Replace Water Heater Supply Lines

This information will serve as the starting point in your search for replacement parts or a new water heater.

Replace water heater supply lines.

Your water heater has a cold water line that constantly feeds water to the water tank as you use the hot water. If you locate your water heater replacement where leakage could cause damage to the floor or other parts of the house set a pan of an approved size under it metal for gas water heaters. Put the water heater in place and connect the pipes. If you have an electric water heater the nameplate will also list the wattage capacity and voltage of the heating elements.

Let the water flow from each faucet for one minute before turning them off. Sharkbite water the 3 4 in. For help choosing a water heater read our water heater buying guide. How to replace a water heater flex.

For details on situations different from the one we show here such as electric models plastic water lines or copper gas lines search for replace water heater above. Sharkbite water heater connector with integrated ball valve allows you to easily connect your hot and cold water supply lines to your water heater. Another line leads from the tank to supply. Make sure the hot water faucets are still open and turn on the water supply.

Replacing an electric water heater is a little easier. If you ve got an electric heater replace it with an electric heater unless you re willing and able to run gas line and exhaust vents. This keeps air from getting trapped in the water lines. Use rigid copper rather than flexible copper water supply lines for the same reasons.

The flexible copper lines and connector nuts are not as corrosive as the other metals used in water heater production yet they can be damaged by contact or during repairs and maintenance on water heaters. All the water connections are the same and you don t have to deal with gas piping or venting. When there is a leaky water heater be sure to turn the water off before replacing. Turn off the water and gas supply valves and or the power.

After applying pipe thread tape to the mip nipples on your water heater thread the fip end of the water heater connector onto the tank and tighten with channel locks. Replace water heater supply lines if they corrode or begin to spring a pressurized water leak. Help in the house. Part of the series.