How to Install a Replacement Water Heater

You turned the hot water on in the shower and then step in. You're expecting it to be nice and, well, hot. Instead you get blasted with cold water. It's finally happened; the old water heater has expired, died, bit the dust. It was here when you bought the house twelve years ago, so it was probably time for a new one anyway.

Installing a new, replacement water heater is actually quite easy. It's a project you can do yourself in a few hours, providing you don't have to have any special permits. Check with your local officials for any rules and regulations.

The first step is to remove the old water heater. To do this you first must cut off the power source. If it is an electric water heater, turn the breaker off. If the breaker for your water heater is not marked and you do not know which breaker it is, the safest thing is to turn the main power breaker off. Have a flashlight handy in case you don't have a good source of natural light.

Once the electric is off, find the small metal lid to the junction box (located on top) that contains the electrical connections. Remove the screw and lid. Unscrew the wire nuts (the small colored connectors) containing the electrical connections and separate the water heater connections from the service wire. Screw a wire nut securely back onto each of the service wires. Tape the nuts with electrical tape to ensure they don't come loose. Now push the service wire up and out of the way. At this time you can now turn the electricity back on. Just be sure to turn it back off when you get ready to reconnect the wires. If you are the forgetful time, attach a small note to the wires reminding yourself to turn the electric off. Hey, you can never be too safe.

If the water heater is gas, locate the gas supply to the water heater. Turn the valve off. Do not just cut off the water heater, you have to turn the main supply line off. The flame and the pilot light should go out.

The second step is to stop the flow of cold water into the water heater. Locate the main water supply to the water heater and close it. If there is a shut off valve for the hot water side, close it also.

The next step is to drain the water inside the water heater. There is a drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater. You should be able to attach a short water hose to this valve and drain the water heater to a nearby drain, sink or even outside.

Once the water is drained, you are now ready to unhook the water connections. Hopefully, it is hooked up so that you can take it loose at easily. If not, cut it loose past the cutoff valve.

Once everything is unhooked and the water heater is empty, remove the old heater. It's time to install the new water heater. When you go to purchase your new water heater, try to get one that is similar in size and hookup connections. Generally, most home water heaters hookups are basically the same. However, the size of the tank and the amount of water they can heat varies. If your old tank provided adequate hot water, then a new tank the same size would be fine. If not, you may want to go with a slightly larger tank.

Set the new tank in. Reconnect the water lines and open the cold water supply. Allow the tank to fill with water before reconnecting the power source. Be sure there is water in the tank before turning the electric back on. Otherwise you will ruin the new tank. On electric tanks, be sure to turn the electric off before you begin reconnecting the wires. Remember your note. Reconnect the wires following the diagram included with the instructions of the heater. If the heater is gas, reconnect the gas supply line to the gas valve on the water heater.

Turn the electric on if electric or open the gas valve and light the pilot light if the heater is gas. Open the hot water tap in the sink or tub to allow air to escape. Leave the hot water tap open for three to four minutes to ensure all air is out of the line. Turn the tap off.

Allow the water heater time to heat the water. Check all your water piping connections to be sure you have no leaks.

Keep in mind these are only tips and suggestions. Please read and follow all the instructions that comes with your new water heater. If you do not feel comfortable installing the water heater, then hire a professional to do it for you. The main issue is to get you back enjoying a nice hot bath or shower.