters.There are a few different kinds of electric water heaters to consider when choosing one for your home. If blocks cover the studs, use a masonry bit to create a pilot hole. Finally, set the thermostat as … Designing a home can seem confusing and difficult to most people at first. Use the former wire connections as a guide and reconnect the wires as they were before you started working on it. Slide the compression nut and ring onto the pipe. Remove the aerator from the nearest faucet and open the hot side. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting water temperature. Once you decide to have a new water heater installed, we’ll deliver the new water heater to your home (within 30 miles of a Home Depot store location) at no additional charge! Also, you must be able to follow the instructions. In winter if the boiler is up to temp, it would pass hot water to the electric heater and it might not need any electric heat added to make it usable. You can avoid possible flooding by routing a pipe from the drain pan to a drain. Your hot water heater, while a simple appliance, can be a dangerous one, as you’d expect when it’s holding extremely hot water. When the tank is empty, remove the discharge pipe from the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. The average service life of water heaters is 8 to 12 years, so if yours is entering old age, you may want to consider purchasing a new unit (read our pick of the best tankless gas water heaters) versus repairing your old water heater.. 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