Preparing the installation
First, shut off the main water valve that comes into the structure. This valve is usually on the side of the building that faces the road. Turn off the cold water intake valve at the top of the tank. Bleed the water from the house by going to the lowest point of the house and turning on a faucet to cold. When the faucet begins spitting air, the network of pipes has been emptied. Then, shut the breaker off that feeds power to the water heater.
At this point, the old tank must be removed. Remove the cold water input and hot water output lines and disconnect the electrical service before moving the tank out of the way. Be careful when removing the hot water line, as hot water will likely spill out from the line.
Install the new heater
Move the new tank into place and prepare the plumbing lines. If the previous water service used flexible water feeds, it is recommended that these be replaced with new lines, which can be fastened and unfastened by hand or with a small wrench. If copper pipe is used, soldering is necessary. Cut the new 3/4-inch pipe to the necessary length. This will connect the cold water intake to the tank. Apply pipe flux to the male-to-female adapter, then align the soldering material to the joint. With a torch, apply heat and solder the joint. Then screw the male end of this pipe into the top of the hot water heater. Repeat these steps to create a hot water return line.
Once the lines are attached to the tank, determine the length of pipe you will need to connect with the cold water supply line. Using a pipe cutter, cut the line to fit. Then, apply pipe flux to the end of the supply line, both sides of the coupler and to the end of the line that comes from the valve. Slide the tank into place with the coupler on the end of one pipe. Move it into place and line up the solder to one end of the coupling. Use the torch to solder the pipe to the coupler. Repeat to the other side of the coupler. Then, repeat the entire process to connect the hot water side.
Connect the electrical and starting the water heater
Remove the electrical wiring plate at the top of the tank and thread the electrical service wires into the wiring area. Using wire screws, twist together the matching pairs--ground to ground, white to white and black to black. With the wiring secure, tuck them into the heater and replace the panel.
Open the water lines back up beginning with the main and then the cold water intake and hot water output valves. Then, return electrical service to the tank by turning the circuit breaker back on. Check your water service by turning the cold water on in any faucet in the house.
Allow the tank at least one hour to completely refill and heat its first batch of water before testing your hot water lines.
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