Chances are, your electric water heater will function for years without a problem. But when those years are up and the holding tank springs a leak, you can either call a plumber or break out the tools and get to work. Don't let the size of the water heater intimidate you. If you can operate a pipe wrench and a screwdriver, the chances are good that you can save the price of a plumber's visit by replacing the heater yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off the power supply to the water heater at the breaker panel. Check the wiring terminals on the heater with a voltage meter. If the voltage meter does not get a zero reading, check the breaker again. Do not work on the heater if any voltage is present.
2. Shut off water supply to heater. If there is no shutoff valve near the heater, close the main supply valve for the house.
3. Drain the heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve on the bottom of the tank, and then open the drain valve. You will also need to open a hot-water faucet inside the house to allow air to enter the top of the tank.
4. Remove the hot and cold water lines from the top of the heater. If the heater was installed with unions (removable threaded fittings) or flex connections, use a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen the fittings. If no removable connection was used, you will need to cut through both lines with a hacksaw about 6 inches above the top of the tank.
5. Use a screwdriver to loosen the wires from the electrical terminals on the heater and remove the wires.
6. Remove the old water heater.
7. Place the new water heater in position.
8. Replace and tighten the unions or flex hose. If the water lines were cut to remove the heater, replace the cut sections with new threaded nipples. Place three wraps of plumber's tape on male ends of fittings before threading into place.
9. Turn on the water supply to the heater. Let the water run until the tank is full. When all the air has been purged from the hot water line, close the faucet you opened while draining the tank.
10. Check the plumbing around the heater for leaks. Fix any leaks before proceeding.
11. Connect the wiring to the new heater and restore power. Check the electrical terminals on the heater for proper voltage.
Tags: terminals heater, water heater, drain valve, electrical terminals, electrical terminals heater