An electric water heater is among the equipment that ensures thermal comfort at home. It contributes to the production of domestic hot water in daily life.

Just like electrical devices such as a cordless screwdriver, boiler, angle grinder, or radiator, it wears out over time.

Also called a hot water tank or cumulus, this type of water heater has a limited lifespan. When the time passes, it gradually breaks down.

To avoid reaching that point, it is essential to replace it properly. If you are a weekend DIYer, it is better to entrust this task to a professional.

What is an electric water heater?

Before detailing the replacement steps of an electric cumulus, it is appropriate to provide you with its definition to better understand the concepts.

Unlike the solar water heater and the thermodynamic one, the electric model uses electrical energy to produce domestic hot water.

Step	Description
1. Cut off the power	Unplug the water heater from electricity and close the water supply to avoid any risk of accident.
2. Drain the water heater	Open the drain valve or use a hose to evacuate all the water contained in the tank.
3. Disconnect the connections	Unscrew the cold and hot water pipes, as well as the electrical cables connected to the water heater.
4. Remove the old water heater	Dismantle and remove the device from its location, taking care not to damage the supports or walls.
5. Prepare the installation of the new one	Check the condition of the fittings, install new seals if necessary, and position the new device.
6. Connect water and electricity	Connect the inlet and outlet water pipes, then plug in the electrical system according to standards.
7. Fill the tank	Open the water supply and purge the air by letting hot water run until a steady flow is established.
8. Commission	Restore the electrical power and check that the water heater is working properly, without leaks.

Thanks to it, you only have to enjoy good hot baths daily. You can do the dishes or wash your clothes without freezing your hands. There are many advantages, but these are just better examples among many others.

In general, this water heater works by accumulation. It is equipped with a large tank that is filled with cold water.

Then an integrated heating element heats it once for the daily needs of the whole day. The hot water provided will be stored in the tank.

Some models operate by stratification. When hot water is drawn, cold water enters through the lower part of the tank. Then the remaining hot water rises to meet your needs.

When to replace your water heater?

After 10 or 15 years, replacing the device is strongly recommended. This allows you to avoid potential breakdown risks.

Even if you have maintained it well, the water heater gradually wears out. Its performance will decrease over time. Replacing it helps you save energy.

Its lifespan depends on countless parameters such as the type of its heating element, the quality of the model, the hardness of the water, frequent descaling of the tank, fittings, and the heating element.

That is why some models last up to about fifteen years, while others break down in 8 to 10 years. Fortunately, their signs of aging are easy to diagnose as follows:

When the device provides water that is less and less hot, it gives you a sign of its end of life. Sometimes the water flows slowly or takes time to heat up.

At certain times, the sanitary water changes color or drops of water fall from the tank. The device leaks or rust appears at its base. All these situations should not be taken lightly.

They can alert you to the aging of your water heater. There are no other solutions than its replacement.

Steps to Replace Your Electric Water Heater

Discover below our guide listing the steps to follow in order to properly change the water heater tank:

• Empty the water heater tank: Of course, it is impossible to proceed with the disassembly of the water heater while its tank is still filled with hot water. You must start by emptying it. To do this, first cut off the electricity from the circuit breaker, then shut off the water supply. Do not hesitate to close the water inlet valves. It is preferable to perform these steps the day before. That said, release the pressure by opening the hot water tap. Then empty the hot water tank using the drainage pipe. Open the safety valve. Make sure the remaining water drains completely. It is recommended to wait up to 1 hour and 30 minutes for the device to drain. This time lapse is essential to avoid any risk of flooding.
• Disassembly of the old water heater: To begin, disconnect the thermostat. It is located under the cover below the hot water tank. To access it, use an electrician’s screwdriver. After draining the device, remove the safety valve as well as the siphon. Then unscrew the hot water outlet and the tank accessories such as the expansion vessel, the pressure reducer, and many others. The removal of a water heater is not difficult at all, as it is anchored only by a mounting bracket. A vertical sliding motion may be enough to remove it from its place.
• Installation of the new equipment: To do this, simply place the new equipment in the location of the old one. It is recommended to get help since it does not seem easy to fit the tank’s mounting to the studs. Before proceeding with the assembly, make sure you have all the accessories and equipment related to the electrical supply, wastewater drainage, and cold water supply. Once the water heater is properly fixed, connect it to the sanitary water network and the electrical network. You can start with the hot water outlet then the cold water inlet. Check the tightness and tighten with a wrench. Once done, connect the siphon towards the drain to evacuate the water.
• Electrical connection and commissioning: As for connecting the device to the electrical network, you must first cut the power. Now open the cover and connect each wire. To do this properly, rely on the colors. The green and yellow ones correspond to the ground wires. The red and brown ones apply to the power wires. The blue one is the neutral wire. Once the connection is complete, all that remains is to close the cover. After connection, you can turn the adjustment knob to set the temperature. If the device is correctly installed, nothing prevents you from opening the water supply. The same applies to the safety valve tap. Once this step is finished, do not hesitate to switch the electricity back on. You must wait up to 5 hours to have hot water.

How to Change a Water Heater Yourself?

For a basic question like: which furniture to choose for your home, the answer can be easily found.

But when it comes to a technical matter such as replacing a water heater, it is safer to entrust it to an expert.

Thanks to their experience in the field, they manage to dismantle the old water heater and then install a new one quickly but efficiently.

In any case, if you have technical knowledge, you can replace your water heater without any problem. You just need to follow the steps mentioned above and you’re good to go.

What is the price to change an electric water heater?

When you call on an expert, each provider sets their own rates. Many parameters can affect them, such as the device’s quality level, the complexity of the installation, and the geographical area.

The proximity of the networks necessary for installation also influences the cost, notably electricity, water drainage, cold water supply, and the kitchen. In any case, we can provide you with a price range for guidance.

If you plan to install an electric water heater from 50 to 200 l, you should budget between €660 to €1,210. If the installation proves complex, this price can rise up to €2,000 or even €3,000.

For replacing your old water heater, labor costs are approximately €200 excluding tax. This is in addition to the price of the new device.

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What is the lifespan of an electric water heater?

The lifespan of this device depends on the quality of its finish, the integrated technologies, and regular maintenance. But in most cases, it can withstand the test of time between 8 to 15 years.

If you want to enjoy it for a long time, remember to take care of it frequently. You should not wait for it to break down. It is advisable to carry out maintenance at regular intervals.

This operation should not be neglected even if you have a high-quality model. Know that it affects its performance.

For better results, it is more reliable to call on an expert. Although their intervention is costly, they will carry out the maintenance of your water heater professionally.

Why does a water heater no longer produce hot water?

There can be many reasons explaining this problem. To solve it, it is important to identify its origin.

When you open a hot water tap and the flow becomes quite low, the fault in this case comes from a plumbing issue. This is similarly possible when the water refuses to flow. A plumber’s assistance is required.

If your water heater also stops working, it is possible that the cause is electrical. The power supply may be cut off. To be sure, you need to check the circuit breaker. If everything is fine, check the fuse intended for the tank. A short circuit can cause the failure.

This issue can also stem from a defective component of your equipment. When the thermostat is poorly set, out of order, or disarmed, the water heater will not provide hot water. The same applies in the case of a resistance in poor condition.

Otherwise, a limescaled appliance can also be the cause. The buildup of limescale creates cracks, which explains the water leaks.

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