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Water Heater Upgrade: Assembling the Pipes Water Heater Upgrade: Assembling the Pipes From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-211

When working on your water lines, dry fit everything first. Put the pipe in place, then cut your pipe accordingly. Have everything ready to go before you cut into the water line.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

1. Use a tape measure to estimate the length of each section of pipe, then transfer the measurement to each section of pipe (figure A) and cut the pieces to length.

2. Assemble the pieces together including any fittings.

3. Next, screw the male adaptors in place on the valve (figure B) and continue to fit the pieces together.

4. Test the assembly in place to check your measurements.

Cutting the Cold Water Line

1. Align the pre-fitted valve assembly to the cold water line. Mark where the 90s intersect the water line (figure C).

2. Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe closest to the water line first, then move on to the top of the pipe and cut (figure D).

Piping in the Safety Valve

1. Make sure that the length of pipe coming off the 'T' is as short as possible to limit strain on the connection.

2. Clean and flux the joints as you assemble the expansion tank connection. Make sure you have a threaded male adaptor to connect the tank into at the end.

3. Solder all the joints together and let the assembly cool thoroughly, then add Teflon paste to the threads of the tank.

4. Install the 'T' and female adaptor for the expansion tank.

5. Use two slip-joint pliers to screw the tank into the threaded male adaptor (figure E). Be sure the tank is secure.

6. If you have an electric water heater, you can turn the water on and test for leaks.

The automatic shutoff valve has an option that will also shut off the gas on gas water heaters. To set this up, you'll need to have a licensed technician to do the installation.

Here are the steps:

1. Use pliers to remove the thermal coupling from the gas valve then install the automatic shutoff valve coupling in its place (figure F).

2. Next, insert the wire from the valve into the hole in the coupling and secure the wire.

3. Use pliers to tighten the connection (figure G), but be very careful not to over-tighten.

4. Remove the cap from the shutoff valve and insert the wire ends into the sockets on the valve (figure H).

5. Secure the wire to the water heater.

6. Finally, turn on your water heater.