Today, many people are going for electric tank-less water heaters as they are more reliable and take less space than a storage water heater. They can heat the water directly and provides a constant supply of hot water. It only takes few seconds to heat the cold water.
When you open the tap of hot water, cold water instantly goes through a pipe into the tank-less water heater, where an electric element heats it.
Majorly, there are two types of tankless water heaters; a gas model and an electrical one. But here, we will discuss an electric tank-less water heater, and it is the easiest tankless water heater to install.
Usually, the cost to install an electric tankless water heater is between $500 to $700, which is less than a gas model. Some people found it expensive, but it is worth the money as you have to no longer worry about the hot water for bathing and cleaning dishes. Check out our guide how to choose a tankless electric water heater?
Let’s discuss more it:
Can I install an electric tank-less water heater myself?
Of course, you can install it by yourself, but you must be a DIY king. It requires a lot of plumbing and electrical skills. Now talking about how long does it take to install a tankless water heater? If you know how to do plumbing, you can easily install it in 2 to 3 hours.
It is sometimes better to have a licensed professional install an electric tankless water heater as they know every bit about it.
But still, if you want to save some money and install it yourself, you can do it. For knowing the process of how to install a tank–less water heater, you should know the electric tankless water heater installation requirements first.
· Power Requirements:
An average home cannot handle an electric tank-less water heater because some need more than 200A capacity. That’s why you may need to change the old one with bigger wires and more reliable breakers. You can also check the electric tankless water heater wiring requirements on the booklet given with it.
· Water Pressure Requirements:
Mostly electric tank-less water heaters work at a pressure of 30 to 150 psi. If your house has a water pressure of more than 150 psi, you will need a reducing valve. It will be installed upstream of the heater.
· Permits:
You can install an electric tankless water heater by yourself as a homeowner, and there will be no problem. But in most states, for safety reasons, you will require a permit. To make sure there will be no problem in installation, a plumbing inspector will come to your place.
· Best place to install:
It is better to install the water heater as close to the place where you require hot water. This will help you to get hot water faster. Also, tank-less water heaters don’t require much space as compared to storage water heaters. That’s why you can easily install it in your small bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere you need hot water.
The place where you are going to install your water heater must be away from any water splash. This can harm your electric water heater. Also, the temperature of the place should be moderate, neither too hot nor too freezing.
· Tools:
Following are some tools necessary for the installation of an electric water heater.
- Drill machine
- Screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe cutter
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
· Supplies:
Most of the supplies required for the installation will be given to the system. Some supplies necessary for it are given below
- Mounting screws and anchors
- Piping
- Different types of valves
- Teflon tape
- Recirculation pump
- Sandpaper
- Double pole circuit breakers
- Wire and ground
These are the requirements for installing an electric tankless water heater at home.
How to switch from the tank water heater to tankless?
First of all, you should know which one is better for you. For example, tank-less water heaters are very small in size as compared to tank water heaters. In addition to this, you will never run out of hot water.
Therefore, it depends on your needs that; if you require instant hot water, you should replace your old tank water heater and switch to the tankless water heater.
How to install a tankless water heater:
The process of installing an electric tank-less water heater is not so difficult. You can see the electric tankless water heater installation diagram mostly given in the instruction book.
Mark the place well where you want to install the water heater and attach the unit according to the instructions. Turn the electricity off before making connections for safety reasons. Install the water supply pipes into the water heater. Be careful while doing the inlet and the outlet connections.
Then connect the shut-off valves and pressure-relief valves; for final connections, use the union fittings. Now run the water for a minute or two through the unit. Then restore the electrical connections and test the operation of the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric tankless water heaters easy to install?
Electric tankless water heaters offer a cost-effective alternative to gas models. Not only are they cheaper to purchase, but the installation process is simpler and more affordable. Also, maintaining electric tankless water heaters is generally less challenging than their gas counterparts. However, it’s worth noting that only a limited number of electric models can supply multiple outlets simultaneously.
Can you install a tankless water heater on your own?
Installing your own tankless water heater is an option, but it’s important to note that it requires some level of expertise. This task is best suited for individuals with prior experience in home improvement projects. It’s worth considering the various options available, such as propane, natural gas, or electric tankless water heaters, as well as determining the appropriate size and style for your specific needs.
Whether you require a single-room unit or a whole-house system, understanding the different models will help you make an informed decision.
How long does it take to install an electric tankless water heater?
When it comes to installation time, you can anticipate an average of four to six hours for this particular case. However, there’s also a possibility that your technician might complete the tankless water heater installation ahead of schedule. In instances where the installation process finishes earlier than expected, it typically takes around three to six hours.
What are the electrical requirements for a tankless electric water heater?
To properly install your electric tankless water heater, you’ll need a dedicated circuit of either 120 or 240 volts. Both voltages will require an 8-gauge wire, and for the section exposed under the sink, it’s recommended to use an armored cable.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and if they specify a larger cable, it’s necessary to comply with the guidelines set by the National Electrical Code.
What do I need to know before installing a tankless water heater?
A plumber considers three factors to determine if a heater can meet a household’s requirements:
- The temperature of the water entering the heater.
- The peak demand for hot water, measured in gallons per minute (gpm).
- The heater’s efficiency is found in the product specifications as its Uniform Energy Factor (UEF).
Conclusion:
The electric tank-less water heater is better than a storage tank water heater, and we suggest you upgrade to it. You can now easily install it by yourself if you follow the requirements given above. I hope that the above information will help you in installing a tank-less water heater.
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