New Electric Water Heater Replacement and Installation with Handy Tips
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- #homeappliances #installation #homeutilities
In this video I replace a 50 gallon Rheem electric water heater because the old unit had a corroded tank and was badly leaking from the T&P valve at the top.
DIY Difficulty Rating: 4 of 10
Total Cost: $670
Time Commitment: 2 hours
I was just quoted $2800 from TWO different plumbing companies to replace my hot water heater. THANK YOU so much for this video!! You helped me do this on my own. And, I saved $2,000 doing this! I'm a fan!
Great to hear Joe! Very welcome!
Price must include the super dupper high tech wi-fi water heater as well
@@RCREVIEWS101 🤣🤣 I did it myself and it cost me around $700. A savings of $2100. What is WRONG with these companies??
@@Joe_Murphy-REV_Realty they’re just trying to make a living like everyone else
@@Joe_Murphy-REV_Realtyvery nice you just voided warranty if anything happens and any home insurance.
Best water heater installation diy video I’ve watched so far!!! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks so much 😄
The whole video was great and very well explained, up to the part where the electrical wiring needed to be done since we couldn't see how it was done. Thanks for the video!
Sorry about that, just black to black, white to white and green to green 🙂
Nice video, mine is in the attic, and it must have been clogged with something that it wouldn’t drain overnight. It was a pain to replace 😂. On a 1-10 scale, I would rate it an 11. Had to go to harbor freight to get a chain hoist for 70 dollars to lower it safely. I got the same model that is on your video. It was a breeze to put in and install. To hire a plumber, it would have cost $3000, paid $670 for the heater and $70 for the hoist. Hopefully will not need to replace it in the next 20 years. Great video. 👍
Wow sounds tough! Good work!
You sir, are a class act. The best educational channel on UA-cam!
Thanks!
Thank you Bryan!
I have confidence in myself that I can change the water heater ❤
Awesome! Good luck!
BEST, WELL EXPLAINED INSTRUCTIONAL VID ON THE INTERNET!! Nice job!!😊
Thanks so much!
Hello Taylor.You will stop to smile when you hear about my problems, which started after electric water heater replacement. Malfunction is very unique for me and the others.Simply looks like a magic and nobody know what happens. Would you like to know the details and try to explain that unusual problem-Miroslaw@@taylor.g.deloye
I was quoted $500 (with having already bought the tank replacement and getting a repeat customer discount), but I'm going to try to tackle it myself. I spent about $75 on the new parts, so that'll be a $425 savings if I don't screw up. The tank I'm replacing was made in 2005, so that's like 18 years lol so I bought the updated AO Smith 55 gallon 5500 watt tank replica tank on Labor Day for $300 off. I'm not going to bring it to code with the shutoff ball valve on the cold supply line b/c those lines aren't leaking and I don't want to have to get into cutting pipe and soldering, but at 2.625% interest, I'm probably not gonna move until this tank needs to be replaced again anyways lol. Gonna tackle it this weekend after OU vs TX. Wish me luck!
Just some info for your viewers when deciding on tank size and wattage:
- Someone who lives alone can get away with a 30-35 gallon tank.
- 2-3 people, you'll want 35-40 gallons
- 4-5 people, you'll want 40-50 gallons
- 5+ people, you'll want 50 gallons or more
As far as wattage, this just determines how long you'll wait for the new water in the tank to be fully heated. The higher the wattage, the less time you'll wait.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for sharing, good luck with the install!
Great video, just the right info to change a hot water tank! Thanks!
You bet!
This was such a great video!! Thank you!
Thanks! You’re welcome!
when putting thread tape on like you did,reverse the roll a lot easier and you can do it with one hand!
Good tip!!
This is really great. Usually use new water supply lines though.
Thank you!
Hey Sir
loved your videovery instructional step by step, but my question when filling the tank how can you tell when it is full
Thanks! It usually only takes a few minutes for the tank to fill and begin heating.
UA-cam got some explaining to do. I just had a guy install a water heater. And now they are recommending me water heater videos? Mighty strange youtube 👀
They’re always listening 👀
Works for outdoor off grid setup well
Good to know!
You should run the sink the hot water side to get all the air out before you start doing your electrical work if you don’t do that is possible that you can burn out the water heater
Good to know, thanks!
Exactly . Always purge the system of air and get water flowing from all the faucets hot side before you turn the breaker back on or you can burn out the top element .
He seems like a good guy and hard worker but he shouldn't be doing DIY videos regarding this .
For the very reason that viewers might follow his instructions , but not see your comment
@@vicschauberger2737i think that happen to me I did manny mistake with the installation 😢
Why not show the electric wire connections actually being done, then your like something something something electrical tape?? These people are watching because they haven’t done it
My apologies! I should have shown that in more detail. In general, you simply match the color of the wire, twist the copper ends together and then twist the cap on. Boom, done.
Then the pressure valve you have white hose or pvc that just appeared with no explanation. The wiring and the pressure valve was what I needed more explanation of.
That's the whole reason I'm here, the electrical conections...
If you don't understand that you shouldn't try this
Thanks for video!!!
You’re welcome!
awesome video tysm for uploading
Appreciate it!
Do you have to wait for the water is drained before removing the hot and cold water valves?
No they can be separated once you start draining or even before. Just make sure the water supply is turned off.
So pardon my ignorance, never done this before so the way to tell it’s full is when you no longer hear the water flowing correct?
Thanks so much for ur video, u just saved me 2400 dollars
Where’s my commission?! Jk 🙂
Please explain to me why the upper heating element is on but not the lower? Should I be worried?
I believe water heats in the top tank first, if it’s been more than an hour or two after installation and you don’t have hot water you may need to call a plumber.
Thank you for posting this and mentioning how long it took you! I got two quotes, $1950 and $2415...either way, more than I want to spend.
Worst case, you can’t finish it and you call a plumber to finish the installation for a few hundred bucks (hopefully). Thanks for watching!
Watch a Utube video then do it
Well now I know how to switch out my gas water heater for an electric unit and the guys handsome so two wins for today 👍🏻 subscribed 🙌🏻
Haha thanks Jake!!
@@taylor.g.deloye most welcome🙌🏻
Really had to add in a fruity reply...take that shit somewhere else @@Jake.Gentry
@@RFSpartan 🤣
Hi, have you ever use a electric water heater with 3 plong on dryer plug
I have not, I recommend calling an electrician
No expansion tank? Key component to extend the life of your tank
I have a Pressure Reducing Valve on the water main out front
YOU SHOULD SHUT OFF THE POWER THEN DRAIN!!!!WHILE YOU DRAIN THE TANK THE ELEMETS ARE TRYING TO HEAT WATER THAT ISNT THERE!!!
THANK YOU CURTIS
Where are your insulated water hose covers you removed? You will need them in that area during cold months!😁
The new water heater came with new foam covers which I installed over the hot and cold copper lines
I just changed mine, but I have the first 2 upper light on.
Is there something I’m doing wrong?
It’s my first time doing this.
Wait about an hour after install and check if there is hot water in the house, if not, check that the wiring was done correctly
How long does it take to heat up water. I just installed mine and it’s not heating
Should be under 1 hour, double check the wiring and the power source
code required 6 inches from the hot water heater to and wall. looks very close in that location.
Don’t call the police on me 🚨🚨
Great video!
Thanks very much!
Shouldn't you inspect or replace those copper water connectors? They look kind of old and bent. I always thought you replace them when installing a new water heater.
Of course! I inspected them, they are still in good shape, no leaks before or after install. Technically they should outlive any water heater
Im curious did you have to adjust anything on the heater temperature settings? Did they come from the factory ready to go?
Did not adjust anything! Not sure you can on these models
@@taylor.g.deloye thank you
Thinking about doing this myself but my water connections are soldered on and Im not a professional 😢
You could buy the water heater yourself and then pay a plumber to re-solder the connections, probably still save $1000-2000.
After connecting the electric, how long until you got hot water? I just installed my new unit and waiting for water to warm up, but I hear nothing... is that normal?
There is no sound when heating but you should have a hot tank in 60-90 minutes. Check power source and wiring. Is LED on?
@@taylor.g.deloye Thanks, our tank is 50 gallon so I guess I was impatient... got hot water after about 40 minutes. It never made a sound !
does it only use the top element? my top two lights are on, it doesnt show the lower element active at first power
Both the upper and lower elements should be in use but when heating and indicator lights turn on may vary. It depends how much water you use and how much water needs to be heated.
Do i have to readjust thermostat or does it already come at a set temp?
No adjustment needed and honestly I wouldn’t know how! I believe there is a factory standard temperature and they come pre-set.
You should check the electrical wires are not hot
Good tip, thanks!
Hi, nice video, but you don't have to vent the heater?
Not needed on electric heaters
You don't need so much teflon tape. 4 wraps is enough. Also, it doesn't matter if it's red to red or black to black because it's 240v. It is best practice to do color matching.
Thanks for letting me know!
Gotta say, well presented video, with clean dialogue, and good footage. However, Hmmm, “You're Gonna hear this…”. All I hear is the insipid background music, very annoying.
You showed all the proper steps, and followed the safety protocols. About that wiring: I liked to see the added step of wrapping the wire nuts with tape. However, stranded wire should be just about 1/8” longer than the solid copper wire, and use some linesman’s pliers, and twist the wires together, then twist on the wire nut. It will never come loose!
This was a fairly simple and straight forward installation. So your comments on time and difficulty are not too far off. Replacing a heater is a little more involved than replacing a faucet. There was no PEX, no copper, no inline sediment house filter system, or other such things to deal with. These are what makes this more than a two hour job, and more than a ‘4!’
Thanks for watching George, appreciate your feedback!
Is the water really bad where you live? Are you in California? How old is the water heater that you removed? Do you think you may have needed a pressure tester or one of those pressure expansion tanks? Looking at the sediment dripping from the pressure valve on top?!! It looked like it needed other ways to get out!!!😂
My house was 90-100 PSI depending on the time of day, plumber’s guess and mine is that’s what caused the early death, also had issues with water hammer in the home. Had plumber add a PRV outside on the main and took care of the issues thankfully. Hopefully this bad boy will last 15+ years now. This one was only 7 years old :(
Okay if you got white wire , can that be on ground
No a white wire is unlikely to be a ground and is likely live
K , so the hiss was air leaving the heater as water went in ... now another question... on a ¾ straight valve there's a threaded bonnet ... what's the size of thread?
After being in 3 stores where nobody knew how to finger it out I went into a Canadian tire , took 2 crescent wrenches and split valves at their gasket till my old one fit so this new one caped my valve but it's not the same packing as it's diferent valves but I was desperate ... what is the size of threads ??? Nothing but valves have it ,it's right tight so no gas fittings ... the threads that keep the handle and packing in the valve
Sorry but when people who call themselves plumbers have no clue it's frustrating as pipefitting every valve comes with a book on size to the mm , metric or standard with a thread description down to type of thread ....
Are you able to call out a local plumber?
Salesforce t-shirt. 🤔
I installed all their water heaters and all I got was this lousy T Shirt!!
I would also explain to verify zero voltage, some old houses might be labeled wrong.
Good idea
Should have a expansion tank on that.
It’s not needed in this instance, I addressed it in another comment
Use enough tape around those threads?
Might redo it and add twice as much!
Question i have jist installed the same water heater today and how do you make the lower element light turn on?
It should be automatic. However I have literally never seen that light come on with my unit and I have hot water.
@taylor.g.deloye yes you are correct it is automatic. So for me the top element stays on for like 10 minutes then shuts off then bottom element turns on. I was looking at the manual and couldn't find anything on that.
New potential home has the water heater in a closet in the living room with no venting. Is this a red flag ? The closet is closed with insulation to keep the noise down and no vent.
Water heaters don’t necessarily need to “breathe” like an HVAC system does. However, giving large electric appliances some airflow is generally a good idea, having it closed into a closet could reduce its lifespan. If this is a gas water heater it should NOT be in a closet as they produce carbon monoxide.
@@taylor.g.deloye thank you so much
@@taylor.g.deloye just checked it appears to be gas. It has a warning to call the gas company if gas is smelled.
no mention if you replaced the tank with a new relief
They come with new ones pre-installed
@@taylor.g.deloye thanks for the quick reply, did not know that. Thanks for the video!
Dang... That Rheem being replaced doesn't look very old....
Yea died at 7 years due to the water pressure being over 90 PSI during that time, at least that’s my best guess.
That heater looks new and already jacked up?
Yea, it was only 7 years old, the water pressure was too high and I think that was the main cause. Installed a PRV on the water main out front to fix that issue.
Thebone i have is 5'7" elctric 59gallons. The lady customer service said i have to buy the tall not the medium48" . How truth is in that?
Hi Frankle, it would be hard for me to say, I recommend contacting a local plumbing, thank you!
What if house wire have 2 black wire whic do I conne ct
It would be impossible for me to know, I would recommend surfing youtube or calling an electrician.
No expansion tank?
I had a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed on my water main recently so I believe an expansion tank is only necessary if you have a closed water supply once it enters the home plumbing. Either way, I do think they are generally recommended but I did not install one as you saw. Thanks for watching!
Mine was filling with water and it suddenly start hissing like a water transfer from one tank to another
Hmm that’s really strange, I’d recommend calling out a Plumber to diagnose it
@@taylor.g.deloye it's a brand new one ...
As I started running cold water into it with hot water open in the home ... it went from a straight flow to sounding like a pressured hiss...but no leaks
Where could traped air be when the faucets are open ... dose a water heater create pressures or is the cold intake the only pressure?
i didn’t see and vacuum relief valve on the cold side .
I’m not sure what that is 😬
Rheem is welll know for leak problems, 90 % of bad reviews are leak related
👀
you've created multiple "pressure drop" kinks in the flex hose. not good. fix it. rookie mistake. each "bend" creates a pressure drop.
Do you have any idea what you’re talking about?
Where's the earthquake straps and shut off valve should be sauter on
No earthquakes in Arizona, the water lines already have on/off valves.
why did you go with a performance plus model?
It was the closest model available at home depot to my existing water heater
any benefits to the performance plus model that you got?
☁️☁️☁️
Is there some sort of indication of which tube goes where? What I mean is in the reference of the cold water to the hot water.
It’s possible they may be labeled. The cold water supply should have an on/off valve as well.
Where is your vacuum relief valve on electric water heater?
There is a T&P relief valve on the top of the unit
No expansion tank?
I don’t believe it’s needed because I had a pressure reducing value installed on the water main out front