Quick And Easy Water Heater Replacement
A properly functioning water heater is essential in a home. Most people would assume that a water heater must be replaced by a professional, but this isn't true. If your water heater begins to leak or stops working you can replace it yourself quickly and easily, as long as you have the right tools and these easy-to-follow instructions.
You will need:
- New water heater (gas or electric, depending on the one you are replacing)
- 3/4" couplings
- 3/4" copper x female adapters
- Short section of 3/4" pipe
- Plumbing tools
- Torch
- Solder
- Flux
- Drain all the water from the water heater. This is done by hooking a hose to the lower spigot on the water heater.
- Shutoff the main water valve located above the water heater. Turn on a facet located in the highest point of your home to release the vacuum that is created.
- If the water heater is run by gas, shut of the gas to the home. If it is electric, turn of the breaker.
- Cut and then remove the supply piping, as well as the electric wiring or gas piping.
Be sure that all the water is drained and remove and discard the old water heater. You can call to have it removed or take it to a salvage yard. - For electric water heaters, hook up the water and temp relief valve piping and then the electric wiring.
- For gas water heaters, hook up the water and temp relief valve piping and then the gas piping. The gas piping will need to be tested by spraying soapy water on it to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, connect the vent pipe on the top and then light the pilot light.
- To light the pilot light turn the front dial to lighting and make sure that the black top button on the thermostat is pointing to pilot. Hold the black button down and then press the ignition button to strike the flame. This is similar to the way you would light a gas grill.
- Hold the button in for about 30 seconds to be sure the pilot light stays lit. Turn the black knob on and turn it so that it is between the A and B settings.