How to Replace a Hot Water Heater

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Every year about eight percent of hot water heaters in the United States are replaced. Hot water heaters are incredibly useful to a household and should be checked before serious issues occur.

This guide will show you how to replace a hot water heater. With a few simple steps, you can have your hot water heater up and running in no time.

Hot Water Heater Replacement

Shut off the cold water supply to the water heater. If you are planning on replacing the cold water supply isolation valve to the water heater, you’ll have to shut off the main water supply to the residence. Then you’ll have to reopen the cold water supply valve above the water heater.

Draining the Water Heater

Close the gas supply then begin draining the water heater. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Be sure to direct the hose to a floor drain or other open drainage area.

Open the drain bow to allow air into the system to speed up the draining process. You can either lift the lever on the end or open a hot faucet in the residence.

Removing the Old Tank

While the tank is draining, loosen off the union to the gas control. Then, unscrew the venting from the draft hood. Be sure, to keep the screws nearby in a secure spot. There are different types of tanks, before installing research a tankless water heater vs tank types.

The last step in removing the old tank is cutting off the old water lines. With the water heater disconnected, you can move the old water heater out of the way for the new hot water heater installation via a new tank.

New Tank Installation

Once the old tank is out of the way, slide the new tank into place. Try to align as many of the connections as possible. There different ways to connect misaligned water lines and adapters such as:

SharkBite Flex Connecter
Dielectric Union

The tank nipple can be connected to other threaded adapters like the Dialectric Union, which comes in separately sold parts.

Clean the hot and cold supply connections and cut and reconnect as needed. Make sure to solder the new shutoff valve, if needed, when using either of these methods. Inspect your joints once completed and use Teflon tape to secure unless using a Sharkbite Flex that utilizes a rubber gasket.

Water Heater Maintenance

Once seated, close the cold supply shutoff. Open the water supply to the residence only partways. While the cold side is filling open the cold water faucet part ways. Once filled, the water supply can be opened.

Open the cold water supply to fill the tank once completed, only partway to reduce water hammering. Open the hot water faucet while the tank is filling to allow the air to be purged from the tanks. Once finished, the water supply can be opened in full capacity.

Before connecting the draft hood and venting, ensure the baffle ring and baffles are seated. Attach the draft hood, following local venting requirements.

Once finished, reconnect the gas line to the tank. Be sure to follow local requirements when installing to the union, and check with approved leak detectors.