Removing The Old Water Heater

• 1). Turn off the power to the water heater at your home's main electrical box. Test the wires at the water heater with a voltage tester to make sure the circuit is turned off.
  
  
• 2). Disconnect the wires from the water heater and shut off the water supply to the water heater by closing off the main water valve.
  
  
• 3). Open all of the hot water spigots in your house. Drain the hot water tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve and opening the valve. Place the other end of the hose in a location where the water can drain, taking care not to burn yourself with the hot water. Remove the hose after the tank has been completely drained.
  
  
• 4). Disconnect the hoses at the top of the water heater (the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes).
  
  
• 5). Remove the water heater with the help of an assistant.
  
  

Installing The New Water Heater

• 1). Place the new water heater into position with the help of an assistant. Place a level on top of the water heater to check for level, and put shims underneath the water heater to make it level if necessary.
  
  
• 2). Connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet hoses to the water heater. Connect the blue hose to the blue fitting and the red hose to the red fitting.
  
  
• 3). Check the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to make sure it's completely closed.
  
  
• 4). Turn on the main water supply to begin filling the tank. Close the hot water spigots after water has run out of them for a minute to remove air from the pipes.
  
  
• 5). Check the main electrical box to make sure that the circuit for the hot water heater is still turned off.
  
  
• 6). Connect the heater to the wires in the circuit, following the instructions for the model you purchased. If you're not comfortable doing this, call an electrician.
  
  
• 7). Set the thermostat of the heater to between 120 and 125 degrees, and turn the power back on.