How to Install or Replace a Hybrid Water Heater

Step 1

Pull Permits

Make sure you pull any required state or city permits for installing or replacing a water heater. Each city is different, and may require fees to pull a permit. If this seems overwhelming, call a license plumber like Reliant Plumbing! Whether you are in Austin, San Antonio, Westlake, Cedar Park or Round Rock, we can repair or replace hybrid water heaters.

Step 2

Find the Perfect Location

• Check your installation guide for specific recommendations and make sure you have enough space for the intended unit.
  • One big difference between installing a hybrid heat pump water heater and a standard electric one is serviceability. A hybrid heat pump requires occasional service. This requires most units to be 6 inches away from the wall.
  • This distance can vary. So, refer to your installation manual for specific guidelines.
  • Examine the airflow for ducting needs.
• • • A large area like a garage won’t require a duct kit.
    • In a tighter space, you may need a duct kit.

Step 3

Remove the Old Water Heater

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater.
  • Make sure the circuit breaker is marked properly by using a voltage detector.
• Drain the old tank:
  • Connect a hose to it.
  • Flush debris out of it by leaving the water on. Once the debris is gone, turn off the water and introduce air.
    • If it drains very slowly, use a transfer pump.
• After the unit is completely drained, remove the flex supply lines and disconnect the power.

If you are not confident removing your water heater, please call Reliant Plumbing! We install these regularly and can save you time and energy.

Step 4

Check the Connection Requirements in Your Installation Guide

If the new unit’s inlets are different compared to your old heater, you may have to move the plumbing around for them. This can require moving or removing drywall, pipes, and valves. If you face this situation, please call a professional plumber! We have 50 years of combine experience and can handle any pipe problems that come our way.

Step 5

Place the New Unit

• To create appropriate distance, use wood blocking or construction channel.
• To prevent concrete from absorbing heat from the unit, place a Styrofoam insulation pad on the bottom of the water heater.
• If you’re on a wood frame structure, be sure to use a drain pan.

Step 6

Run the Condensate Drain

Run the condensate line from the outlet to a close by drain.

Step 7

Connect the Water Lines

Connect the water inlet and outlet.

Step 8

Fill the Tank

Fill the tank by turning on the cold water valve on the water supply line.

Step 9

Check for Leaks & Empty Air From the Tank

• Open the hot water side of the nearest faucet, after removing the aerator.
• Turn on the cold water supply at the water heater. Check for leaks around the water heater.
• If everything looks good, continue letting the tank fill. You can tell the tank is full when water runs from the faucet.
• Allow the water to run from the faucet for about 3 minutes to empty air from the tank.

Step 10

Connect the Wiring

Wait until the tank is completely full before connecting the wire. This helps avoid dry firing, which damages heating elements.

• Take off the junction box cover.
• Attach the ground wire to the green ground screw.
• Twist the wires together with wire connectors. Use the previous connections to guide you.
• Put the cover back on.
• Turn on the power. If you don’t have power, turn off the circuit breaker and check your connections.

Step 11

Adjust the Temperature Setting

The recommended temperature setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can adjust this depending on your personal preference. Test the temperature of the water at a faucet and then adjust the temperature on the thermostat. It might take several hours to initially heat the water.

Step 12

Check Your Faucets

Sometimes water heater faucets have reduced flow after installation due to sediment trapped in the line. If this happens, just remove your aerator and flush out the sediment before replacing it.

Step 13

Be Sure the Water Heater is in Hybrid Mode

The default mode for a heat pump water heaters is the Hybrid Mode, which is the most energy efficient. There are other modes to choose from, but you want the unit to be in hybrid mode for regular operation.