Putting A New Unit In - The Process

So, the time has come for you to replace your old hot water tank and you want to know what to expect. That is going to depend on the type of unit that is being installed, but if you are putting in a tank-based system, this post will cover the basic steps involved.
Step 1 – The Removal of the Old Tank
Removing the old tank means that it has to be shut off completely and drained of all water inside it. Then the tank has to be allowed to cool so that it can be removed safely.
If you want to give the installers a head start, consider shutting off all power and water to the unit the night before. If you know how to do so, drain the tank out as well. This is not an essential step, and the installers will do this for you if you don’t want to. 
However, it is a great way to save a fair amount of time and is not that difficult to do. It also means that they will be able to get on with installing the new unit a lot faster. 
Once the tank is completely empty and is cool enough to touch, it just needs to be detached from the pipes and wiring. This is best done by a professional. It will then be removed – again; the installer will usually do this on your behalf. 
Step 2: Place the New Unit
Now it is time to out the new unit in place. This means connecting it up to the piping. The tank must be completely level so shims may need to be used if necessary. The valve is then placed in the open position and soldered onto the supply line. Lead-free soldering iron should be used. 
 Step 3: Wrap the Threads and Then Place the Fittings
The cold-water outlet is then fitted, followed by the hot water outlet.
Step 4: The Water Supply is Connected
This is can be somewhat tricky because it has to meet your local code requirements. This is one of the reasons that it is better to have a professional do the installations. The other is that the manufacturer’s warranty might be voided if you don’t.
Once the water supply has been connected, the installer will ensure that the valve for draining the tank is closed. The water supply is then switched on, and all the valves are opened. 
They will advise you to open the taps in the highest areas of the home and then check to see that the water flows steadily from the hot tap. That only happens once the tank is full. 
They will  then get the taps switched off and make sure that there are no leaks present. 
Step 5: The Electricity is Connected
To do this, the installer will make sure that the power coming from the mains has been turned off and will then connect the electricity. 
Again, this is something that is better left to the pros. The connections must be done properly, and the tank must be properly grounded. 
From there, it is just a simple matter of setting the thermostat and waiting for the water to heat up nicely. Go ahead and click here to read about some tips for maintaining the unit you've just put in.