How To Replace Your Electric Hot Water Heater | Full Install DIY

This is how I replaced my failing electric hot water heater. The hot water heater tank had begun to corrode and was rusting and leaking water on the floor. This electric hot water heater was replaced in a residential home in Florida. Please be responsible and consult a professional plumber and electrician if you do not know how or are not comfortable working around electricity and plumbing.

[@imclcinforzahorizon8951]

This is absolutely the Best Hot Water Heater Removal and installation Video I have watched... I'll be 66 Years old, and this Old Lady was scared to tackle this Dyi project until I watched this Video.... THANK YOU 👍👍👍❤️🦩✌️

[@craigstephens4318]

Thanks for the easy to follow DIY. The only thing I would have done was change that cheap drain valve before I installed the new water heater. Great tutorial.

[@Zero111311]

Thank you for this video. I just replaced my water heater on my own for the first time today and your video was extremely paramount in assisting me with the process. Thank you so much, you saved me $1000 that I did not have.

[@Archifx]

That’s excellent news. Congratulations!!!

[@kimariokiji]

You’re my kind of DIYer! Thorough and conscientious. This is one of the very best videos on installing an electric water heater on KZbin; arguably the best. Thank you. The only comment I have to add is that it might be better to use a handsaw to cut the existing cpvc pipes. The cutter tool can create cracks in the older cpvc pipes. This is info from an older gentleman who is a Master Plumber who is very generous with sharing his expertise with me.

[@Archifx]

Thank you sir! Appreciate the kind words. Good tip on the hand saw

[@RadioRich100]

He dosnt know what he doing.

[@danmacleod9526]

Most definitely the most detailed easy to understand video I have found on KZbin.

[@RadioRich100]

Dont do what he did.

[@lazaruswoods6928]

You gave me the courage to install my electric waterheater. I was originally very intimidated, but you explained it very well. Thanks for you help!

[@ceedabulls]

So you had no problems? How did it come out?

[@lazaruswoods6928]

@Ceeda Ceeda Turn out great! Passed my inspection in the Golden State of California. Thanks again!

[@daviddesmond2143]

Excellent video! I am going to save $800 by following your video step by step and install a new water heater. Thank you!

[@daviddesmond2143]

I did install the water heater myself and followed your video. Thanks so much!!!

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Very thorough and well explained. In some jurisdictions, including where I am, the piping for the first 18" from the tank must be metallic so CPVC and pex are not allowed. I used corrugated stainless steel connections made specifically for water heaters. The cold water connection included a shut off valve. The ones I bought included push to fit connections where they connect to the water lines so no soldering or glue required. I appreciate that some people do not like the push to fit connections, but I have had very good success with them personally and professionally. Another advantage is that lines can be disconnected for servicing the water heater without having to cut any pipes.

[@user-jh6jv6md7e]

How can he explain when he's guessing his way bro

[@gregorsidler3962]

All I can say your the perfect teacher. I will be able to do this! Thank you for taking the time to do this video!

[@Archifx]

Thanks a bunch!!!

[@jenniferbraun2491]

I'm replacing my heater today. It has been in and working for 32 years! It still works, but I thought it's probably time, lol!

[@Archifx]

You got this.

[@williamgibbs9774]

Best video for replacing as the inlet piping matches my apartment condo's piping. Other vids with copper metal piping with flexible metal supply lines had me a little lost. This is apples to apples and perfect for my setup as it is almost identical.

[@Mar-gv4eq]

Used this to do this today..went perfect! Saved me like 2k!

[@coombs06]

Excellent video. I like the way you work by double checking the electrical and keeping things clean.

[@chrisbrown7046]

I appreciate you taken the time to explain the steps!

[@frankbiondo2476]

Nice clean install which is what I have come to expect from your videos. In addition to the hot side isolation valve add, I always replace drain valve, especially the plastic one like what came with this tank. I use a brass valve. The extra $10 is well worth it. Especially if you periodically drain a few gallons off to remove any sediment before it builds up. Helps the tanks last an extra couple years.

[@Archifx]

Thanks a bunch. That’s a good idea. I think I’ll replace mine with a brass valve too. Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@salinawhite7669]

@@Archifx you're VERY CLEAN AND neat I don't HAVE hot WATER FOR 2 week NOW

[@jimtimmons5067]

@@salinawhite7669just guessing here but people say “what?” to you a lot don’t they?

[@sangerhenderson6967]

​@@salinawhite7669❤ hi

[@allergyahead8128]

Nice job. I liked the extra precaution at the end to check the electric. To me that was very important.

[@RadioRich100]

Not with one of those toys he used. He should have used a meter.

[@user-jh6jv6md7e]

I like your little PLUMBING job I'm a plumber also

[@georgedavall9449]

This has got to be one of THE BEST videos/ tutorials on electric water heater replacement, IMHO! Good video, without any annoying music, and quite annoying time lapse/ fast fwd’g as some creators have in their videos. I liked your ‘tile base,’ but I think I would have also put a pan under it? And the other thing is maybe smearing a little pipe dope/ sealant on the PTFE tape. Twisting your wires together, then attaching the wire nuts is a more secure method, and is what Electricians I’ve met in the field, do on job sites. Otherwise very clear and concise, and I appreciate your attention to detail and your cautionary advice, especially regarding the electrical. And chalk me up as a new Subscriber! 👏🏻👍👍👍😁✌🏻🇺🇸

[@Archifx]

Thanks so much!!! Worked hard on that one.

[@Fandaan]

A pan is code

[@Archifx]

Not when it’s below finished floor elev

[@wesleybrooks62]

Very good thank you for going step by step, all the other videos on how to install a hot water heater, was a waste of time. All they did was ramble left out a lot of steps. ABOUT TIME someone did a good correct job going step-by-step video all the other videos they need to take down Thank you 😊 again

[@reaper-sz5tm]

You did great, my only suggestion would be not using cpvc for the water lines. Pex, copper, or even sharkbite stainless braided lines would work better long term, they withstand heat better

[@dr2944]

As an added and extra safety precaution, wires should be twisted tightly together with ample length before being inserted into a wire nut. You did a good video. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@williamutsman579]

finished up on my water heater, looks great . no leaks.Thanks for the instructions

[@themillennialentrepreneurh2511]

Great video! Instead of paper towels use a cheap paper plate and cut a hole. Way harder for it to soak through. Very informative though! Thank you this will save a a ton of headaches in a few days!

[@LiveHealthyWealthy]

Very nice and informative video! One caution I would suggest is that with households that have children the set temperature be closer to 120-125f. You also should get much longer life out of most water heaters, eleven years is not that long. Good clean job.

[@cranky_yankee]

140 is to hot because of scalding on non mixing faucets

[@ME-wq8lq]

Thanks for giving me the confidence to replace my own. I only wish my piping was cpvc and not copper!

[@micahreynolds3450]

Shark bites. A copper homes friend.

[@tooneboone3869]

Don't worry about having copper now; in 5 to 10 years when the old water heater is is chanced out you will have to have it re-piped because the dimensions will have changed on the new heater, then you can use CPVC. they can't leave anything alone!!!

[@ronalddale8908]

Thanks for the demo. I did everything you did, except for the two panels on the side. I set the temps and it worked. Thanks.

[@rabbarabba6550]

Just found this you are fantastic. Definitely followed you and I appreciate you making this available to us non-professional people!!!!

[@michaelkozenczak1666]

Very nice install.....can save 2000 dollars...and as a DIYer my knuckles are always racked up!

[@chrisdimech7051]

Great video sir...gave me the confidence to attack the job myself!!!

[@johnepperson8867]

You're a perfectionist ! GREAT video, THANK YOU !!!

[@glh541]

Very helpful detailed video. I need to replace my old heater and will reference this video.

[@Blackinterceptor999]

I recommend getting a plastic water heater pan, Just in case of any leakage...Better safe than sorry!

[@williecunningham3725]

Yes, I may do mine myself. Mine is electric, has 4 connections and one includes electric to the top like yours. I am not going to rush. I am boiling water on my stove now to do the dishes (oh, I will always have hot water). My unit put out very hot water and yesterday finally I feel nothing but cold water from all the hot water faucets. I am not going with any high end units, just a basic 30 or 40 gallon electric Water heater. I might need a permit so I will check soon with city hall.

[@richardnguyen6853]

thank you so much you are a good teacher and give all detail of how to install the new water heater.good man,!!!

[@cerberus2881]

Well done! I have this job ahead of me this week and I'm not looking forward to it. I live in FL too and recognized everything you had there except for the little tank above the HTR, must be a necessity for well pump setup. Subscribed. The tip about checking the HTR jacket for stray electrical current is very important, the tip I neglected yesterday when installing an all metal housed ceiling fan.

[@truegatorguyodonnell5092]

Great video -- very concise and methodical. Might actually subscribe, but I did find the video too monetized. There were FIVE ads that broke in while watching!

[@Archifx]

That’s how I make money my friend. No monetization. No motive

[@truegatorguyodonnell5092]

@@Archifx Good to know. I don't mind one at the beginning, maybe another closer to the end (some vbloggers on here have sponsors). But it's hard to listen to and follow anyone regardless of how knowledgeable or earnest they may be, if every three minutes someone annoying as a f@cking mosquito is pestering me to sell me some shite I'm not interested in nor did I ask for. So my motive is to avoid those videos like the clap!

[@Robinhood179]

I never got any ads ever.

[@ericbrauch5872]

Great job. 1 thing you could do is either wire it after the cement has dried or wire it before cementing in the pipes. My 40 gal heater can wobble around and I like to leave drying things alone.

[@theSilvioRoesler]

Thanks for posting! Very nicely done and explained

[@Jim-El]

Great job sir. Wonderful demonstration!

[@zaneyates98]

Thank you for this. I’ll be back to let y’all know how it goes. Big project for me in my first home.

[@doctorvoiceover6582]

Some would recommend replacing the expansion tank at the same time. But excellent tutorial!

[@enriqueguzman9042]

Thank you. Just did it at my home and saved me alot of money.

[@gene570]

Outstanding. I've "liked" & subscribed.

[@frederickneal4781]

You should have replaced that plastic drain valve on the new water heater with a brass one. YOUR OLD WATER HEATER HAD A BRASS ONE.

[@Archifx]

Eh… it’s still fine all these years later. So no. I’d don’t

[@celticguy6405]

Nice job with the install. I appreciate all the pointers you put in and your pep talk about confidence at the end, I couldnt agree more! Subscribed to you!

[@joejr9653]

You have a valve on your cold water side you could shut off instead of killing your whole house. I would have added a valve to the hot side to just to be able to isolate water heater completely. You should also replace the expansion tank when you replace the water heater too. Just suggestions. Nice work.

[@Archifx]

Oh yes. I know. I’m trying to make the video appeal to the masses in case they don’t have isolation valves. The crazy thing is... my local big box was out of stock of shutoff valves 3/4” so I couldn’t add one at the time. Believe me I wanted to add it and show it in the vid but I have to Keep it as simple as possible. Thanks for the feedback. That expansion tank is only a year old but yes. If it’s original to the WH def replace at the same time. 👍

[@tigerbatman7881]

It is against code to have a valve on both sides. If they are both off the pressure of the water heater heating up has nowhere to go except out the TMP

[@joejr9653]

@@tigerbatman7881 I've never seen it anywhere in the code book where it states no valve on both sides.

[@tigerbatman7881]

@@joejr9653 it is at least where I’m at. I wouldn’t do it but to each there own

[@mikegarrett3815]

@@tigerbatman7881 FYI That depends where you live!! Not every country,province or state has the same regulations!

[@FreddyStarman]

kudos to you. You have a great teaching talent. thanks.

[@weekendhomeprojects]

62,642 views as of 3/3/2022 - Nicely done.

[@weekendhomeprojects]

103,364 views as of 9/6/2022 - Still nicely done.

[@ebonyc.3322]

You’ve got my thumb!!! 👍

[@rahulbhole_]

One of the best videos and very very helpful.

[@lloydboca6]

Remember to match hot water side with red hot water valve multi or 1/4 turn handle. Match the cold water side with a blue cold water valve multi or 1/4 turn handle.

[@Archifx]

Hahah. Good luck finding that with the supply chain issues. Good idea but not always readable in today’s reality.

[@richardbennett22]

Great video and info. Might be a dumb question but does it matter how it is wired back up? Couldn't tell with your house wiring what the colors were.

[@dp4548]

You can put black to black and red to white, that is how mine is. Bare copper wire goes to ground (the green screw).

[@billmonroe8826]

Plastic drain valve is enough to leave it at the box store and buy one that has a brass valve.

[@ramoncaraballo4655]

You are a good teacher, thank you for this video.

[@fuggedaboudit223]

Very good vid. I notice the baffle tank in line with the cold water line. Is that a requirement?

[@sethyjean-pierre5739]

Thank you! Good job explaining!

[@marcomontes6590]

Thanks to your video all videos help so yours too well explained

[@aletango402]

You are a super teacher.

[@joseleal08]

Well done thanks for showing your video

[@kack7130]

also can you uncrew the old heater bolt without cutting it because it is a thread right? it may be easier. It is a pain to rejoin all the cpvc.

[@charstarkey3562]

Going to attempt this tomorrow.

[@ezequielrivad3414]

Exelent job explaining things so nice work that is amazing 😻

[@gregprocknal9232]

And your using the pipe wrench backward, flip it over & pull it towards you. That way, the teeth grip the fitting. My Dad was a pipe fitter

[@mikematos1587]

Awesome video!!!

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

How 2 drain the water with hose on a 3 story condo? can do into bathtub!?

[@juancastro6715]

Thanks. For you help

[@PahjoDesigns]

Great video, bro! Exactly what I needed.

[@fnfal89]

Ty. Great info and very well presented

[@islandwoodfired]

thanks for the video fam! 20:42 20:45

[@antoniobuensuceso9170]

your good bro like a pro

[@dougs.9486]

I see some guys use plumber's dope or putty with the teflon tape. You don't see a need for both? Or harm in using both? Thanks

[@Archifx]

Don’t do both. I’ve done it and had leaks. One or the other in these fittings.

[@dougs.9486]

@@Archifx Thanks bud!

[@Drstephenbond]

Great job! Very helpful!

[@gimmesomesugar]

Thanks. Very useful video!

[@briannurse2651]

That is what I call teacher thanks

[@kraigrebstock4019]

Just a couple of pointer from a licensed code approved plumber aginst code for cpvc on top of the heater as it needs 16 inches of copper minimal and 120 anything above this temp will void the warrenty

[@ronkosanovich6450]

What is the big blue plastic plug on the bottom of a AO Smith electric water heater for? Unboxing the Heater the plug fell out of the bottom.

[@WriterandPhotographer]

@@ronkosanovich6450 Just to keep it centered in the box

[@KurtisWithTheK]

Amazing how you can speak so matter of fact but don’t know what you are talking about at same time. CPVC is code and perfectly fine in Florida.

[@Archifx]

Internet hero’s are abound my friend ;) you hit the nail right on the head.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

There's a pacific cement for flow gaurd

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

I'm going through this right now. My question is, why do pipe fittings NEVER fit from existing to new appliance? Same thing happened on the ice maker of my new freezer. The biggest problem being that it seems nobody carries the proper hoses. I always end up having to to get a bunch of lines and adapters to make connections. This one needed three one-foot water lines and four adapters just to reconnect the lines. My lines are copper soldered to flexible copper lines with 7/8" female connectors, but are too short because the new heater is shorter than the old. The only lines I can get are stainless steel with also female connectors, so have to get four male-to-male adapters. Four because the relief pipe is female at both ends. BTW, when you pointed to the pipes early in the video, you got the hot and cold backward unless you have that shutoff valve on the hot side.

[@1961Marat]

Thanks a lot That's pretty simple and easy

[@mykayaks1]

All was good but under the hot water tank should have a water base to catch water, I put 1 because I stay on 6th floor condo…

[@Archifx]

Not in my application. Mine is in a garage with a 4” drop slab

[@aneptis]

Great Video ! Thank you

[@davisonthomas4697]

Nice work. My issue is I have a metal pipe coming out the wall going to copper pipes. I am trying to figure out how to change the copper the CPVC.

[@allergyahead8128]

My question also. I have copper but want to change over to cpvc .

[@VacMaster2020]

@@allergyahead8128 I would just get shark bite fittings and not use CPVC

[@melissacatherine497]

The machine is working

[@user-we2qc8lh5h]

Nice job. I have a question on the attachment to the T&P valve. The adapter appears CPVC on one side and stainless steel on the other which screws into the brass (or bronze ?) T&P. Are the dissimilar metals coming in contact mitigated by the teflon tape ?

[@chibuezenwadigo7339]

this shouldnt be an issue as water is not constantly running through the T&P valve, most set up looks like that

[@a.j.santiago303]

Great video! Question: at @22:35, you mention leaving the information on the CPVC pipe outward-facing and visible to an inspector. As a DIY project, do you need to have this inspected? I also live in Florida and was wondering this. Thanks, and good job!

[@louierodriguez9880]

The hot water side with the red turnkey above is connected to the blue side of the tank. Explain it, please.

[@accordionlinhaishun]

Thank you so much. Big help.

[@lenzaboy]

Great video!

[@tooneboone3869]

I like to use fittings on the inlet and outlet connections that can be screwed apart so they don't have to be cut. But then you can't find another water heater like the old one that will fit back the same !!! Haha! Screwed again!

[@pattiplaster7032]

Thank you.

[@dougs.9486]

Why wouldn't you change out the expansion tank also?

[@Archifx]

Wasn’t part of the video I was trying to make. Most ppl don’t have an expansion tank. And it wasn’t bad

[@aletango402]

Great video. Thanks

[@joea104]

great video!

[@davidforti9931]

very good video. Congrats on your didact

[@bluestar9463]

How do you know when the tank is full of water and ready to be turned on? Wouldn't want to turn the power on too early.... Thanks!

[@Archifx]

Wait about 5 minutes then you’re good b

[@williecunningham3725]

Can't you just drain that water to a bathtub or bin in the bathtub if it is close by? Did you shut off your entire home's electrical power before disconnecting the electric connection on the water heater?

[@DaneAndScout]

Thanks

[@kevinglover4092]

T&p pipe needs to run into a pan or exit the house. If it pops you’re going to flood the place even if it’s the garage!

[@andresdelacruz2815]

Great video Thanks

[@Mr3worth1]

I am a woman and I am going to change my water heater, but I have a question. Why do I have 1 hot water pipe and 2 cold water pipes coming from the wall ??? All the videos I watched have only 2 pipes, one for the cold and the other for the hot. Thank you.

[@Archifx]

Good question. I’m not sure why you’d have 2 colds. Do both of the colds go into the water heater or does one bypass it and go somewhere else?

[@Mr3worth1]

@@Archifx both of the pipes go into the water heater and in the mean time it's connected to the pressure valve. I don't know why they did that and it confuses me. I could take some pictures and send them to you, if it's ok of course.

[@kack7130]

thank you, it is very detail vdo. I have the same old heater. Ao smith is better how?