How to Install an Electric Water Heater in a Mobile Home

13 Mar 2019 Licensed Electrician

It is common for people to wonder whether an electric water heater installation requires the help of an electrician or a plumber. The answer to this is most often that both sets of expertise are required. The plumbing procedures can be fairly involved and, because most water heaters require such large amounts of electricity to operate, a certified electrician should always be consulted before installing an electric water heater in a mobile home. At Expert Electric, we know the benefits that electric water heaters offer and we have experience with their installation in every kind of home.

Mobile Homes and Electric Hot Water Heaters

Before attempting to install a hot water heater in a mobile home, the following precautions should be taken:

• First, ensure that the heater meets the standards of whatever municipality the mobile home is located in.
• The water heater must be rated for mobile home use.
• Have an electrician inspect the electrical panel of the home to ensure that it is capable of supplying the electricity necessary to run the heater.
• The space where the water heater is being stored should have sufficient space for ventilation.
• All circuits and plumbing connections should be the right types for an electric water heater, as gas water heaters require different specifications.
• The mobile home should have insurance for an electric water heater in case something goes wrong.

Electric Water Heater Installation

For an electric hot water heater replacement, the following steps should be followed:

Removing the Old Water Heater

1. Shut off the water and electricity.
2. Drain the current hot water tank.
3. Remove the discharge pipe from the temperature and pressure relief valve.
4. Disconnect the water supply lines.
5. Remove the old electric water heater.

Installing the New Electric Water Heater

6. Install a new drip pan
7. Connect the temperature and pressure relief valve to the new water heater.
8. Connect the new water supply lines to the tank using flexible hose.
9. Install seismic straps to keep the water heater from tipping.
10. Remove the aerator from the nearest faucet and open the hot water valve.
11. Begin slowly filling the tank.
12. You can be sure that the tank is full once water begins to run from the nearest open faucet. Let the water run for three minutes.
13. Have a licensed electrician connect the wiring from the water heater’s junction box to your mobile home’s electrical supply
14. Set the temperature of your mobile home electric hot water heater.
15. Check the pipes every hour for a few hours to look for leaks or high pressure.

To learn more about how to install an electric water heater in a mobile home or make any other electrical changes to your mobile home, contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338. We offer a variety of residential electrical services across BC.