Installing an electric water heater directly in a shower is generally not possible nor recommended due to safety concerns, code restrictions, and the physical size of typical water heaters. Instead, an electric tankless water heater or a small point-of-use (POU) heater can be installed near the shower to provide on-demand hot water. However, the provided reference describes the steps for installing a traditional tank water heater, which wouldn't typically be installed in a shower. Therefore, let's outline how to install a tankless electric water heater near a shower, which is a more realistic and safer approach. Remember to always consult local building codes and hire a qualified professional if you are not comfortable with electrical and plumbing work.
Disclaimer: Working with electricity and plumbing can be dangerous. Always turn off power at the breaker before working on any electrical components and shut off the water supply before working on plumbing. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified professional.
Here's a general outline of the steps involved in installing an electric tankless water heater near a shower:
1. Planning and Preparation
- Determine the correct size heater: Calculate your hot water needs to choose the correct BTU/kW rating for the tankless heater. Consider the flow rate of your showerhead and the temperature rise required.
- Check electrical capacity: Tankless electric heaters require significant amperage. Ensure your electrical panel has sufficient capacity and the correct breaker size for the heater. You may need to run a dedicated circuit.
- Check plumbing: Verify your plumbing can handle the flow rate and pressure requirements of the tankless heater.
2. Installation
- Mount the heater: Choose a location near the shower that is accessible for maintenance and complies with local codes. Mount the heater securely to the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Connect the water lines:
- Turn off the main water supply.
- Connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet to the heater using appropriate fittings and pipe (usually copper or PEX).
- Ensure proper sealing to prevent leaks. Use Teflon tape or pipe dope on threaded connections.
- Connect the electrical wiring:
- Turn off the circuit breaker for the circuit you will be using.
- Connect the electrical wires to the heater according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves connecting the ground, neutral, and hot wires. This step should only be performed by someone qualified to do so.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
- Grounding: Ensure the heater is properly grounded according to local electrical codes.
3. Testing and Activation
- Turn on the water supply: Check for leaks at all connections. Tighten fittings as needed.
- Turn on the circuit breaker: Restore power to the heater.
- Test the heater: Run the hot water in the shower and verify that the heater is producing hot water. Adjust the temperature setting as needed.
- Check for proper operation: Monitor the heater for several days to ensure it is functioning correctly and there are no leaks or other problems.
Considerations and Alternatives
- Point-of-Use (POU) Heaters: For a single shower, a small POU electric water heater may be sufficient. These are typically smaller and require less electrical power than whole-house tankless heaters.
- Safety: Install a temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve on the water heater and a discharge pipe that directs water safely away from the unit, as recommended in the linked article for a tank water heater. (This is generally good practice, but not always required on smaller tankless units. Consult the manufacturer's instructions and local codes.)
- Professional Installation: Due to the complexity and safety concerns associated with electrical and plumbing work, consider hiring a qualified professional to install your electric water heater.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Planning & Preparation | Determine size, check electrical capacity, verify plumbing. |
| 2. Mount Heater | Securely mount to the wall near the shower. |
| 3. Connect Water Lines | Turn off water, connect cold and hot lines, seal connections. |
| 4. Connect Electrical Wiring | Turn off breaker, connect ground, neutral, and hot wires. Requires qualified person. |
| 5. Test & Activation | Turn on water and breaker, check for leaks and proper heating. |
In summary, while a traditional electric tank water heater is not installed directly in a shower, a tankless electric water heater can be installed near the shower to provide on-demand hot water, requiring careful planning, electrical and plumbing connections, and thorough testing for safe and efficient operation.
