Commercial Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 13
Step 2:
Verify that the location
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 floor drain or external to
the building (See page 12, figure 6).
• In an area that will not freeze.
• In an area that is suitable for
installing the water heater vertically.
2
The location has adequate
space (clearances) for periodic
servicing.
3
The floor 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 location is not prone to
physical damage by vehicles,
flooding, or other risks.
Vehicle
Stop
Drain
Drain
Pan
Figure 8 -
In a garage, install a vehicle stop to
avoid water heater damage.
6
Avoid locations such as attics,
upper floors, or where a leak
might damage the structure
or furnishings. Due to the normal
corrosive action of water, the tank will
eventually leak. To minimize property
damage from leaks, inspect and
maintain your water heater in
accordance with this manual’s
instructions. Install a suitable drain pan
under the water heater piped to an
adequate drain. Inspect the drain pan,
pipes, and surrounding area regularly
and fix any leaks found. Drain pans are
available at
local plumbing supplier
.
Leaks are frequently in the plumbing
system itself and not the water heater.
Step 3:
Removing the old water
heater
1
Read each installation 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 qualified person
perform the installation.
2
Locate the water heater’s
circuit breaker and turn it OFF
(or remove the circuit’s
fuses).
3
On the old water heater,
access the electrical
junction box. Using a
non-contact circuit tester, check the
wiring to make certain the power is
OFF.
WARNING! Working on an
energized 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 until it is
cool (This may take 10
minutes or longer).
Figure 9 -
Let the hot water run until it is cool.
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 bottom of the tank
may clog the valve and prevent it
from draining. If you can’t get the
tank to drain, contact a qualified
person.)
7
Turn the cold water supply
valve OFF.
8
Open the drain valve on the
water heater.
INS
TALLA
TION
