Are you tired of taking cold showers every morning? Installing an electric water heater can be the perfect solution to ensure you never have to endure another icy blast again. We know that it can seem like a daunting task for everyone. That’s why Tommie’s Plumbing is here to guide you through all the essential steps and considerations for electric water heater installation.
Electric Water Heater & Its Components
Before diving into the installation process, let’s talk about an electric water heater and familiarize yourself with all the key components. The main elements include the water heater tank, discharge pipe, drain valve, pressure relief valve, and electrical components such as the ground wire, circuit breaker, and green ground screw. All these components have significance and must be in the best condition to get hot water whenever you want.
Gathering the Necessary Tools & Materials
Now that you have understood the essential components required for a water heater to work at its best let’s talk about what tools and materials are required for its installation. To streamline the installation process, ensure you have a pipe wrench, a tubing cutter, pipe dope or Teflon tape, screwdrivers, a voltage tester, and your new electric water heater.
Planning for Installation
When installing a water heater, choosing the right location is pivotal to ensure optimal functionality. Begin by selecting a spot that allows easy access to the electrical panel and is convenient for connecting the cold water supply, hot water faucet, and floor drain. Careful planning in selecting the location seals the deal for a hassle-free installation and provides convenient access for future maintenance requirements.
Shutting off Utilities
Before starting the installation, turn off the water supply and electricity to ensure your safety. This involves closing the cold water supply valve and shutting off the water heater’s circuit breaker.
Removing the Old Water Heater
The next step after shutting off the utilities, the next step is removing the old water heater. You need to drain the old water heater completely using the water heater’s drain valve. Following that, disconnect the electrical wiring and plumbing connections before safely removing the old unit. If you encounter any confusion, it would be best to call an expert plumbing technician for this job because they ensure a safe and proper water heater installation.
Installing the New Electric Water Heater
You can install the new one once you’ve safely removed the old heater. Begin by placing the new electric water heater in the desired location and connecting it to the cold water line. To ensure a secure connection with no leaks, use Teflon tape or pipe dope. Next, install the discharge pipe from the pressure relief valve, directing it towards a floor drain for added safety. Throughout the installation process, prioritize safety and be mindful of not wasting water.
Connecting the Electrical Components
Once you have installed the new water heater safely, connect all the electrical components and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This includes connecting the electric water heater to the circuit breaker, attaching the green ground wire, and ensuring all connections are secure and tight. If you encounter any difficulties, it would be best to hire a professional plumber to complete the task safely.
Filling & Testing
Once the installation is complete, open the nearest hot water faucet to the newly installed water heater to allow air to escape and fill the tank. After this, you can turn on the electricity and check for leaks. Also, test the pressure relief valve and ensure that hot water flows from the faucet. Ensure you follow safety measures throughout the process and do not waste water.
Final Checks & Safety Measures
To ensure the safety and efficiency of your newly installed water heater, it is a must to conduct a thorough final inspection of the entire installation. During the inspection, you should check that all connections are secure and tight and that there are no signs of damage or corrosion to any components.
You should also regularly check the discharge pipe, pressure relief valve, and the water heater’s drain valve for any signs of leakage. If you notice any issues with these components, it is essential to address them right away to prevent further damage.
To help with maintenance and troubleshooting, it is advised to familiarize yourself with the water heater’s manual, as that will provide valuable information on how to properly maintain your water heaters, as well as tips for addressing common issues that may arise. By following these guidelines, you can seal the deal that your water heater is operating at peak performance so that you can enjoy access to hot water whenever you need it.
When to Call a Pro for Water Heater Installation?
By following this comprehensive guide to electric water heater installation, you can ensure a successful setup that provides a reliable supply of hot water for your home or commercial building. Remember to prioritize safety, carefully follow manufacturer instructions, and conduct regular maintenance to prolong the life of your newly installed electric water heater. If at any point you feel uncertain, call a professional plumbing company to come and install the water heater for you.
Say Goodbye to Plumbing Woes with Tommie’s
Do you want to avoid dealing with plumbing issues in your home or office? Look no further! Tommie’s Plumbing is here to provide top-of-the-line plumbing services that will relieve you stress-free. Whether you need a new water heater installed or want to repair the existing one, our expert plumbing technicians are available to serve you immediately.
Tommie’s Plumbing specializes in Sewer & Drain Cleaning, Tankless Water Heaters, Faucet Repair, and more! With over 30 years of professional plumbing experience, Tommie’s Plumbing technicians have built a reputation for excellence in Tennessee. We proudly serve the cities of Erwin, Gray, Elizabethton, Kingsport, Johnson City, Greeneville, Jonesborough, Morristown, Unicoi, Bristol, and beyond! So what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to experience the best plumbing services in town!
