Install an Electric Water Heater

• 1). Place the water heater in the desired location.
  
  
• 2). Level the water heater by sliding wooden shims under the low side of the heater. Use the carpenter's level to verify that the heater is level.
  
  
• 3). Install heat traps on the inlet and outlets of the water heater, using Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install traps finger tight, then snug with adjustable wrench. The blue heat trap goes on the cold water inlet and the red heat trap goes on the hot water outlet of the tank. The traps have arrows to indicate water flow direction.
  
  
• 4). Connect the cold water supply valve to the cold water inlet on the heater with flexible supply line. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install lines finger-tight, then snug with two adjustable wrenches. Place one wrench on the flexible line and the other wrench on the fitting.
  
  
• 5). Connect the hot water outlet to the hot water valve with flexible supply line. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install lines finger-tight, then snug with two adjustable wrenches. Place one wrench on the flexible line and the other wrench on the fitting.
  
  
• 6). Begin to fill water tank by opening cold water supply valve.
  
  
• 7). Open hot water outlet valve when the sound of flowing water stops.
  
  
• 8). Turn on hot water at highest fixture in the house to purge air from the system. Keep the faucet open until water flow is steady.
  
  
• 9). Remove the electrical access panel from the top of the water heater. You may need a screwdriver to remove the cover, depending on the design of the heater.
  
  
• 10
  
  Make the electrical connections following the water heater manufacturers instructions. You may need to cut and strip electrical wires depending on the manufacturer.
  
  
• 11
  
  Replace electrical access panel.
  
  
• 12
  
  Open the thermostat adjustment panel which is usually on the side of the water heater.
  
  
• 13
  
  Set the thermostat to the desired temperature using a screwdriver. The recommended temperature is between 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• 14
  
  Reset the circuit breaker to energize the circuit.
  
  
• 15
  
  Press the reset button on the thermostat panel to turn the water heater on.
  
  
• 16
  
  Replace thermostat access panel.
  
  
• 17
  
  If this was a new water heater and required a permit, contact the City Planning Office to schedule an inspection. If you replaced an existing water heater, no inspection is needed.
  
  

Install a Gas-Fired Water Heater

• 1). Place the water heater in the desired location.
  
  
• 2). Level the water heater by sliding wooden shims under the low side of the heater. Use the carpenter's level to verify that the heater is level.
  
  
• 3). Connect flue hat to exhaust vent using sheet metal screws which should have been included with water heater and screwdriver
  
  
• 4). Install heat traps on the inlet and outlets of the water heater, using Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install traps finger-tight, then snug with an adjustable wrench. The blue heat trap goes on the cold water inlet and the red heat trap goes on the hot water outlet of the tank. The traps have arrows to indicate water flow direction.
  
  
• 5). Connect the cold water supply valve to the cold water inlet on the heater with flexible supply line. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install lines finger-tight, then snug with two adjustable wrenches. Place one wrench on the flexible line and the other wrench on the fitting.
  
  
• 6). Connect the hot water outlet to the hot water valve with flexible supply line. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Install lines finger-tight, then snug with two adjustable wrenches. Place one wrench on the flexible line and the other wrench on the fitting.
  
  
• 7). Begin to fill water tank by opening cold water supply valve.
  
  
• 8). Open hot water outlet valve when the sound of flowing water stops.
  
  
• 9). Turn on hot water at the highest fixture in the house to purge air from the system. Keep the faucet open until water flow is steady.
  
  
• 10
  
  Connect the gas supply to regulator on water heater. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten connections, working from the water heater to the household gas supply line.
  
  
• 11
  
  Open the gas valve.
  
  
• 12
  
  Test the gas line for leaks using the sponge and a solution of water and dishwashing liquid. Wipe the water and soap solution over all the joints in the gas line. Bubbles will appear at any leaks. Using two wrenches, tighten any leaky connections.
  
  
• 13
  
  Remove the burner access panel
  
  
• 14
  
  Turn the knob on the control box to the pilot position.
  
  
• 15
  
  Light the pilot flame with lighter or wooden matches.
  
  
• 16
  
  Hold the reset button for 60 seconds.
  
  
• 17
  
  Replace the burner access cover.
  
  
• 18
  
  Turn control knob to run or on position.
  
  
• 19
  
  Adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• 20
  
  If this was a new water heater and required a permit, contact the City Planning Office to schedule an inspection. If you replaced an existing water heater, no inspection is needed.