DIY Electric Water Heater Installation

[BigV]

Watch this space.
















Ok, really, tomorrow I'm replacing Twil's water heater. It's sprung a small leak, and she's already taken delivery of a comparable unit. It's in the back of the car, waiting for me.

I've never done a water heater installation before. Washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven/range. I've rerouted plumbing, installed toilets, tub/shower fixtures, new sinks, etc. No water heaters.

I reckon it has some plumbing, some minor electrical, plenty of cleanup, testing, etc. Doesn't look super hard. But, I only have one day off and if I mess up, she'll have no hot water in the house. Yikes.

Anyhow, I'm putting together my toolkit. Pipe wrenches, tubing cutter, measuring tape, channel locks, stud finder, hammer, impact driver, reciprocating saw, pipe tape, crescent wrench, hacksaw blades for saw, file, emery cloth, wire brush. asbestos blanket. vise grips, level. my camera, of course. gloves. wonderbar.

don't have but will need new torch, solder, flux. fasteners for earthquake straps, earthquake straps, insulating blanket, some kind of low platform / cinder blocks.


I'll fill this thread with pictures of the project.

What am I missing?