To create this article, 24 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. To install a tankless water heater, there are quite a few steps, such as mounting the unit and connecting the gas line (obviously not needed with an electric water heater) and water line to it. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Energy and money savings are made, as these tankless units are on only when used, opposed to older tank units that cycle all the time. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The average cost for a tankless water heater installation is $1,985, or between $1,470$2,510. As with any gas appliance, heat rises so the unit needs to be mounted upright and leveled. After the heater is mounted on the wall, connect the gas and water pipelines using the shut-off valves. Turn ON the cold water supply to the water heater and check for leaks. Disconnect the wires. Remove the T&P discharge pipe from the T&P valve. Remove the aerator from the nearest faucet and open the hot water side. Hard water will cause a deposit build up inside the tank of your traditional tank water heater, which will cause problems. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. I live in Canada my high gpm demand would be around 7-8gpm, inlet water temp around 37f in coldest months, would it be viable for me to install an electric tankless heater? Press the pipe onto the connector fitting and tighten the compression nut. If you have hard water, I would recommend a whole house water softener system regardless of the type of water heater you have. This is why new construction is the best time to install a tankless water heater system-either gas or electric. Whether you call it demand-type, on-demand, or regular tankless water heaters, the function is same and it is heating water without storing. If your water heater uses electricity, plug it in to the wall. Attach the flexible hoses to the hot & cold heat trap nipples. If your heater is reaching old age, it might be time to consider a water heater replacement.. Do I need to mount a gas tankless heater upright, or can it be laid on its back? Last Updated: December 30, 2020 Some areas require a licensed plumber and/or electrician before working on plumbing and electrical systems. When the water run from the open faucet, the tank is full. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. A. O. Smith electric tankless models perform with high efficiency ratings and groundbreaking designs. Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Its heater functions as soon as water flow is detected and continues until the flow stops. Measure the water carrying pipe under the sink, the length equivalent to that of the water heater. Twist the wires together with wire connectors. In this guide, we will show you how to install electric water heater in your home using a few tools. If it is an under-$200 tank then yes, but if it is over that price then no, it will be over 2 and 1/2 years until you should start noticing any problems. Open a faucet to allow air into the tank. If you’re in a particularly cold spot, we recommend rounding your supply needs up by at least 30%, closer to 50% if you like to be absolutely assured of having supply. Select your region. You will need a unit that's meant to be outside, as well as withstand the weather and temperatures. If you purchased an electric hot water heater, make sure it plugs in to a standard outlet power source. Electric vs. Gas Tankless Water Heater Comparison. Leave the faucet open until it stops sputtering. When the faucet goes off, so does the heat. Open the hot water faucet in the house and let it run until the water is cool. Very few, though, have the capacity to serve multiple outlets at once. * If your water heater is gas, you will need to hook up a gas supply line from the stub at the wall to the new water heater. Electric tankless water heaters assist in reducing the energy consumption within your home by not having to heat water in storage tanks that goes unused. If you're not afraid of doing some basic electrical work and plumbing, you can save yourself some money. You will need to insert the electrical plug into the electric socket. If I have hard water, do I need a water softener in order to use a tankless water heater? The electric tankless water heater is very easy to install compared to the conventional heaters plus. How to switch from propane tank water heater to electric tankless water heaters: steps to take. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you want to install a tankless water heater on the outer panel, carefully cut out the previous unit and measure the hole if it fits up for your new tankless water heater. You want to line up the holes on the door match with the holes on the water heater. Expert advice on how to remove an old water heater, prepare for a tankless model, and install a tankless water heater. As soon as you open a hot water tap, this device can sense the flow to activate just like that. They stand on the floor or cabinet bottom or mount to a wall or cabinet side with a bracket. If you’ve never installed a tankless water heater, but think it’s something you want to try, give this article a read and you can determine whether it’s within your wheelhouse. After I install this, will I have hot water immediately? There is a real possibility that your home’s existing gas line, gas meter, and piping are not appropriately sized to handle the high demand for gas that a tankless water heater would require. Electric tankless water heaters are cheaper than the gas versions. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/read-you-buy-tankless-water-heater, https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/valves/how-to-locate-your-gas-shutoff-valve-and-water-shutoff-valve/, https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-dispose-water-heater/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-tankless-water-heater, https://www.ronhazelton.com/projects/how_to_install_a_tankless_water_heater, https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/7-tankless-water-heater-myths-you-need-to-stop-believing/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. It will also cause deposit build up in the tankless system. 2. To Summarize. They serve a wide range of applications, whether it be point-of-use or whole-house. By using our site, you agree to our. Point-of-use tankless water heaters are usually installed as close as possible to faucets or appliances that need hot water, and because the device is dedicated to that location alone, you're guaranteed a steady flow of instantly heated water. Installation is easier and less expensive, and they’re generally not as difficult to maintain as gas models. They are small and occupy less space because they don’t have tanks to store the water. Plug it into a wall or somewhere instead. Line each end of the connector body threads with plumbers tape. If you’re questioning your abilities on … Also, some natural gas units require a larger supply and exhaust (read larger piping or larger electrical circuit) than a regular tank-type water heater, which would require a plumber and/or electrician to install. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Not only will you be able to save your hard-earned money, but you will also equally hone your electrical fixing skills to handle similar tasks in your home. After that, just go ahead and screw them in places. It depends which type of Tankless Water Heater you purchase. While this may sound expensive, point-of-use tankless heaters can actually save you money if you use them correctly. This article has been viewed 286,184 times. [1] Is one right for you? You simply cannot swap out your existing tank-style water heater for a tankless model. Place the unit in the hole carefully and position the door and seal it. Yes, it is possible to do the installation as a DIY project. The tankless water heater is another type of water heater. Here are the steps we took to convert from a propane powered water heater to an electric tankless water heater. It really isn't as hard as you may think. Click on the map below to identify the region where you live. That’s because a hot water heater that’s installed in a colder spot will have to work harder, which then lowers its overall output capacity. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Install the T&P discharge pipe to the T&P valve. Follow the labels on the wires you marked when you removed them from your old water heater. When you turn the hot water tap on, the flow turns on a heating element that heats the water as it runs through copper tubes. Once you've decided that your best solution is to purchase another water heater, it's time to get down to the job of getting it installed. Make sure that you have sufficient amps to operate the tankless hot water heater, additionally, it may require 3 circuits in your circuit box. If your water heater does not have power, be sure to, Best 50 Gallon Electric Water Heaters: Our Top Picks, Here’s What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Keeps Running When Turned Off, Tips For Home HVAC Maintenance During Every Season, Bradford White 40 Gallon RG240T6N Water Heater Review, Buying Guide for the Quietest Garbage Disposal, 7 Common Causes for Your Water Heater Making Noise, AC Evaporator Coils: Everything You Need to Know, AC Compressor Not Working but Fan is Running, Evaporator Coil Leak: What You Need to Do. Electric water heater installation is a great do-it-yourself task. Keep in mind, when the job is done, you'll have an old wate​​r heater to junk. You can scrap your old heater for money. we currently utilize a 60 gallon electric tank heater that seems adequate to our needs. Tankless heaters are great, and they do eliminate the risk of an exploding tank. It is a common myth that tankless water heaters are the “plug and play” variety. All Rights Reserved. It depends on what kind it is. Be sure to check your local plumbing and electrical codes prior to starting. If my tankless water heater is gas and I have a 1/2 inch gas line to the unit, will it work for a year and then have a problem? Open the valve so that the handle is in the same direction as the line. Tankless water heaters cost around 2-3 times more than traditional storage tanks. Understanding the Warranty Warranties are typically twice as long for tankless water heaters when compared to standard tank-type water heaters. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Under no circumstance should you attempt to clean, install, inspect, repair, disassemble or otherwise service this water heater, without first shutting off all … % of people told us that this article helped them. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. The average service life of a water heater is between 8 to 12 years. When the electric tankless water heater will be in place. Beyond that, it will cause additional wear on all of your fixtures. You will probably need 220 volt service (as with an electric dryer) with at least 60 amps. Manufacturers and users agree on one thing. How to Install Electric Water Heater. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. To create this article, 24 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Fill the tank full of water. Do some research and planning before you install an outside unit. Ideal locations ensure that water remains Region Selected. Be sure to read the directions carefully. Electric Tankless Water heaters INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS & HOME OWNERS MANUAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION When installing or using any high voltage electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed. Looking at a new energy efficient model would be a wise choice and an electric water heater could save you money in the long run. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The location of the tankless water heater affects its efficiency. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, Make sure your water pressure is sufficient for a tankless system. You can read our reviews of the best electric tankless water heaters on the market today. Check the water heater's electrical wiring with a voltage detector to make sure that no power is reaching the unit. Or do they use batteries? Mini point-of-use water heaters save water and energy and offer comfort. BEST OPTION for WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRIC TANKLESS is this one! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. How can I insert batteries in the geyser? If you already have a heater, then, detach it and start clearing out the water it has. Modern traditional, gas-powered water heaters are not installed in a home with tankless retrofitting in mind. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you cross it entirely off your list. If your home needs to be rewired, it can easily add $3,000 or more to the cost of installing a tankless water heater. In other words, do not cut at the corner, leave an allowance. Rheem ® Tankless Electric Water Heaters make it easy to enjoy instantaneous, continuous hot water, space-saving design, and significant energy cost savings. How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring. Remove the junction box cover and connect the green ground wire to the green ground screw. Switching to tankless water heaters isn’t that hard! Can I vent the tankless gas water heater through a chimney? EVERYTHING you need to know about electric tankless water heaters! If you use gas as a heat source for this appliance you should test your gas connection by spraying an adequate amount of soapy water on the union and watching for bubbles which would indicate a poor connection and leakage. Here's a list of the tools and supplies you'll need to get your electric water heater installed properly: A new electric water heater is a solid performer and will likely not give you any troubles for the next few years. But 99% of people just won’t have the right tools and knowledge to do it safely. Just follow the three simple steps below to choose the right model and size you need. Guidance to install the tankless water heater First, as a safety measure, make sure you have switched off all the related circuits followed by turning off the water supply. Choose your faucet location. On demand tankless water heaters are typically offered with one of two fuel sources, gas (natural gas or propane) or electric. Find a recycling center and take it there. Here are 3 common problems people run into after installing their electric water heater. Label the wires with tape to mark how they are connected. X Gas or Electric. Once installed the unit will provide hot water in accordance with its rated "rise time." The data plate on your current tank has size and energy specifications that help make buying a comparable unit easier. Cold water side between cold water shutoff valve and water pipe line coming in. Why Buy a Mini Point-of-Use Water Heater? Tankless Water Heater Installation. Most install in the cabinet under the sink or very near it. Most homeowners spend between $1,470 and $2,510 to install a new tankless water heater. References. Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects. Turn OFF the electricity to the water heater at the electrical panel. However, there are some important guidelines to follow that will ensure that your installation is both safe and convenient in the event that future servicing is required: Using a gas burner or electric element, the device heats water directly for you to use in your home. A water heater, especially an electric model, is a very simple device.Unheated water enters one side of the tank. Label the wires with tape to mark how they are connected. Copyright 2021 Think Tank Home. Which side, hot or cold, should the expansion be installed? The two main cost factors for installation is the plumber's la… Selecting between gas and electric balances costs, performance, installation and maintenance requirements of each. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. These water heaters will heat the water when you need it. 1. Cut out the pipe and make sure that the removed portion should be in the middle of the water carrying a pipe. I also made a video so you could see our install first hand. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 286,184 times. This article has been viewed 286,184 times. You will need to decide where you want it to be placed then proceed to actually put it there. Please keep in mind that outside units require more maintenance, especially in harsh climates and weather. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Step 1 - Remove the Old Water Heater. Do instantaneous hot water boilers need an electric installation too, to work the pilot light? A tankless water heater, also called an on-demand water heater, saves money because it doesn’t store a large volume of heated water. Similarly, tank style water heaters have different venting … Attach one end of the connector body to the flexible hose. Hold the hose to the pipe (allow for a little slack) and mark and cut the pipe. Wrap the hot and cold heat trap nipples with plumbers tape. Turn OFF the electricity to the water heater at the electrical panel. Electric Tankless Water Heater Tankless hot water heaters are "on demand," and cannot be used for recirculating systems. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device. Learn more... You will thank yourself a million times over for choosing tankless water heating. Check the water heater's electrical wiring with a voltage detector to make sure that no power is reaching the unit. Replace the junction box cover and turn ON the power at the electrical panel. Garage Electrical Wiring. If you have water on the floor or on top of the unit (this is different from water leaking from a supply line above the unit), you’ll probably need a new water heater. The hot water still needs to get from the unit to the tap. These electric water heaters tankless use less energy. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. (Use the dielectric fittings if required). Some units require the installer be certified to install the unit in order for the warranty to be valid. Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas. What do I do if I have a recirculating pump? Can it be mounted or installed on the outside of a house? Set the discharge pipe aside to use later. And with all that finished, you have successfully installed an electric tankless water heater safely and securely. 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