How To Install An Electric Hot Water Heater Tank

In this video, I show you how to install an electric hot water heater tank in your home with this step-by-step tutorial. We'll cover the tools and materials you'll need. I will walk you through the process of installing your new electric hot water heater tank.
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Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@eechoblade]

I installed my new water heater today using this video as my guide. It was VERY helpful, so thank you very much for the upload! Doing it myself saved me $1,100.

[@laratheheavy]

A lot of good info for the typical homeowner to install their own water heater….as a plumber there is a lot of stuff I would do differently but for the average non plumber homeowner it’ll definitely work and save them money, and that’s what matters (along with safety first), good job

[@poncegsx]

plumber here. alot of people are going to have issues later because of this, possibly flood and or hurt themselves. Thats why we are specialist. not this clown.

[@jordank1203]

What would you have done differently? Use M.I.P by pex adapters instead of shark bite?

[@neocollective]

@@jordank1203 Absolutely, I cannot think of a scenario where I'd use yark bites, other than for a quick and temporary emergency fix. And would never cut all of the pex so close to the wall, in case you need to redo things some day. Also, as far as I know code requires a disconnect for the electrical feed right on that wall, I thought that was the case pretty much anywhere.

[@rcf8367]

Yup, and there’s no reason to tape & dope those heater nipples as, the flex pipe has rubber nitrile end seal washers ….

[@gabrielo8922]

I also would not wrap the electrical cable to an uninsulated hot water line. When electrical cables get hot, the resistance in the wire increases, so it requires more power to do the same job - less efficient, but also seems more prone to failure. And I don’t cut the wire to length, I give myself extra. It sucks when you need to make a change in the future and the cable is a little too short.

[@Jack-kj1zu]

Had to buy a new one over the weekend and bought this exact model at lowes and installed it with my dad. Your video helped tremendously. Was easier than I expected and didn't take long at all

[@69Curtdog]

Just bought the same one today.

[@teresaleab9884]

Just want to thank you for this tutorial, our brand new water heater kept leaking after several attempts and frustration, putting the joint compound around the thread after plumber’s tape made it a done deal with the leak… thank you so much !!

[@denniscordova9920]

Good job. Our jurisdiction requires 2 extra steps. Electrical disconnect within 3 ft of the water heater, and the discharge pipe on the t & p valve has to be strapped to the tank near the bottom. Plumb on!

[@vijayshrma3107]

This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzbin.infoUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).

[@institches2750]

A lovely, clear video as usual! Your presentation and speaking skills are top-notch. My area (North Carolina) requires an electrical shut off, an expansion tank, and strapping as well, for anyone who is curious about possible code variations. And maybe conduit, I'm not sure on that one.

[@arsbadmojo]

Also in North Carolina, also need a permit to DIY: "a permit is required...of any plumbing system except that in any one- or two-family dwelling unit a permit shall not be required for the connection of a water heater that is being replaced, provided that the work is performed by a person licensed under G.S. 87- 21, who personally examines the work at completion and ensures that a leak test has been performed on the gas piping, and provided the energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater which is being replaced, there is no change in fuel, energy source, location, capacity, or routing or sizing of venting and piping, and the replacement is installed in accordance with the current edition of the State Building Code.

[@eastaronline2504]

Just bought my UNI-T Digital Clamp Meter, and will follow your instructions to try to fix my water heater ......Thanks for your sharing

[@dentrepairjax]

So thorough and simple to follow. Thanks man!

[@JTTTTx]

Some jurisdictions require a metallic relief valve waste,earthquake strap and a vacuum breaker. Also the the appliance disconnect either within 6 ft or in sight of the water heater.

[@50plusmtbatbp94]

Thank you, I hope you will have a tankless/water on demand install in the future.

[@alr9170]

I don't normally do that, but you're the BEST Man!!!!! You just save my butt $1000 Man!!!! the manufacturer agrees to replace my water heater, but I will need a plumber, these SOB wants $1000, after watching this video I am confident I can save that money. Thank you!!!!!

[@Lizardkingmediaproductions]

It’s like 6-8 hours of work, plus travel, tools, material, and skill. If you brought your car anywhere for an 8 hour job it would be well over $1000.

[@alr9170]

@@Lizardkingmediaproductions 6 or 8 Hrs lol!!!! I knocked that suckered down in 1Hr. I'm pretty sure you're a plumber.

[@obburo]

Excellent video! Nicely done. You should consider doing one on changing the old water supply valves to Sharkbites on an old oil burner.

[@EatCarbs]

Thank you for this video. My hot water stopped being hot the other morning. There have been some interesting morning in the shower. 🤣🤣 I am planning on changing it myself tomorrow morning.

[@gregpatterson1427]

Now I know why BOTH fittings leaked. I did one wrap with the Teflon tape and no Pipe dope. :( I like the SharkBite fittings better too. I will redo the water fittings today. Thank you for this VERY helpful video!

[@alfredobouzamusic5194]

You are a life saver man. I learn from you all the time. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! I’m glad I can help you out. Good luck with your projects!

[@RunE076]

Oh God, I can’t even imagine how awful your repairs look 😂

[@shyturner3418]

Best electric water heater installation video ❤

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you for your comment!

[@lcjohn51]

Should’ve installed a J- Box on the wall and run a conduit, Greenfield,to the electrical connection on the water heater. P.S I used shark bite on a hot water heater, and the plastic part that sticks out started deteriorating and begin leaking on the hot side after four years only use them if I have to. And in the open.

[@DFVIDZHipHopLyrics]

I don't think any inspector would approve of that wiring. Could use j-box or pass conduit through wall. As long as wire is not bare like this guy did

[@jzsbYT]

I recommend checking out table 501.1 from UPC to properly size your water heater. It goes by first hourly rating of the water heater. I am a plumber and that is how we size our water heaters to best accommodate our customers.

[@nayankalita2068]

I bought this water heater kzbin.infoUgkx8G49mV71sAzUl9shXyLW-r3XgHH9EVh1 for use in my bus conversion. I installed it under my kitchen sink and it is fed by a high efficiency on-demand LP water heater. It is both a backup hot water source as well as a water saving device since we have hot water on demand rather than having to wait for the gas on demand water heater to finish its ignition cycle. I decided on this water heater due to the fact that it only draws 1300watts when it's ON instead of the 1500 watts that most Water heaters this size draw. In an RV a couple hundred watts can be a big deal. With very low standby losses, I don't have to worry about excessive power consumption. When propane is not available for our gas water heater, in conjunction with our low flow shower head there is enough hot water available to shower, albeit we won't be taking "hotel showers." Also very happy with the recovery rate of this water heater. Granted, it is quite small, but it does exactly what we need it to do.

[@davidharrison3074]

Love doing water heaters. Most of the ones I've done are gas. One thing for code in our area, we would have to have the wire in flex conduit or rigid on electric water heaters. With gas that have a power vent the cord can be exposed and taped to the cold side because of heat on the wire coating. AOSmith water heaters are a good brand with a great warranty. The flex lines are a big time saver as well. Most jobs hear are basement jobs and need to be 3-4" off the ground if the unit doesn't have a factory buildup so they don't rust out from sitting on the cement floor. I've replaced many from that issue. Happy New Year to you Josh and I always love hammering the like button. 👍🏻

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Using flex conduit is something I have heard some areas require. That is a good thing to check. I have not installed a gas water heater but have seen them. I have had good luck with AOSmith and Rheem. Yes the flex lines also help in areas with earthquakes from what I understand as well. My uncle actually had one rust out from setting on the floor like you mentioned. Happy 2023 to you as well David. Take care!

[@usernamemykel]

EXCELLENT!! When my electric water heater was replaced (in 2011), the person who installed it placed the (horizontal in my case) pressure relief valve pipe RIGHT OVER the anode. Now I can't replace the anode because the pressure relief valve pipe prevents access to the anode - please advise how to move the tank without disturbing the pressure relief valve pipe, thank you from a new subscriber!

[@tombrownrigg8794]

Thank you Sir. Nice work 👍

[@pags409]

Thanks! Currently a job challenged DYIr… :-) Have watched your series over past 24 hours. It has been helpful. I have decided that I am going to upgrade to a new electrical panel because of you! Still have concerns, perhaps I’ll send you a question regarding sub panel(s). Peace brother!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much for your support! I’m going to be doing a video on my sub panel in the future. Stay tuned!

[@jaytravel-12]

all man your a life saver thanks I could not fig out which size I needed for my house of 2 all the 50 and 40 gal are very expensive so 30 gal for use is find thank you bro bro

[@elissalong7009]

Really good, thanks a whole bunch. Very clear and concise.

[@travishicks5521]

Very informational and easy to follow, thank you for the video.

[@tracychrispen1382]

Awesome video. I loved the way you explained everything. Thank you!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that. I hope you find this video helpful. You’re welcome!

[@user-ek4fn9bb8n]

This was excellent!! I could not have done it without it!!!!!

[@rKr0601]

Very good video and clear instructions. However, I miss the expansion tank. It should be installed everywhere by now except maybe in places where there are no backflow prevention devices.

[@CliqueViital]

Good video bro, I do commercial plumbing out of local 60 I am an apprentice. Trying to get some side work to make ends meet since they barely pay us anything (even though I’m doing mechanic work) . Thanks for the video

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

How much do you get paid?

[@reachfortruth1976]

​@@aaronbaraiya3692I'm not sure about him but I'm an apprentice and make 18 an hour

[@georgetreminio7010]

the presentation and the video are so clear thank you for educating us... Thank you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

So nice of you! I hope it helps!

[@poisonokie7502]

I think it's funny how all these trollers continuously say "It's not a hot water heater, it's a water heater", duh! How many times does it need to be said before it becomes redundant? I believe every DIY'er knows what to expect to learn by reading the title. From a DIY'er myself I would suggest reading the constructive comments and watch more videos then do what works for you. A little research goes a long ways. All in all job well done sir! Thank you very much!!

[@Nolaman70]

It a cold water heater.

[@andreymatsuk2395]

Great info, concise, well explained and well presented information, thank you!

[@JScruggs94]

That fact that Lowe's contractors charge as much as they do to do this is insane. I will definitely be doing it myself. Thank you

[@Sean-Aviation]

Are you buying the same brand? is it good? btw how do you drain and get rid of the old tank?

[@JScruggs94]

@Sean Yes I bought the same brand. You can drain it by hooking up a hose to the drain faucet on the very bottom. I also drained some of it by taking off the water pressure valve and emptying it into a tub from there because it was faster where I had so much build up. Just know that as soon as you take it off it will start pouring out. As far as getting rid if the old one I just hauled it to the local dump.

[@Sean-Aviation]

@@JScruggs94 Thanks. Did you purchase it from LOWES? was it heavy after it was drained? some of my PEX brass fittings are corroded and slightly leaking most are fine. I'm on well water. but i do wonder why some corroded some not. i suspect the rings were not cramped too tight and leaked....some say to replace with plastic but Josh advised to use the brass ones....

[@JScruggs94]

@Sean Yeah I got it from Lowe's. It wasn't all too heavy after being completely drained. As far as the corroded fitting I'm not really sure.

[@Sean-Aviation]

@@JScruggs94 Thanks. LOWES has three. 50 gallons short and tall which i assume the same with different tank height. another is 55 gallons. Tried to find some info on the difference but other than the 5 extra gallons i couldn't find. strange that its cheaper than the 50. Homedepot offer the Rheem Performance. have you considered this option before deciding to go with the AO Smith?

[@jsand3494]

Everything work perfect thank you for posting this. The details helped a bunch.

[@coooooool12342]

I’m very jealous of your skills.

[@OghomienorJenaskyprosper-ob3gj]

Multi talented Kenny , am looking forward to add all this knowledge to my plumbing experience someday.

[@jeffmueller8431]

I just installed the very same heater thanks for your video

[@jaytravel-12]

hows it going so far

[@pablolynch1152]

Good job! I'm inspired and confident after watching.

[@seanshaw436]

I really enjoyed watching that video. Great explanation and installing of the tank

[@princesstaylynn7143]

Perfect and well done

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@speaklifemanifest]

I came to this video because I’m having a hot water heater installed as I type this. My landlord is paying for it and we went from gas to electric. The contractor has literally been here all day he came at 10:30am and it’s now 7:27pm. I’m just glad it’s getting done but I didn’t think it would take so long

[@Honestandtruth007]

It's better put red electrical tape on white wire the same color as the other wire 😊🤠

[@lsatenstein]

In my jurisdiction, I had to have a breaker box adjacent to the hot water tank, even though there was 40 amp 240 volt breakers at the house panel. From the adjacent breaker box, to the tank, I had just enough slack to make a secure connection. (about 6 feet). My tank's electrical connection is/was at the bottom third electrical entry to the tank.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jrproductions6116]

Awesome video! Thank you!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad you liked it!

[@wassytrini]

Great vid... I think I can do this... tomorrow's project (remember to turn the breaker off)

[@rcairflr]

Do what you want , but I am warning you not to use those shark bite junk. Use solid copper lines all the way to your water heater.

[@kerryclark1926]

By the way, the NEC states that there should be conduit around the electrical wire. Also, I wouldn't recommend securing the 30amp wire to a metal pipe.

[@MikeMazzaschi]

Conduit requirement can vary by location of water heater and the jurisdiction. YMMV.

[@Nolaman70]

Hot metal pipe.

[@emilyyang7087]

Not sure if conduit is required by NEC code. Curious if taping orange wiring directly to hot water pipe, will it be a safety concern? Code is various across the country though.

[@c50ge]

Always test your tester on a known live wire.(ceiling light that is on is great)

[@CK-wo1ly]

Guy just quoted $750 for an install excluding the heater. Not the most expensive compared to other comments here, but 750 is 750. Thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

It’s all about DIY to save a ton of money! I’m glad I could help you out. Good luck with your project!

[@Honestandtruth007]

$750 just for Water Heater and labor added on top $ 3-500 more

[@Yuenix]

Fantastic video , quick and detailed and well instructed , Thank you brother.

[@markp1512]

great video , thanks , I have changed several out through different house over the years , & your video is very helpful

[@marissadevantier]

Excellent video!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that!

[@qwiickk]

Best video I've seen on the subject!

[@sunnymawtawka8151]

thank you for this great video...

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I always try to put as much information in the video as possible. Thanks for watching!

[@fernandorodriguez4382]

I just installed one. Nice video thanks bro.

[@jaytravel-12]

how it going so far

[@lakebreeze9016]

Carhartt hat, this guy's the real deal.

[@VickyLatorreArt]

Thank you so much. Your video is by far the best one.

[@luanahaigood278]

You saved me. Thank you for this video 💖

[@angieharris538]

Thanks very informative.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome Angie!

[@michaelmayfield9207]

Loved this video. You saved me $$$$$$$. I owe you a beer brother.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad you loved it! Appreciate you watching my content. Stay tuned!

[@danielmadigan201]

Great video! Only question is why fasten electricity to hot water outlet? Could the wire melt due to heat?

[@icin4d]

No. Plastics melt at a much higher temperature than that of the hot water. I personally wouldn't attach electrical wire to any pipe that carries water.

[@Anna.Jingguanjia]

Self-adhesive waterproof membrane easy to construct,no need torch flame and spray costing

[@donhogg3084]

Great video! It addressed all of my questions. Also, awesome video quality.

[@glennbrown306]

That was excellent!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that!

[@gpersaud2000]

Excellent video, thank you very much. I will DIY mine.

[@rapstar4575]

Dont forget to deburr your copper pipes if your using shark bite fittings.

[@allensmirbstojrn8949]

Very supportive ! Thank you !

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for the support! You are welcome!

[@DEUCE2151]

Thanks for this. This was a HUGE help!

[@MrMoosekiller31]

Just bought a new one old one was gas this ones electric so il let ya know if your video taught me anything lol 🍻 or if I had to call my buddy who can fix anything 😉👍

[@jorgiep09]

I like cold water heaters instead

[@TheMcpvideo]

Good information thanks 👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that. Good luck with your project!

[@davidblevins9513]

Sharkbite king 🤴

[@jeffreyplumber1975]

Nice! just so others know if you are governed by UPC code t and p must go to another source not the pan (prohibited) and no less than 6 inches more than 18 from floor. Also Im no sparkey but exsposed wiring like that dont fly here we use conduit like armor flex? lastly a plumber would never wrap teflon tape around a nipple that has a water flex connection the reason is there is a rubber hose washer that seals it just like a garden hose we dont use tape and dope on garden hoses either as it prevents the fitting screwed on and sealing at the washer. other wise it looks good

[@c50ge]

Some areas require a piece of EMT conduit stubbed above the ceiling so no wire is exposed.

[@gst4043]

By the new code you required expansion tank to equal pressure and dont stress the pipes

[@MDangk9]

Very effective video. Thank you

[@549BR]

A lot of codes require an expansion tank or valve, a flexible metallic electrical conduit and disconnect switch. Always check local building codes.

[@benfranzoso3312]

Well done, Thank you

[@rocket6277]

No you can not add a hot water shut off valve! Unless you would like to create an IED...

[@anthonybanks4958]

Thanks, appreciate your details info

[@angelacevedo300]

Thank you 🙏

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@jimbox114]

I am dreading the replacement of our tank. We currently have a 65 gallon tank and its on its last leg. Thought about replacing the elements but after opening the cover the whole side of the tank is covered in rust. Also I tried to purge the tank and there is so much sediment inside that the drain on the bottom is clogged. I don't know how I am going to move the old one since I can't drain it. Of course the location is in a tiny little area barely big enough for the tank and there is no drain pan. Any water leaks out its going to do major damage.

[@carlosportilla7634]

Hey josh. Any video about how to run the romex (#10) from the circuit box to the WH? Thanks good job as always 👍

[@titusdaniel]

I'm not a plumber, but I'm pretty sure you don't want to just tap your drip pan drain directly into any "nearest drain" in the basement. Did any plumbers catch that? Without a trap, you would basically be making your pan drain an open hole to the rest of your septic system, and that would be come a very stinky closet, very fast.

[@MrGaborseres]

Helpful 👍

[@ppham98]

Great video, thank you.

[@ricardoa3834]

Good job sr

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Ricardo!

[@msgshillingford4324]

Great task,

[@jeffjohnson8476]

Fantastic!

[@vubui5621]

Good Job👌

[@axelvazquez8941]

Actually the real problem was , it was not completely neutralized, like someone else mentioned, bsking soda will neutralize completely, then it needs to be dry, then protected with some rust preventive coat, because once clean it will be exposed and get rusted again.

[@Micp2912]

Great video! 👍

[@sonton8530]

You should crimp the ground wire with the ring terminal.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate your input!

[@sonton8530]

@@TheExcellentLaborer,you welcome. Just a little advice.

[@charlesdavis7147]

@@sonton8530 no do not crimp a solid wire, that screw has stood the test of time if the wire is wrapped correctly, also do not tape a wire not, for it will hold moisture and develop into a bad connection.

[@jasonjones8600]

Whay not an expansion tank? I am about to replace mine. I currently do not have one but I am reading everywhere that it is code now. Is it really important?

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

Great video as usual

[@buddyblack9801]

awesome video! thanks!

[@gowenrv3762]

Thank you for NOT using "Shorts" video. "Shorts are hard to see & hard to interact with. KZbin forces this stuff onto people. So.. Thank you for not uploading to shorts.

[@SamsonKingDavid]

You look exactly like my buddy, Blake Bowman