If your old water heater isn’t working efficiently, it might be time to replace it. Here’s a simple guide on how to swap out your old water heater for a new one.
What You Need
Tools:
Adjustable wrench
Channel-lock pliers
Tubing cutter (if needed)
Screwdrivers
Garden hose
Appliance dolly and straps
Propane torch and soldering supplies (if needed)
Materials:
New water heater
Shims (if needed)
Plumbing fittings (if needed)
Plumber's tape
Draft hood (for gas heaters)
Temperature and pressure relief valve (if not included)
Water heater drain valve (if not included)
Vent pipe fittings (if needed)
Galvanized plastic-lined nipples (2)
Water heater flex tubes (if needed)
Flexible gas tube (if needed)
Instructions
Turn Off Water and Power/Gas:
Water: Shut off the water at the main valve or the valve on the cold water line coming into the heater.
Electric Water Heater: Turn off the electricity by switching off the circuit breaker.
Gas Water Heater: Turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve near the heater.
Drain the Old Heater:
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve situated at the bottom of the heater. Place the hose over a drain or outside. Open the nearest hot water faucet and then the drain valve to let the tank empty completely.
Disconnect Water Lines:
Use a pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers to disconnect the hot and cold water lines. If the connections are soldered, use a tubing cutter to cut them.
Disconnect Electrical or Gas Lines:
Electric Water Heater:Remove the junction box cover, unscrew the wire connectors, and disconnect the cables.
Gas Water Heater: Use a pipe wrench or pliers to disconnect the gas line from the control valve.
Remove the Vent (for Gas Heaters):
If your heater is gas-powered, unscrew the vent pipe from the draft hood at the top of the heater.
Install the New Heater:
Move the new heater into place using an appliance dolly. Ensure the connections line up properly.
Install Fittings and Valves:
Install the temperature and pressure relief valve and any other necessary fittings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reconnect Water Lines:
Wrap the plumber's tape around the threads of the nipples and screw them into the heater's water inlet and outlet.
Reconnect Electrical or Gas Lines:
Electric Water Heater:Attach the electrical cable to the wires in the junction box, then secure the cover.
Gas Water Heater: Connect the gas line and check for leaks by applying a soapy water solution to the connections.
Reconnect the Vent (for Gas Heaters):
Reattach the vent pipe to the draft hood, securing it with screws. If the new heater is a different size, adjust the vent pipe accordingly.
Complete the Installation:
Open the cold water supply valve to refill the heater. Once water flows from the hot water tap, the tank is full. For electric heaters, restore power by turning the circuit breaker back on. For gas heaters, ensure the gas valve is open and follow the instructions to light the pilot light if needed.
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