How To Install an Electric Water Heater - Plumbing, How To Wire, & Materials Needed - Rheem Marathon

Rheem Marathon 50 Gal Heater: amzn.to/3IlbZmL
My Favorite Tool: amzn.to/3NIFJuO
ELECTRICAL
30amp QO Breaker: amzn.to/2CNpSHd
10/2 Orange Wire: amzn.to/2BWqsFG
1/2" Knockout Connectors: amzn.to/2DiKQyL
PLUMBING
PEX Crimp Took Kit: amzn.to/2BHTpTy
3/4" PEX Tubing: amzn.to/2z6Rwge
3/4" PEX Crimp Rings: amzn.to/2DlPn3p
PEX Adapters: amzn.to/2BdBBhJ
Water Heater Hose with Valve: amzn.to/2COmj3n
Tools We Recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/benjamins...
Detailed installation video for my Rheem Marathon water heater. Most of the concepts in this video will apply to any electric water heater installations but there are a few things that are specific to the Marathon.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
Ben
0:00 - Electric Water Heater Installation Intro
0:13 - Electrical Prerequisites
1:12 - Wire Specifications
2:21 - Choosing A Water Heater
3:13 - Plumbing Connections
5:02 - Apply Teflon Tape & Pipe Dope
6:44 - Tighten Fittings Carefully
8:48 - Dry Fit PEX Tubing Then Crimp
10:37 - Hot & Cold Shut Off Valves
11:35 - Start Filling Heater & Bleed Air
12:09 - Remove Electrical Cover
12:48 - Install Wire Clamp
14:04 - Wire Electric Water Heater
17:55 - Fill Water Heater THEN Turn On Breaker
18:54 - Replace Cover
19:24 - SUBSCRIBE!!!

[@larryconner4062]

This is one of the best how-to videos I have ever seen! Not only very clear about how to do it but the photography of the steps was great. Slow and very descriptive as to how to do this for the new handyman to follow. Great job! L. C.

[@destructionindustries1987]

as an older plumber, good job, young man.

[@billidgylab9083]

Ben that was a superb install! Your work quality is excellence at work.

[@TravelwithNJSteveandSue]

Our Bradford-white gas water heater was in service for 26 years and was still working fine when we replaced it last year. Could never understand why it lasted so long (never drained it or changed the sacrificial rod) but read that if you keep the heat to a minimum (we always kept our water heater just warm) it slows down the corrosion process. Heat speeds up chemical reactions. Great video! Loved the cut away look inside!

[@cathyweck1019]

Thank you so much for how you explained even the smallest details! You are AN GREAT INSTRUCTOR!

[@cacooke77]

Thanks for the video, very informative. Just replaced my hot water heater yesterday and I did all the plumbing and electrical myself. My family is starting to think I am some type of home repair magician! Thanks again.

[@BornYooper]

Just installed one of these today - your video was a great help.

[@MahmoodSuhail]

Amazing job! the cleanest I have ever seen so far!

[@Peter-.H]

Ben, that was a great video. Well explained and informative. Keep up the good work & thanks 👍

[@SirTKC]

Following you is a bliss. Thanks !

[@ncinteriorsplus3520]

Great video! Only thing missing is, inside the panel box connections.

[@normastroud419]

Thank you so much!!! This video gave us all the info we needed!

[@jimacheson4933]

Good clear, easy to watch video. Good job Ben

[@crashbandits5487]

Wow. One of the best how to videos I've seen. Great job!

[@michelpelletier1399]

Un très gros merci Benjamin !! Vidéo très bien faite, facile à comprendre et expliqué de façon simple et claire. Michel du Québec (Canada)

[@Jasonmckenna1977]

I will be using your video very soon. Thank you, you saved me from paying someone to install it. I do have knowledge in about 90% of install but you helped on the other 10% thank you

[@tonyanderson8662]

I'll be doing this in a few months, great video!

[@MurphysLemonadeStand]

Thanks Ben. I needed this today. Helped as always.

[@treystills]

Thanks for the video Ben. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I installed the Rheem Hybrid electric/heat pump 80 gallon purchased for $1758. Love the unit. Next project I plan to install the Hybrid in series with the Marathon. One advantage I experienced with installing electric in a retro fit is not having to run another exhaust/intake. A disadvantage is that my power company did not give me a rebate because I did not replace an electric water heater with electric, I replaced a gas water heater. Should check with utility company first to ensure a rebate will be given otherwise expectations get bruised. Thanks again!!!

[@daddio7249]

Two weeks ago I installed a Rheem 50 gal hybrid water heater. In eleven days it has used 14.17 kWh of electricity using only the heat pump mode. Plenty of hot water for my wife and me. I replaced a 20 year old 30 gal electric heater that is still good but has to be on borrowed time. The Rheem was too big to go where the old one is so I put in another more accessible area. Why would you need a second heater?

[@830apache5]

BEST VIDEO IVE FOUND NO ONE TELLS U ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL BREAKER OR WIRE U NEED GREAT VIDEO THANKS BRO

[@geoff8253]

This was a very good video. You explain everything you do and it helps a lot. 💪🏻

[@rickyparr8001]

Cool man,cool,very educational,thank you for the excellent education.Beautiful!

[@masonlovesroblox]

Ben, two things I noticed. (1) How well manicured your finger nails were. (2) How need and tidy your home run wires were at the top of the walls of your basement. I can appreciate some serious OCD. AS I learned in the military, “ sloppiness breeds inefficiency”!

[@demitriousedwards]

Well explained!!!!! Now I can hook up MY hot water heater now!!!!!!

[@rburgess8880]

Excellent video. Helped tons!

[@mushtaqmalik8292]

Great video Ben!!

[@ontrackfitness66schannel12]

Great Video, well done and very informative. Thank you!

[@davidblue435]

Excellent as always!

[@Mitalayeka]

Very informative, thanks Ben.

[@jasonparkinson7621]

Informative. Muchas gracias!

[@jazzdog49]

Thank you so much! Easy to understand...well done :)

[@reno5948]

Thanks. Very clear and helpful.

[@roysecarrasco8286]

Good job! I liked

[@jpbianca]

Very perfectly made video! Tkx

[@franktartan6808]

Thanks for a great video. I was wondering if the wire should be run in a conduit. I am unsure of the code so I always run wires in a conduit for living spaces.

[@salhibilel5117]

Awesome video thank you for the explanation , well done 👍

[@panama-sx2oh]

thanks ben the videos very informative n by the way i a electrician 10 2 romex goodchoice

[@jimharris1590]

Good job----thank you!!

[@MrFallafell]

Amazing video, thanks brother

[@aroncarvajal7080]

Great video 👍

[@user-rn5ip9ec6j]

good video!!!

[@dougdorrer4622]

My understanding is that PEX is not recommended within 18" of the water heater. This is a manufacturer's guidance, not code.

[@brewsterly2927]

Should be code, it is in other countries. Copper is for keeps;)

[@masonlovesroblox]

I have copper water pipes in my home. I prefer copper water lines because I can actually hear the water flowing through the copper water lines. This is a good thing when any one in my family (including me) leaves water running. The only place I used a PEX A water line is when I ran a cold water line under my second story deck to a spigot. This spigot is used to water plants on my deck. PEX A will swell but not burst if water is inadvertently left in the water line to freeze during winter.

[@laschell59]

Hi great video, question I have is the different amps I have an older select water heater and it's the same size as yours. I did remove the elements to check for calcium deposits. I am lucky as mine are made of brass and theres 2 top n bottom. I see you choose a different wire for for your main electric wires. I'll look back. 10-2 wire. Mine is only used in a lake house then it was shut off n empty on off seasons. It's still new. The wire on it is 12 ga yellow wire. I have a GE panel box and I'm all open as I just gutted my back home. I removed all the ceiling n it's just framing at this time. I want to run the new wire in my rafters and possibly buy a slide tube to keep wires safe. I will say I had a mouse or 5 in my home but never had 1 spot get chewed on by one of the critters.🦝

[@WrenchNinja91]

A few quick questions. First what is your opinion of the stainless cinch style pex clamps? 2nd how is your water heater controlled for the energy program without wifi/network connectivity, and 3rd is it only a requirement to have metallic inlet and outlet for a set distance before pex on gas units? Great video as always, I enjoy watching them

[@jepcobb7770]

I enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. Quick question. I am about to replace my hot water heater with a tall Marathon 50 Gallon water heater. After unpackaging, I noticed the hot water nut on the top of the tank swivels while the cold and T&P nuts are tight and hold the fittings tight on top of the tank. Is this normal or did something come loose on the backside of the fitting?

[@judykramer9861]

Great video! Informative and very helpful!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@noelshaffer9609]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Would you use any Teflon tape or pipe dope if you were replacing the vacuum breaker?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

@@noelshaffer9609 Yes. Only the fittings that use a rubber gasket don't need thread sealant. And traditional tapered thread fittings need thread sealant.

[@noelshaffer9609]

Thanks for the reply, really appreciate your videos!

[@walterseeba7639]

Can you run the power thru a 40amp contractor wired thru a 120v coil to a smart outlet, controlled by the automation network?

[@user-fe5lr9zt3y]

Do you have vacuum relief valve on this electric tank?

[@franklerouge]

Hi, I installed one of theses in my home but I used a Galvanized nipple to fit a flex stainless tubbing and rust is starting to show at the junction of the vacuum breaker..

[@jackkerouac8439]

Great video, wow! You're a natural teacher. So question for you. If I downgrade my hot water heater from a 4500 to a 1500v, can I still use the same gauge wire that was put in for the 4500?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Yes but the breaker size would need to match the maximum circuit ampacity for the appliance.

[@shafimehar4506]

Please upload a video on how to flushing(scal remove)/the water heater. Thanka

[@SpencerRyllSmith]

Is the vacuum valve removable and standard 1 inch threads? Mine open when filling initially and is annoying.

[@SuperMannyMann]

When I plug it in will it make a noise to indicate it’s on?

[@commadanteflet]

Hey man, thanks for the tips. Question about the pex: is it supposed to look so pretty? I thought you were supposed to run it curvy and use as few fittings as possible. A plumber I worked for once told me that. He said the old school guys would run it like copper, cutting the pieces straight and using lots of elbows, but apparently that reduces flow? I'm curious though to hear the other side. Mahalo!

[@captainkangaroo4301]

If there are two green ground screws (one inside the compartment or junction box on the water heater and a second one on the outside cover of the box) does it matter which ground screw you use?

[@mikeytherookieplumber9624]

Pex is used in a lot of new home construction. Google pex use in homes and yiu will see the issues pex has. Pex tends to leak at the joints. The hot water pex line tends to burst. Here in Sacramento CA, we use copper

[@foldingbikeguy]

Copper pipe tends to burst too in some situations like when there is a hard freeze (especially if the power goes out due to outages or not keeping the house heat high while on vacation)

[@laschell59]

You were going to check the wire reading but never did..I'm happy as you have the same 4500 x 2 as I do..sweet..

[@pauldaily6224]

Would have been the best video I have seen accept if it matters where you hook wire 2 breaker for those who don't know electrical

[@AdrianvanWijk]

What about code that requires copper pipe and brass fittings, is that relevant with an electric hot water thank?

[@DirtbikeDad]

Where does water inlet hook to (main feed line). Then does it go out to hot/ cold lines ???

[@handstwister3857]

They don’t require a disconnect where you’re at or is the panel within the line of site?

[@sahanchem]

Do we need a expansion tank for this Marathon water heater?

[@bryanhauschild4376]

What electrical tester do you have?

[@doggy255]

You gotta cut the pex to change the water heater then?

[@michaelcasella4774]

What were the reasons you decided to go electric? You have those two very large propane tanks. I ask because I am planning on going propane on as much as possible in my new construction. But now I question that because I see you have electric and you seem to really have all your ducks in a row and extremely educated on all this. Thanks!!!!!! Really like your videos!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

+Michael Casella I actually am working on a video explaining exactly what you're asking. I'll hopefully have it up soon but a lot of the reason in my case is that our electrical cooperative gives a discount on electric water heater usage that is only used during off peak times. The video should clear it up a bit more and I'll break down the details for you. :)

[@michaelcasella4774]

Benjamin Sahlstrom great thank you. I just really want to make the right choices the first time. You really help me out alot

[@jaytravel-12]

How long does it take to fill up a 40 gal tank with water...and when should I turn on power

[@jamiekrzykowski7296]

would have like to explain about ground wire does it go to bottom of tank to where

[@rickwilson478]

In general, ground wires (green or bare) connect to , typically, a green washer head screw within the appliances electric junction box and that green screw is connected at the factory assembly to the metal external parts of the appliance to ensure potential contact by anyone using/touching the appliance will not inadvertently receive an electrical shock due to any electrical system failure/short/arc etc.

[@DaveBowman345]

Awesome video on installing a Marathon. I’m thinking of doing the same. I was interested in what type of tubing you used for the pressure relief valve. PEX? If not PEX, what did you use? I didn’t see an additional video from you describing how to do this. Thx!!

[@hughrobinson6194]

I was also wondering the same. Can you use PEX on the relief valve?

[@DaveBowman345]

@@hughrobinson6194 I never did get a Marathon (it wouldn't fit in the space I have for a water heater) but the unit I bought is an electric 40-gallon Rheem... and I did use PEX for the relief valve. I think I used a SharkBite fixture screwed into the orifice and jammed that PEX right up into it. Hope it never gets triggered but if it does it will work fine.

[@almaflorJA]

Are you allowed to have NM cable exposed?

[@tammydear8057]

Beware of Watts braided stainless steel hose! My hose just sprung a leak and inside the hose was crumpled up plastic or rubber or whatever it's made of. 👍

[@hyde13134]

Do I need an expansion tank for a electric water heater? Presently I don't. I need to replace 2 tanks because I have a geothermal system. Do they need to be put in pans? And lastly. Does the relief pipe have to be copper or some kind of hard pipe? Thanks again. I would appreciate a comment. .

[@imfamemitotero7171]

Buen trabajo chavalon ya era hora

[@proudguy]

Code says you need to protect the electrical wire with a flexible metal sheathing when it may be exposed to mechanical injury. Is there a rule to say if it is exposed to mechanical injury?

[@bobniles1928]

Only if subject to damage.

[@grrlcomic]

Hi Ben i have a question, if the electricity goes out will you lose cold water pressure or will it stay the same? Someone told me that you will not have any pressure if that happens.

[@vuchannel2231]

the cold water pressure not affect it if electricity goes out! its pressure coming from the city water tank supply!

[@richardmarshall6751]

I had heard that PEX should not get hot, it effects the PEX longevity. With that in mind, is the PEX fitting on the HOT side too close to the hot water source?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It should be fine especially with an electric water heater. If you have a naturally drafted gas water heater then the first foot or two would be better suited to use copper.

[@naturestrail2296]

I have question. I see places claiming pex can not be connected directly to a water heater and must have at least 18" connection between the pex and the water heater. I see that you connect them directly to the water heater. Have you ever had a problem come of this? I personally don't understand the reasoning if you use metal crimp rings for sure if the pex piping can hold the hot water anyway. I might could see the hot water slightly softening the pipe and softening those pex A stretch style connections making them pull off easier if anything but really don't even see how that could happen. Anyway just wanted to ask your luck so far connecting them directly like that and how long you've been doing it this way because I did mine that way and wandering if I should go through the trouble of changing it. Also interested to know what brand and model that crimp tool is? Mine is much harder to squeeze and hard to work in tight areas but I guess the universal for different pipe sizes is nice though.

[@BumbleBee-eh3cn]

use sharkbite water heater kit. It connects directly to water heater and to pex. It is flex steel wire covered and comes with a shutoff valve on the cold. Super easy to install. Just be sure to follow directions exactly.

[@RGRobRod2]

Hey Ben, I'm going from a natural gas water heater to an electric water heater. My question is, "Can I run my cable from a sub panel or does it have to be run from the main panel?" RR

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

As long as your sub panel is big enough (how many amp breaker is feeding it) then you should be fine. I'd say if you have a 50amp or better sub then it should work as long as you don't have other large loads on the panel that could cause issues. Good luck!

[@wadysrodriguez3756]

Supose to for code hastobe disconect where itis?

[@cashieterrell]

Next time be more explicit on your wiring instructions. That's my only issue great video. Thanks Ben.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@laschell59]

Man I'm a lady in my 60s n I understand what he did..... my only question was about the gauge of wire..

[@laschell59]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom you did FANTASTIC I have all copper but my old tank has all new shut off valves. And steel flex hoses.

[@integrityconstruction5070]

Where is the Thermal Expansion Tank? It's code nearly all across America in a closed plumbing systems for all new installations.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It really depends on the application. Our system is supplied by a well and has a large expansion tank for the well pump that also served the purpose of a thermal expansion tank.

[@myartinjon]

You forgot to open the lower electric panel to show how to adjust the water temperature. Overall good job thanks!

[@tcalof]

@Gf Lins Phases do not have polarity.You only have positive and negative wires when using DC electricity. Both AC feed wires are simply called "hot", The breaker in the panel is also called a double 30A. You're confusing people when you call it a 60A breaker.

[@andrewcarr2431]

National Code does not permit PEX piping within 18" of a hot water tank. Not sure about your area, just the requirements where we are. Also we cannot put a shut off valve on the hot side of the water tank, only the cold.

[@pelmly9307]

agreed, code, where I am (NY), is to keep the pex away. I typically just do an 18" run of copper then adapt to pex

[@davidautry4857]

Nice video. But the manual states that the vacuum relief valve should be replaced every six years. How are you going to do that without ripping out all the plumbing to the cold water inlet?

[@SethJayson]

yeah I think for the cold supply with that VR valve you need to go with screw-on flex tubing so they can be detached. The older units the cold supply had T with the VR valve on top and the cold inlet coming from the side and you could replace just the VR valve on top by double wrenching.

[@hybridamerica]

Nice! I have a question: I need to install a 19 gal 120 volt (1500 watt lower element (only one element) water heater. What amperage breaker do I need? I know I need #10 wire and there is an existing double pole 30 amp breaker in the cutler hammer breaker panel; do I need a standard 20amp breaker to replace the existing 30 amp?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

The water heater should say the maximum sized breaker on the information sticker somewhere.

[@hybridamerica]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom - it does not. I'm just wanting to know if the 30a would fry the 1500w element - as it is wired. The manual only says to use #10 wire (which I know is the common wire for a 30a breaker) so I assumed that the 30a was standard. I have ever used anything larger than a #12 for a 20a breaker

[@hybridamerica]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom - If I multiply the value for current by 125 percent to determine the size of the breaker I need for the heater. A 1500-watt heater on a 120-volt circuit would need a breaker of 15.6 amps. Because a 15-amp breaker would be too small, you need a breaker with the next highest rating, which is 20 amps. The only ting that was confusing me was the #10 wire requirement on the manual.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Run 10ga wire with a 20a breaker. Then your wire will technically be oversized but that's fine. Leaves room for an upgrade to 30a if needed. That's my two cents but I cant be sure without actually seeing it of course. Good luck!

[@hybridamerica]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom You were spot on. The 30a would have been too heavy for the 1500w element.

[@Ojeramup12]

And to think that I have paid$100.00 to wire-up the water heater! It's so simple.

[@Littlejohnny40]

I have a question and really hope you can help me. I just got my marathon water heater and noticed that the hit side connection turns freely. Can you tell me if this is normal. I just want to make sure it is before I install it. I take hope you see this and can write me back. I called the technical support and they said they don't know

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

I think it probably fine as the fittings on the top are kind of like unions and use gaskets to seal instead of the traditional tape and dope method. The Installation instructions should explain this I think. Hope that helps!

[@Littlejohnny40]

Benjamin Sahlstrom thank you so much for the reply. It installed with no problem. Thanks and take care

[@rickwilson478]

Hmmmnnh, not very impressive or comforting that tech support can't answer such a basic question!! A call back sometimes results in the ability to talk with a tech rep who is better informed about their own products, without getting initial tech rep in hot water ( so to speak) by asking to talk with a supervisor.

[@jeromefranklinjr.3144]

I didn't see you hook the wiring to the panel

[@shadowflare99]

Why so many 90 deg. In pex pipe ?

[@grantstruble2627]

Holy tape man

[@TheTechGuider]

Ugh thought you couldn't have just straight Romex going into the tank. Thought code was like mc or liquid tite

[@liltwinotb8453]

you forgot install the drain for the air value releaser

[@thewsgtwysk3227]

Good sound and clear video and very explainfull, BUT I was expecting to see you running the electrical wiring from scratch. almost right.and 20 minutes, too much time. Well that's my opinion. As you see one of follower peanutbutter 1925 said: And to think that I have paid$100.00 to wire-up the water heater! It's so simple. But did not show anything regarding the wiring lay out. it will be nice if you added how you runned the electrical winring as you show how to connected the flex hoses.

[@johnd9541]

can't use PEX within 18" of a water heater.

[@DarrylJSpell]

What happens when you don't have the ground wire hook up.

[@timberwrightsvs480]

This is a pretty good video for the purposes of wiring an electrically-powered hot water heater, but please be advised that, as always, there are special tools made for special purposes. Considering that the creator/author of this video utilized what he had on hand for wiring his hot water heater, white 10/2 Romex, one also needs to pay particular attention to the fact that this wire contains a black and a white conductor. Having spent most of my life in the electrical field, I can tell you that black is most often thought of as representing circuit HIGH and white is most often thought of as circuit LOW/Neutral. This fellow did a good deed by explaining that the white conductor he used should be identified as a HIGH in this circuit -- by wrapping it with black electrical tape -- but the best way to do this is to use 10/2 Romex that doesn't contain a white conductor. In most cases, the proper Romex for this job contains a black lead and a red lead, but the important thing to note here is that it doesn't contain a white lead. Getting back to special tools, the author mentioned what he called a "cable ripper," which goes along with what I'm about to write. The term I'm used to when it comes to stripping the outer "jacket" (not the internal conductor insulation) is an "electrical dismantling knife." Specifically, I use a Knipex 98 55 insulated dismantling knife that has a guide shoe welded to the end of the knife's hook-type cutter blade. Why do you need something like this? As opposed to using a utility knife -- and praying that your knife cuts down the middle of the Romex (as the author mentioned) -- this specialized tool will cut the outer jacket without affecting the inner conductors at all ... and, believe me, it's very easy to cut the insulation of an inner conductor by employing a utility knife -- a.k.a. a "razor knife" -- for a job like this.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks for the informative, respectful, and knowledgeable comment! Really appreciate it.

[@timberwrightsvs480]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Happy to do it ... and happy to contribute to your good efforts by answering any questions anyone might have, as well. Have a good one.

[@jolyonwelsh9834]

They don't manufacture romex cable or any other cable assembly for that matter with just a black and a red wire at least not here in North America. Cable assemblies come with a black/white, black/white/red, or black/white/red/blue. You would have to run those individual colors in conduit.

[@madpiper1277]

Hey Ben, it's now been a few years....how has you Marathon held up?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Great! No issues at all so far. :)

[@madpiper1277]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom Thanks for the quick reply! We're building a new house and planning on installing the 85 gallon commercial Marathon (large family). I've seen a lot of reviews stating the Marathons tend to leak, and that gives me pause.

[@shadricosuave]

Next time install a disconnect and an expansion tank. You're will have a better system and protect your hot water heater and other devices with that expansion tank. The disconnects just for convenience but also for safety.

[@Petrochemtester]

It is better to tighten the rubber gasket connections by turn the ring and holding the male part stationary...less chance of tearing the gasket....

[@darrinhope6540]

Check .. some water heaters are 20 amp not 30

[@wallacemccool8349]

National plumbing code says that pex isn't allowed any closer than 18 inches to the inlet and outlet of the waterheater. I believe.