Replacing 40 and a 50 gallon electric water heaters. #waterheater #bradfordwhite, by PlumbingSk8r on YouTube. 1 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Switch off the water heater breaker in your panel. Test the wires at the top of the tank with a non-contact voltage tester and confirm the power is dead before you touch anything.
Close the cold water shutoff valve on the pipe feeding the top of the tank. Open a hot tap in the house so air can enter and the water can flow out.
Screw a garden hose onto the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Open the valve and let the tank empty.
Disconnect the two flexible water lines and the electrical wires from the top. Label the wires with tape so you know where each one goes back.
Move the old tank out with a hand truck and a helper. Even empty, a 40 or 50 gallon unit weighs well over 100 pounds, so lift with your legs and keep your back straight.
Set the new heater in a drain pan on a level surface. Check that the drain valve and element covers are tight and facing where you can reach them.
Connect the hot and cold lines with new flexible connectors. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape or sealant and tighten firmly but do not overtighten.
Reconnect the electrical wires matching the labels, then refit the cover plate. Match black to black, white to white and the green or bare wire to the grounding screw.
Fill the tank before restoring power. Open the cold valve and a hot tap, and wait until water runs steadily from the tap with no spitting air.
Check every joint for leaks, then turn the breaker back on. Set the thermostat to about 120 F and let the tank heat for an hour.
Tips and common mistakes
Never turn the power on to an empty tank, because the upper element will burn out in seconds.
Check with your local building department first, since many areas require a permit for a water heater swap.
Buy a tank the same size and voltage as the old one so the wiring and space still work.
Slide a drain pan under the new unit and pipe it outside if the heater sits above a finished ceiling.
Questions
Can I replace a 40 gallon heater with a 50 gallon one?
Yes, if the space and the flue or wiring allow it and the floor can carry the extra weight. Check that the new tank fits the drain pan and the existing connections.
How long does the job take?
Plan on three to four hours for a straight swap, plus an hour for the tank to heat. Draining a full tank can take 20 to 30 minutes on its own.
Do I need a plumber?
You can do it yourself if you are comfortable with basic plumbing and 240 volt wiring. Hire a licensed plumber or electrician if the wiring is old or you are unsure about the breaker.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
