Can You Install An Electric Water Heater Yourself

Metal electrical box on the wall or ceiling nearby run the old wires to the box and then run a new section of armored cable or electrical conduit to the water heater.

Can you install an electric water heater yourself.

If the new water heater is shorter and the old wires won t reach surface mount a 4 in. Installing an electric water heater requires a little knowledge about both plumbing and electricity. Worn out water heaters leak waste energy and can literally leave you cold. For reasons of safety home repair manuals often advise that you have an inspector review the work you did after you install your own hot water heater.

By the diy experts of the family handyman magazine. If you feel comfortable with your skill levels attempt it alone. If you re not getting hot water it could be the heating element or another maintenance issue. Or playing video games maybe you should get yo a off da couch and install that water heater yourself.

Use a level alongside the water heater and level it with shims if necessary. Personally i took this on as a homeowner challenge and a learning experience. The average service life of a water heater is between 8 to 12 years. It really isn t as hard as you may think.

Attach the blue coded fitting to the cold water inlet and the red coded fitting to the hot water outlet. If you have water on the floor or on top of the unit this is different from water leaking from a supply line above the unit you ll probably need a new water heater. However you might want to use the help of another person moving it into place because it is heavy. On the other hand if you would have just sat around watching t v.

To install a tankless water heater there are quite a few steps such as mounting the unit and connecting the gas line obviously not needed with an electric water heater and water line to it. Make sure the valve is in the open position and connect it to the supply line using a propane torch and lead free solder. When you are doing your own repairs it s important to consider the total cost not just the cost of parts. If you re not afraid of doing some basic electrical work and plumbing you can save yourself some money.

If the water heater is an electric one the wiring needs to be connected properly and if the size of the water heater is increased then a larger wire size and breaker may be required. This article will show you how to install a new gas or electric water heater yourself and save a ton of money. Inspection carries its own fee. Take a quick maintenance assessment before embarking on a full replacement.