Replacing and Installing a Standard Electric Water Heater
Common problem with
electric water heater installation is turning the power on before
the tank is completely full of water. After the plumbing
connections are complete, but before connecting electric power,
open a hot water faucet all the way until the "hot" water runs FULL
STREAM for three minutes. When first opened, you may only get air
out of the faucet, then spurts of water. Wait until the water runs
full and let the water run full for three minutes. If the tank is
not completely full when power is turned on, the upper heating
element will burn out and you'll have no hot water (until the upper
element is replaced). Note - You will also need a circuit
tester or volt meter to check for electric power.
Watch the Video "Replacing
a Standard Electric Water Heater"
IMPORTANT - Read and follow the printed
Installation Instructions that came with your water heater. The
printed Instructions and product labels contain model-specific
information, important warnings and safety notices. If you lack the
necessary skills to install, troubleshoot or repair the water
heater, get help from a qualified person.
Common Problems
Newly installed electric water heaters are normally trouble
free. The most common problem with electric water heaters is a
burned out upper heating element ("Dry Fired"). The upper element
will burn out if the tank isn't completely full of water when the
power is turned on. Fortunately, replacement elements are widely
available and are not expensive.
The second most common problem is really a power problem (no
electric power, the wrong voltage or problems with the home's
wiring).
Leaks are almost always due to faulty water supply
connections.