Replacement of Water Heaters

Replacing a water heater - detailed step by step procedure about how to replace a residential water heater.

Replacement of Water Heaters

Replacing your old water heater is not a difficult job. This article will take you step by step through the processes of replacing your water heater.

Begin heater removal by turning off the gas or electricity to the water heater, and then drain the tank.

If the water heater is gas, check to make sure the pilot light is out. Disconnect the gas line at the heater and cap it Now separate the vent pipe from the draft hood. If there is a sheet metal screw that holds it in place, remove the screw.

If it is an electric water heater remove the cover plate where the wires go into the water heater. Use a tester or voltmeter to make sure the circuit is not live. First check a good outlet so you know your tester is working. Check between the two supply wires and the green ground wire as well as between the two supply wires. If any combination shows a live wire, don't proceed. Only proceed once all wires are dead.

Remove the screw that holds the cover plate for the electrical access in place. Remove the cover and unscrew the wire nuts. Pull the wires out of the water heater. If there is conduit hooked to the heater remove it as well.

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve on your water heater. Place the other end of the hose where it is save to discharge hot water. Be sure it is not accessible to young children during the draining process.

Now turn off the cold water inlet to the water heater and open a hot water tap to allow air to enter so the water can drain out. Now open the drain valve and allow the hot water to drain out through the garden hose. Be sure the outlet end of the hose is lower than the water heater tank bottom.

Once all of the water has drained from the water heater, remove the garden hose from the drain valve. Next, remove water piping from the heater . If connected with unions--removable threaded fittings--take them apart with a pair of pipe wrenches. If the pipes are soldered in place they will have to be cut. A pipe/tubing cutter or a hacksaw will do the job. Cut the pipes off as near the water heater as possible or at an appropriate place if you have copper flex connectors for the new heater. The old heater can now be taken away and disposed of at a dumpsite.

When working with electricity always:

• Turn off the power.
• Test the wires to ensure the power is off.
• Lock the panel box, so no one can accidentally turn the power back on while you are working.
• Check with local authorities to see if a permit is required.
• Have your work checked by an inspector.
• Wear eye goggles and a dust mask.
• To avoid overloading the circuit, consult a licensed electrician.