For many owners, changing an old water heater is easier than they can even imagine, particularly if the new heater is akin to the previous one. In case you wish to replace an electric unit with the gas one or vice versa, you should discuss different mounting alternatives with an expert. 
Ranging from 30- to 50-gallon model may be suitable for almost all homes. Consider the recovery rates of the unit you are examining; quicker recovery rates mean quicker heating.
Prior to beginning to replace or work upon a current water heater, cut off the water and gas or power supply. In case there is no floor drain beneath the valve, link a hosepipe to the drain valve, which is next to the bottom of the tank and take it to the nearest drain or outside. Open the valve, and empty the water from the tank.
If your home is situated in an earthquake area, you will require mounting straps around a new water heater (consult your domestic construction department for more details.)
In case your new tank is of different height than the previous one, make use of adjustable pipe connectors for the water inlet and outlet; they may curve as required to make a connection. Mount a new pressure-relief and temperature valve on the new tank and check it by compressing the lever.
Replacing a Water Heater
1. After cutting off the water supply to the tank, link a hosepipe to the drain valve at the base of the tank, unbolt the valve and drain the water from the tank. Make use of two wrenches to loosen the outlet and inlet fittings from the top of the tank.
2. For a gas water heater, cut off the gas inlet valve and apply two wrenches to separate the union or flare fitting between the gas supply line and the inlet valve. Besides, get rid of the chimney hat that puts gasses into the chimney at the top of the tank.
3. When you have got rid of the old unit, mount the new one in place with the burner and controls available. Let no less than 6 inches of clearance around its perimeter and maintain it away from combustible materials.
4. Cover the heat trap fittings with pipe-wrap tape, and attach the fittings to the water heater. Make certain the markers on the fittings indicate the direction of water flow.
5. Mount new adjustable connectors on the outlet and inlet of water lines. In case there is no cutoff bibb on the cold-water side, mount one prior to linking the water heater. When all connectors are finished, open the cutoff bibb to fill the tank.
6. Collect the gas lines as instructed. Distribute tube dope on the threads and fasten the parts together, stiffening them with one pipe wrench on the duct and one more on the fitting. Consider the producer’s recommendations for linking the heater with gas supply ducting. When you have switched on the gas, inspect all connections by putting soapy water on them and watch over bubbles.
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