An electric tankless water heater can be a great addition to your home, providing endless hot water and freeing up space in your basement or utility room.
But before you buy one, there are some installation requirements you should be aware of.
As we proceed through this post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install your new electric tankless water heater.
We will also provide you with a list of installation requirements to ensure that your installation goes smoothly. Let’s get started!
How Electric Tankless Water Heaters Work
Electric tankless water heaters are a more efficient way to heat water than traditional storage tank water heaters.
They work by heating water on demand, only when you need it. This means that there is no stored hot water that can become lukewarm or even cool over time.
In addition, electric tankless water heaters are much more durable than storage tank water heaters, and they are much smaller in size, making them a great option for small homes or apartments.
So how do they work? Electric tankless water heaters activate an internal heating element when water flows through them.
The water is instantaneously heated as it passes through the component, meaning you always have a hot water supply when needed.
Thanks to their efficiency and compact size, electric tankless water heaters are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners.
Installation Requirements
Before you begin the installation process, you need to take care of a few things that are very important for the whole process. And you must make sure to do it right first.
Finding A Suitable Location
Most people assume they can install electric tankless water heaters anywhere in the house. However, this is not the case.
In order to work properly, these units need to be installed in a location with good airflow and easy access to an electrical outlet.
The best place to install an electric tankless water heater is on an exterior wall near an electrical outlet. This will ensure that the unit has adequate ventilation and easy access to power.
Additionally, it is important to install the unit away from any sources of water, such as showers or sink drains.
Because the unit produces heat, it is important to avoid any potential fire hazards. It is important to follow these simple tips so that your electric tankless water heater will work properly and provide endless hot water for your home.
Tools Required
As soon as you know where to place your electric tankless water heater, it’s time to gather the tools you’ll need for the job.
Fortunately, you won’t need many tools, as you can do most of the work with just a screwdriver and a drill.
Additionally, you’ll need some basic plumbing supplies, such as pipe dope and Teflon tape. Here is a complete list of the tools and materials you’ll need for the job:
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Pipe dope
- Teflon tape
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- 1/2″ drill bit
- Spade bit (optional)
and, of course, your new electric tankless water heater!
All these things are extremely important for the installation process, and you will need them to do them correctly.
Removing Old Water Heater If Installed
First, if you already have an old water heater installed, you’ll need to remove it before installing your new electric tankless water heater.
Despite the daunting nature of this task, if you have a little know-how, it’s fairly simple. The simple and easy way to do this is to turn off the power to the unit and then disconnect the cold and hot water lines.
Next, remove the discharge pipe and other fittings attached to the unit. Once the old water heater is removed, you can begin installing your new electric tankless water heater.
Installing Your Electric Tankless Water Heater
Once you’ve collected all the necessary materials and tools, you’re ready to begin your project. But before you get started, take a moment to plan what you’ll do and how you’ll do it.
Now it’s time to install your new electric tankless water heater. The first thing you’ll need to do is mount the unit to the wall.
To do this, simply use the screws that come with the unit or any other type of screw that will fit into the pre-drilled holes.
If your unit doesn’t have pre-drilled holes, you can use a spade bit to create them. You can use a drill to make these holes.
If you are stumped on where to put the pits, a good rule of thumb is to place them about 6 inches apart.
Once the unit is mounted to the wall, you can begin connecting the cold and hot water lines.
If you’re using copper piping, solder the fittings to the pipes. If you’re using PEX piping, you can use crimp rings or compression fittings to connect the pipes.
Once the water lines are connected, you can connect the discharge pipe to the unit.
You may need to install some pressure valves to ensure that the unit operates on recommended pressures.
After the discharge pipe is connected, the only thing left to do is connect the unit to an electricity outsource.
Once the unit is plugged in, you’ll need to turn on the power and test it to ensure it’s working properly.
To do this, you just turn on a faucet and let the hot water run for a few minutes. You should have an endless hot water supply if everything is working properly.
If you experience any problems, refer to the troubleshooting guide that came with your unit.
How To Properly Connect Tankless Water Heaters To Electricity
While electric tankless heaters are becoming more popular, they can still be tricky to install, and Most electric tankless water heaters must be hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
However, the process can be much simpler with a clear electric tankless water heater installation diagram.
Installation varies depending on the model but generally follows these basic steps:
1: Locate a suitable location for the heater, considering the proximity to a water source and access to an electrical outlet.
2: Mount the heater to the wall using brackets or clamps.
3: Connect the cold water supply line to the inlet on the heater. Make sure that all connections are fit and secure.
4: Connect the hot water outlet from the heater to your home’s plumbing system. Again, make sure all connections are secure.
5: Flip the power switch to “On” and test the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Following these steps should result in successfully installing your electric tankless water heater. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on your model.
Common Problems While Installation
As with any electrical appliance, a few common problems can occur while installing your electric tankless water heater.
It is very common for tankless water heaters to have problems with improper wiring. This can be easily remedied by following the wiring diagram that came with your unit.
Another common problem is incorrect water pressure. You can usually fix this just by adjusting the pressure valves installed on the unit.
Lastly, another common problem is leaks. These can often be fixed by simply tightening the fittings or connecting pipes to the unit.
Verdict
So, there you have everything you need to know about installing electric tankless water heaters! While this process initially seems daunting, you can easily install your own electric tankless water heater with the proper tools and some elbow grease.
Be sure to check out our installation requirements page for more information on what’s needed for your specific area. You may encounter some difficulties during installation, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you experience any problems. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Can I install my own tankless electric water heater?
Yes, you can install your own tankless electric water heater. However, it is important to follow the installation instructions that come with your unit.
Additionally, you may need to obtain a permit from your local municipality to do the work.
Is there anything special I need to know about installing an electric tankless water heater?
There are a few things to remember when installing an electric tankless water heater:
- You’ll need to have a dedicated circuit for the unit.
- You’ll need to ensure that the incoming water supply has been pressurized enough to operate the unit properly.
- You’ll need to ensure that the heater’s outlet is properly plumbed into your home’s plumbing system.
Why is my electric tankless water heater not working?
There are a few potential reasons your electric tankless water heater might not work:
- Check to ensure that the unit is properly plugged in and there is power.
- Check the cold water supply to provide enough pressure and that all connections are secure.
- Check the hot water outlet to ensure it is plumbed into your home’s plumbing system.
If you still can’t get your unit to work, consult the troubleshooting guide with your unit or contact your unit’s manufacturer directly for assistance.
How many amps does an electric tankless water heater require?
Electrical tankless water heaters typically require 20 to 30 amps. Some models may require more or less electricity.
Different factors can affect the amount of electricity a tankless water heater needs, including the unit’s size and capacity.
However, check the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular unit. This will make sure that you get the best performance and results. Plus, you’ll avoid any costly mistakes.
