Installation Guide

Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 9
Verify that the loca on
is appropriate
Before installing your water heater,
ensure that:
1
The water heater will be:
• Installed indoors close to
the center of the plumbing
system.
• In a suitable drain pan piped to an
adequate fl oor drain or external to
the building (See page 8, fi gure 6).
• In an area that will not freeze
• In an area that is suitable for install-
ing the water heater ver cally
2
The loca on has adequate
space (clearances) for periodic
servicing.
3
The fl oor can support the
weight of a full water heater.
4
Your area is not prone to
earthquakes. If it is, use
special straps as required by
local building codes.
5
The loca on is not prone to
physical damage by vehicles,
fl ooding, or other risks.
6
Avoid loca ons such as a cs,
upper fl oors, or where a leak
might damage the structure
or furnishings. Due to the normal
corrosive ac on of water, the tank will
eventually leak. To minimize property
damage from leaks, inspect and
maintain your water heater in accor-
dance with this manual’s instruc ons.
Install a suitable drain pan under the
water heater piped to an adequate
drain. Inspect the drain pan, pipes, and
surrounding area regularly and fi x any
leaks found. Drain pans are available at
Lowe’s® . Leaks are frequently in the
plumbing system itself and not the
water heater.
Removing the old water
heater
1
Read each installa on step
and decide if you have the
necessary skills to install the
water heater. Only proceed if you can
safely perform the work. If you are not
comfortable, have a qualifi ed person
perform the installa on.
2
Locate the water heater’s
circuit breaker and turn it OFF
(or remove the circuit’s
fuses).
3
On the old water heater,
remove the electrical
junction box access panel.
Using a non-contact circuit tester,
check the wiring to make certain the
power is OFF.
WARNING! Working on an ener-
gized circuit can result in severe injury
or death from electrical shock.
4
Disconnect the electrical
wires.
5
Open a hot water faucet and
let the hot water run un l it is
cool (This may take 10
minutes or longer).
WARNING! Be sure the water runs
cool before draining the tank to reduce
the risk of scalding.
6
Connect a garden hose to the
drain valve and place the
other end of the hose in a
drain, outside, or a bucket. (Note that
sediment in the bo om of the tank
may clog the valve and prevent it
from draining. If you can’t get the
Step 2:
Vehicle
Stop
Drain
Drain
Pan
In a garage, install a vehicle stop to avoid water
heater damage.
Step 3:
Let the hot water run un l it is cool.
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: The state of California re-
quires bracing, anchoring, or strapping
the water heater to avoid its moving
during an earthquake. Contact local
u li es for code requirements in your
area, visit h p://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov,
or call 1-916-445-8100 and request
instruc ons. Other loca ons may have
similar requirements. Check with your
local and state authori es.