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The installation process for an electric hot water heater involves basic plumbing and electric skills. Test the wiring for the water heater by touching the probes of a voltage tester against the bare tips of the wires. If you get a reading, go to the main electrical panel and turn off the correct circuit. This circuit should have been turned off before you removed the old water heater, but double-checking the volt line that powers the water heater can save your life. Move the water heater into position with a hand truck. Have an assistant help you move the water heater if you're struggling to do it yourself.
Place a level on top of the water heater. Place shims under the water heater to level it out, if needed. Wrap Teflon tape tightly around the threads on the pipes that stick out on top of the water heater the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water outlet pipe. The Teflon tape helps provide a tight seal and prevents leaks from occurring.
Connect the water heater to the pipes that carry cold water into the tank and hot water out of the tank, using the provided PEX tubing. Use the red PEX tubing to connect the hot water outlet pipe on top of the water heater to the line that carries hot water to the faucets in your home, and the blue PEX tubing to connect the cold water inlet pipe on top of the water heater to the line that carries water into the water heater.
Close the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater if it's open.
A hot water heater is a vital appliance for your home, as it provides the hot water necessary for bathing, cleaning and washing clothes. As water heaters age. Wiring an electric hot water heater can involve an number of things. Since the water heater Hooking up the Wires. So how many wires do you.
Open all of the hot water taps in your home. Open the valve on the main line that feeds cold water into the water heater. Allow the water to fill the tank, then flow out through the hot water line and through the spigots in your home. Allow the water to flow through the spigots for about a minute to bleed air that's trapped inside the lines, and turn off the taps.
Remove the metal plate on top of the water heater that conceals the wiring. Pull out the wires that are in the tank. Strip a half-inch of insulation off of the wires with wire strippers. Punch out the knockout hole next to the wires by tapping on it with a hammer and screwdriver.
If you are installing an electric water heater, which requires volt electrical power, have an electrician route the wiring to it unless you are certain of your skills. These are usually set up for non-simultaneous operation. Separate the wires enough to test the individual conductors. Place a level on top of the water heater. This the fee that you pay for the privilege of meeting the serviceman. The first thing you do is to shut off the power. April 24, at 4:
Connect a cable connector to the knockout hole with a wire nut. The cable connector covers the knockout hole and has a screw on the side that locks the electrical cable in place, preventing it from sliding around, which can damage the insulation.
Insert the cable that runs to the main electrical panel through an electrical conduit. Slide the end of the cable through the cable connector and into the top of the water heater until the wires from the cable can be connected to the wires inside the water heater.
If you need a help or prefer professional installation, always contact a licensed professional , he is the one who knows the local codes and requirements for the proper hook up.
Installing an electric water heater is easier than installing a gas unit , also very safe, as there is no venting and gas installation needed. Even the location is not a problem, electric units can be located almost anywhere; inside the house, as long as the area is clean, dry and free of the flammable vapors.
It does not require combustible fuels, which can leak or explode. They don't have pilot lights that can ignite the flammable vapors. They don't produce carbon monoxide, which can backdraft into the occupied living space.
Keep in mind that the earthquake affected area might require seismic straps. The straps are used to secure the water heater to the wall and therefore prevent it from tipping over. Here is the list of the tools you need when installing an electric water heater, where most are found in one handyman's toolbox or garage:.
The following instructions are for installing an electric water heater in the new home or when replacing the old unit in an existing household. When replacing and installing an electric water heater this is what you should do, in addition to the above instructions:.
Installing an electric water heater properly and when maintained regularly, the unit operates as designed and operate for a long time. Do not work on the heater before you turn the power off. Do not turn the unit on when the tank is empty.