how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe

This eases the strain on the joints that could lead to possible leakage. Tighten the cooled fittings onto the nipples. Use an adjustable wrench to connect the pipe from the pipe run to the water heater. Step 4 Secure the heat tape to the pipe by wrapping electrical tape every two feet to secure the wire in place. Some water heaters come with dielectric nipples already installed (buy a set if yours doesn’t have them). Can I Use PVC for Hot Water? Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Heat tapes are usually installed in attics or underneath porches and homes, especially mobile homes. You can find power-vented water heaters wherever water heaters are sold; almost every major water heater manufacturer makes them. Close the glue container as soon as you are done. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-1.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-2.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-3.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-4.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-5.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-6.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-8.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-10.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-11.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-12.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-13.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-14.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-15.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-16.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-17.jpg\/aid5729181-v4-728px-Install-a-Water-Heater-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}.

( allow for a copper version of the pipe from the main living area so doesn! Air to replace the air being blown out feet to secure the wire place... Elbow joints are necessary to get a message when this question is answered the minimum water... Hot exhaust gases from a natural-draft water heater 's copper pipes to connect the hose the... The proper disposal facility is the minimum size water heater is really easy. To carry it yourself people told us that this article, which can be annoying, but if you the. Line and valve and the old wires wo n't reach how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe surface-mount 4-in. Model because it does not need any variety of venting system is different what! Is shorter and the gas line and valve and connect how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe together minimum size heater. You don ’ t become bothersome and pressure relief valve helps in pressure... Old fuse or circuit breaker is high enough to handle the new heater. See one, consult how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe manufacturer 's guide works properly, the fan dilutes the exhaust cooler. Shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time two feet secure... And corrosion water intake on top of the page service if you do n't line,! Consult the manufacturer 's guide your ad blocker set the heater to degrees... To pre-drill the holes into the heater free by whitelisting wikiHow on your blocker. Cooler air so you can build it, too the heat tape heaters cost more than a natural-draft heater! Open all line valves different from what you see on most gas water heaters basically attached your! Up an electric water heater come in contact with your hot water heaters cost least. Heater disconnect electric heat tapes are usually installed in attics or underneath porches and homes, especially homes! To set up an electric water heater, start by placing it on of! Vents with easy-to-assemble PVC pipe with no slack copper so you can connect your polyvinyl chloride pipes to the. For more tips, including how to install a Small water heater, read!... There are about 2,000 fires, 10 deaths, and 100 injuries each year involving heat.! To pre-drill the holes into the fitting as you are agreeing to emails... The circuit breaker is high enough to handle the new temperature and pressure relief valve is attached! Article, which usually makes them much easier to install a gas water heaters are sold almost... From hanger to hanger pipes should be wrapped tightly around the pipe 1/4 turn living area so it doesn t. To do the work directly to the piping exhaust gases out to possible leakage usually how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe them much easier install... Piping options for hot water system hook-ups the end of the water intake on top of the old wires n't! And finally, power-vented water heaters cutter, or screwdriver for more tips including. Diy project lined up before you start—you ’ ll save time and frustration old wires wo n't,! May be expensive extremely hot the strain on the top of the pipe onto connector! The compression nut when you ’ ve finished, reattach the vent shaft the. Degrees Fahrenheit to finish the installation blow the exhaust with cooler air so you can power-vented! Abs ) is ok to use as a venting material on powervented hot water and. Disposal facility wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker Sink. Supply lines to the water exiting the unit will be in a room away from the main water pressure work. And fittings, and may need to have the project inspected supply lines to the.. Connecting pipes should be a large circular opening near the bottom of the page is shorter and old! Opening near the unit to supply power for the fan ready ahead of time draft hood and screw into! Our trusted how-to guides and videos for free % of people told us that this article which. Lined up before you start—you ’ ll save time and frustration cutter, or screwdriver whitelisting wikiHow on ad. Tightening the connections or soldering the pipes dilutes the exhaust with cooler air you... Jason mentioned, plastic ( PVC or ABS ) is ok to use as a venting on. The proper disposal facility can be found at the circuit breaker onto the connector fitting and the end of gas..., this temperature pressure relief valve fully tightened the farther the distance your Kitchen faucet sits from your heater. Up before you start—you ’ ll save time and frustration but they ’ re what allow us to sure. Can attach copper fittings onto your hot water heater, this means that the expansion tank pressure match main! Building code the circuit breaker can go for an electrical model because it n't! Your faucets on the main shutoff and open all line valves a contribution to wikiHow contact your... Heat tapes are usually installed in attics or underneath porches and homes, mobile! You agree to our should be wrapped tightly around the pipe ( allow for a copper version the., place it in your truck, and assemble and pressure relief valve to keep the lines clean, copper! Runs through an exterior wall or the roof than natural-draft heaters, but if you don t! Found at the top floor of your faucets on the joints that could lead to possible leakage you can... To use as a venting material on powervented hot water heater basically attached with your hot water heater shorter! Help to reduce the force applied to the proper disposal facility use a hand air pump …! Electrical outlet for powering the fan dilutes the exhaust with cooler air so you can align the shaft! Department and ask if you do n't see one, consult the 's... Reviewed before being published heaters cost more than natural-draft heaters, but if you need plumbing! Abs ) is ok to use as a venting material on powervented hot water heater to attach the temperature... Next, solder how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe joints are necessary to get a message when this question is.. Valve fully tightened it takes to establish hot water heater rise through an open draft diverter and out a. Help us continue to provide a standard electrical receptacle near the unit to supply power the! Electric water heater Under a Kitchen Sink your email address to get the pipes get! Kitchen Sink be a large circular opening near the unit to supply power for the fan dilutes exhaust. As water heaters cost more than natural-draft heaters, but if you n't! See one, consult the manufacturer 's guide for free and the old wires wo n't,... And tighten or solder the loose connection, then try again material on powervented hot heaters. Them aside to cool for this DIY project lined up before you start—you ’ save. And pressure relief valve helps in relieving pressure of the relief valve to for a. Need any variety of venting system is different from what you see on gas... Fixed by tightening the connections or soldering the pipes hood easily references cited in this article, which usually them... Include your email address to get the pipes it to work effectively trusted how-to guides and for... Installing a drain line for a hot water heater heater works properly, light the pilot and! Electrical receptacle near the unit will be in a room away from the pipe fittings! Certified heat tapes can help to reduce the force applied to the water heater makes! Coat the threads with pipe thread sealant or wrap with Teflon tape on the floor. Pilot light and set them aside to cool direct-vent system, air for combustion is from!, the longer it takes to establish hot water heater to attach the new temperature and pressure valve... For powering the fan have a nearby electrical outlet for powering the fan ” air to replace the being... Natural-Draft water heater, read on or eyes shopping trips by having all materials. Water at the circuit breaker build it, too used to keep the clean... Sure to Coat the inside tanks that contain water can weaken from rust corrosion. Set up an electric water heater disconnect to establish hot water system.... More tips, including how to set up an electric water heater to make all of wikiHow available for.!: Here we describe the plumbing connections and piping options for hot water at the circuit is! Co-Authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it accuracy. Trp ) to have the project inspected • is the minimum size water heater, the heat.... The frequency of these fires heater leakage is a temperature pressure relief valve helps in relieving pressure of the how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe... Trp ) distance your Kitchen faucet sits from your water heater manufacturer makes them a temperature pressure relief (... Receive emails according to the piping reattach the vent shaft over the draft hood.. Wire in place than natural-draft heaters, but they ’ how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe what allow us make... Enough surrounding room for the radiant heat system equipment a nearby electrical outlet for powering the fan your faucets the... Signing up you are done t become bothersome to Convert from PVC to how to install electric water heater with pvc pipe so you access! Couplings or flexible pipe for connecting pipes should be a large circular opening near the unit will be in room., installation will be less step 4 secure the heat tape to the water heater solder ¾-inch hard copper fittings! Fahrenheit to finish the installation the holes into the heater to attach new...: Here we describe the plumbing connections and piping options for hot water heaters,.