Hot water heaters are behind-the-scenes dynamos in modern homes. Most of us never need to think about them until something goes wrong. (Or the hot water runs out!)
These appliances have been around in one form or another since the 1860s. Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer and inventor living in Pittsburgh, was influenced by Englishman Benjamin Waddy Maughan’s design for a domestic water heater. Ruud’s revised and updated water heater set the standard for all that followed. Ruud’s company is still around, by the way; it’s now a division of Rheem.
Should You Install It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Before diving into the process, it’s worth asking yourself if you’re comfortable handling both electrical and plumbing tasks. Installing an electric water heater involves working with live wires, water lines, and potentially heavy equipment. Mistakes can result in serious consequences, including electrical fires, water leaks, or even flooding.
- Electrical Issues: Incorrectly connecting the wiring can damage the water heater or your home’s electrical system, and it can be dangerous without the proper tools and experience.
- Plumbing Problems: Poor connections in the water supply line or the cold water inlet can lead to leaks, reduced water pressure, or damage to your home.
- Heavy Equipment: A water heater is bulky and heavy. Without the proper tools, like an appliance dolly, moving it safely can be a challenge.
If you’re not confident in your skills, hiring a licensed professional ensures the job is done right and reduces the risk of costly mistakes. A plumber can also perform a home inspection of your plumbing system to identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
First Things First
For this overview–and this is a broad overview–we’ll assume you’re interested in installing an electric water heater with a tank. These are the familiar metal cylinders that usually hold between 30 and 80 gallons of water.
But first things first: This is not necessarily easy to do. As the good folks at Popular Mechanics warn: “A water heater, especially an electric model, is a very simple device. … Unfortunately, such simplicity doesn’t extend to its installation.”
As we mentioned above, we’re gonna try and simplify the overall process, and to sketch it out in broad strokes. This blog post should provide what you might call the 30,000-foot-view — that is to say: an idea of the main steps. If after reading it you decide you want to tackle this project on your own, then we suggest diving into a more comprehensive step-by-step guide at that point.
How To Install An Electric Water Heater: A Step By Step Guide
It’s always a good idea to take some time to look over the water heater itself and to read the literature that comes along with it. Perhaps most importantly: the safety warnings are a major portion of the instruction, installation, and operations manual. Be sure to pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially those related to the water heater’s warranty.
1. Prep Work
Before removing the old water heater, turn off the power at the circuit breaker to ensure safety. Shut off the water supply valve and attach a garden hose to the drain valve to empty the tank. Open a hot water faucet to help drain the water completely. Next, disconnect the wires and plumbing connections, ensuring you label the wires for easier reattachment later.
2. Position the New Water Heater
Use an appliance dolly to move the new water heater into place. Ensure the area is clean and free of debris before positioning the heater on a level surface. The heater should be placed near the water supply lines and an electrical connection point for easy installation. Ensure the unit has sufficient clearance on all sides as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Install Water Connections
Attach flexible supply line hoses to the hot and cold water connections on the new heater using Teflon tape to seal the threads and prevent leaks. Tighten the connections securely with a wrench but avoid overtightening. Reconnect the water supply line and open the cold water inlet to fill the tank. Check for leaks as the tank fills.
4. Electrical Hookups
Before connecting the wires, use a circuit tester to confirm the power is off. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram to connect the water heater to the power supply. Typically, this involves attaching the ground wire first, followed by the hot and neutral wires. Use a wire stripper to remove insulation as needed and secure the connections with wire nuts and replace the access panel once the wiring is complete.
5. Final Steps
After all connections are secure, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Open the hot water faucet to release any air from the system. Allow the tank to fill completely before turning on the heater. Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature (usually 120°F is recommended for safety and efficiency).
6. Post-Installation Checks
Inspect the unit for leaks at all connection points, including the drain valve and supply line hoses. Check the hot water faucet to ensure it’s delivering hot water properly. Monitor the heater over the next few hours for any issues, and recheck all connections. Regular maintenance will help ensure your new water heater performs optimally for years to come.
FAQs About Installing an Electric Water Heater
- How long does it take to install an electric water heater?
Installation typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on your experience and whether additional modifications are needed.
- What safety precautions should I take?
Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply before starting. Use tools like a circuit tester to confirm no electricity is flowing.
- Can I install an electric water heater without plumbing experience?
While it’s possible, working with plumbing and electrical systems requires caution and basic knowledge. Hiring a professional is recommended if you’re unsure.
- How much does it cost to install an electric water heater?
Costs vary but typically range from $500 to $1,500 for the unit and installation, depending on the model and labor involved.
- What size water heater do I need?
The size depends on your household’s hot water usage. For families, a 40–50-gallon tank is usually sufficient.
- How do I maintain my electric water heater?
Flush the tank annually to remove sediment, check connections for leaks, and inspect the anode rod to prevent corrosion.
- Can I replace a gas water heater with an electric one?
Yes, but you’ll need to ensure proper electrical connections and may require adjustments to the supply line and venting.
Meticulous Plumbing In Portland OR
As we’ve stressed repeatedly in this blog post, installing an electric water heater is not a job for someone who doesn’t have pretty extensive experience with both plumbing and electrical systems.
As the broad outline above suggests, there can be many individual steps involved in each of the eight steps listed above — and more steps involved in each of those smaller steps!
It’s enough to make you want to call in an expert.
Fortunately, a plumbing expert in Portland OR is just a phone call away! Contact Meticulous Plumbing today to have your new electric water heater installed by professionals.There are several options when it comes to water heaters, and we can help decide which one is best for you. Once you’ve decided, our expert plumbing team can visit your home and install your new water heater.
