Install an Electric Water Heater – Lowe’s

Install a new, electric water heater in your home and save energy and money. When installing your water heater, make sure to follow model-specific information, warnings, safety notices and local codes. Consult a qualified professional if in doubt.

Youll need common plumbing tools and pipe joint compound approved for potable water. Youll also need a circuit tester or voltmeter. Most codes require the water heater to be installed in a metal drain pan. See the installation instructions for information about sizing the drain pan and other installation details.

If your house has copper pipes, consider an installation kit with compression fittings that don't require soldering. If your pipes are plastic, youll need connectors / fittings for the specific type of plastic pipes used in your home. Read the instructions for the new connectors before cutting the existing water pipes.

Locate the circuit breaker marked water heater and turn it off. Some homes use fuses, which should be removed. Your water heater may also have a disconnect switch which should also be turned off.

Because circuit breakers can be mismarked, always check the incoming power wires with a voltmeter or circuit tester to make sure the circuit you are working on is off.

Open a hot-water faucet, and let the hot water run until its cool. Then, shut off the cold-water supply to the water heater. Leaving the hot-water faucet open will help the tank drain.

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Place the other end of the hose in a drain or outside (you could also use buckets). Open the water heaters drain valve. While the water heater is draining, read the installation instructions that came with your water heater. Disconnect the water and power lines, and remove the old water heater.

Most homes have check valves in the plumbing system and now need a thermal expansion tank installed near the water heater. The expansion tank is attached to the cold-water inlet line. To operate properly, the expansion tank must be pressurized with air. Refer to the expansion tanks instructions for details.

The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P) is an important safety device. It opens to relieve pressure if the water temperature or pressure is too high. Use the new T&P that came with your new water heater. Dont reuse the old T&P valve.

The T&P discharge pipe should be terminated near a floor drain with an air gap of no more than six inches between the end of the discharge pipe and the drain. Some localities require terminating the T&P discharge pipe outside. In cold climates, we recommend using a floor drain. In all cases, follow the codes for your location.

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Install an Electric Water Heater - Lowe's