How to Replace a Hot Water Boiler With an Electric Water Heater

Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Before starting this article I would like to say that if you feel you are unable to do this how-to job then always remember if you purchase your new water heater from Lowe's or Home Depot then they can install it for you and remove your old boiler. First things first you need to turn the main water off, shutting the valve off at the line don't always work due the fixtures being old or stripped. After turning the main water off you will want to turn the electricity off to the water boiler. Make sure with a voltage meter so you don't end up with a powerful shock. (THIS ARTICLE WILL NOT HELP WITH GAS BOILERS) If turning the power off to the boiler turned the power off to the lights around you then get an extension cord and run a light in there or get a flash light that can stand on it's on.
2

After step one you will want to turn your sink on to release pressure built up in the lines. Both hot and cold should be turned on to release this pressure, otherwise you will have a soggy mess on your hands. Run both until there is no water coming out, a drip is fine. There will be water still leaking out of the boiler when removing but not as much as if you didn't release the pressure. Once you done this you are now ready to set up for removal.
3

To set up to remove the boiler is simple and easy, get together all your tools and the new water heater your going to replace it with as well as towels. You will also want the instruction for the water heater nearby because every water heater is not the same.
4

Now that your completely ready for this task, let's begin. Start by finding the wiring that is going to the boiler. Tracking it down to where it hooks up to boiler then removing that. Usually there will be little screws holding on the cover and then again holding the wiring in place. Just remove those and string up the wiring out of the way.
5

It is time to unhook the water pipes, now this is where you will need the towels. Make sure to label the pipes as to which is going into the boiler as cold water and which is coming out of the boiler with the hot water. Unhook these pipes and set aside with the towel under them or as nearby as possible. And then move the boiler out, (please remember if this is to heavy to lift on your own always get someone to help).
6

Now that the boiler is out of the way, you will bring your water heater over and start setting it up. Pay attention to the lettering on the water heater. You will see C and H of course you know this means Hot and Cold. Now if you labeled your pipes then this process is as easy as 1,2,3. Place plumbers tape on both H and C openings around the grooves. Now screw on the cold water at the C and then the hot water pipe at the H.
7

Now time to hook the wiring to it. Look for the little plate on top that has two to four screws holding it down. Unscrew these and lift plate off. you will see a place to hook up three wires. Make sure to place the wires in the right place. This is were the instruction manual comes in. Find the page and look to make sure you do not hook the ground wire up were the hot wire goes. After you have hooked up the wiring replace the plate back and the screws as well. Please make sure to clean up any water that is in the floor or surrounding area. Safety first. After everything is cleaned up it is time to turn the water back on.
8

Go to your main valve and turn the water back on. Go to the sink and make sure you turned it back off so you can check the water heater for leaks. Now go to the water and look to make sure it is not leaking anywhere. After the water heater has filled up and hear the water quit running now it's time to turn the power back on to it. Flip the breaker back and listen to make sure there aren't any electrical problems. If you here popping or crackling or a loud bang, please flip the breaker off immediately. If everything goes alright give your water heater an hour and if the water is still not heating up you will need to reset it. This is done by removing plate cover on side at the bottom or top of the water heater and pushing the little red button. After that it should heat quickly. And you now have a new water heater.