If you are planning a water heater installation project, preparation will be key to your short-term and long-term success. Installing a water heater isn’t as simple as most think. There are all sorts of do’s and don’ts to follow with a project of this magnitude. Keep reading and you’ll know exactly how to install your new water heater and prevent all sorts of problems down the road.
Water Heater Installation: DO Beware of the Wiring
Even the most experienced handyman might struggle with a water heater installation. Though the vast majority of American electrical appliances operate at 110 volts, almost all hot water heaters operate at a hefty 240 volts. This voltage makes water heater installation quite the dangerous endeavor.
Water Heater Installation: DO Utilize a Voltage Tester
Electrical work requires a voltage tester. The risk of danger is especially high when installing a water heater, so do not start working on the project until you have a voltage tester at your disposal. Use it to double check the outlets as well as the circuit breakers to verify that there is not an electrical current.
Water Heater Installation: DO Ground the Hot Water Heater’s Power
It is imperative that you ground the hot water heater’s power when setting up the wiring. Grounding the power greatly reduces the risk that anyone working on the project will experience a shock. Those who overlook this safety essential will expose themselves to a completely unnecessary danger. Shocks are no fun and they can easily compromise one’s health. Run the hot water heater’s green wire all the way to the grounding terminal within the circuit box to ensure that it is is fully grounded.
Water Heater Installation: DO Consider Hiring a Professional
If you have any doubts as to whether you can complete a water heater installation job the right way, reach out to a professional who has years of experience performing such an installation. Do not feel ashamed if you get confused during your water heater installation project. This is not an easy job. There is a significant risk of injury and possibly even death. A simple wiring mistake really can put you and your project helpers in danger. If you have any doubts about how to perform a proper water heater installation, give your local HVAC specialist a call and have them do the installation for you.
DON’T Clamp any Exposed Wires
Just like any other electrical job, wiring a water heater requires running wires to an electrical wire connector. Secure them firmly in place with a clamp. However, take care to only allow the clamp to touch the sheathed sections of the wire that are fully protected. Never clamp exposed sections of the wire.
Water Heater Installation: DON’T Fill the Water Heater Tank Until the Wiring is Done
Do not fill up the hot water heater at any random moment. It must be filled after all of the wiring is fully completed. If moisture exists in the tank when you and your team is twisting, running and moving the wires, any one of you could be electrocuted.
Water Heater Installation: DON’T Flip the Circuit Breaker Until Filling is Complete
Wait until the hot water tank is completely full and then turn on the circuit breaker that provides the unit with power. Be patient as you allow the tank to fill to the appropriate level before turning on the power. Once you are 100 percent sure the hot water heater is full, it is time to let the juice flow.
