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How much does it cost to install a new 50 gallon electric water heater?
Installing a new 50-gallon electric water heater typically costs $800 to $2,500 for the heater plus professional installation. For a State water heater like model SCI20SOMT, the final price mainly depends on electrical upgrades, plumbing changes, and whether the install is a straightforward swap.
What drives the total installed price
- Heater type and efficiency: standard vs. higher-efficiency models
- Electrical work: new breaker, wiring, disconnect, or bringing the circuit up to code
- Plumbing changes: new shutoff valve, piping rework, expansion tank, or pan and drain line
- Location and access: attic, crawlspace, tight closet, or long carry distance
- Permits and inspection: common for water heater replacements
- Disposal and haul-away: removing the old tank
Typical cost breakdown (common ranges)
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50-gallon electric water heater | $400 to $1,200 | Brand, warranty length, efficiency level |
| Labor (install) | $300 to $1,200 | Higher with difficult access or rework |
| Materials and add-ons | $50 to $600 | Valves, fittings, pan, expansion tank, connectors |
| Permit/inspection | $0 to $300 | Varies by city/county |
When replacement parts matter (and when they do not)
If you are replacing the entire water heater, you usually do not reuse internal parts like a thermostat or heating element. If you are repairing instead of replacing, common parts for SCI20SOMT include the thermostat 100108424 and the element 100108358.
Why it matters
A low quote can turn expensive if the installer discovers undersized wiring, a failing shutoff valve, or a missing safety setup (like a proper drain pan). Planning for those common add-ons helps you avoid surprise costs and downtime.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the thermostat reset button on an electric water heater?
On the State SCI20SOMT electric water heater, the thermostat reset button is typically behind the upper access panel on the side of the tank, mounted on the upper thermostat (it is usually a small red button). You press it only after the heater has cooled and you have addressed the overheating cause.
How to access the reset button safely
- Turn OFF power at the breaker (electric shock hazard).
- Remove the upper access cover; on many units this is the wiring/thermostat compartment cover.
- Fold back or remove the insulation and plastic vapor barrier.
- Locate the upper thermostat; the reset is usually centered on the thermostat body.
- Press the button firmly once; if it clicks, it was tripped.
- Reinstall the vapor barrier, insulation, and cover before restoring power.
What it means if the reset keeps tripping
A tripped reset usually means the water got too hot or the thermostat did not control the heating element correctly. Common causes include:
- Failed thermostat or miswired thermostat
- Heating element shorted to ground
- Loose/burned wiring at the thermostat or element
- High temperature setting combined with heavy hot-water demand
- Sediment buildup causing the element to overheat
If you suspect a bad thermostat on SCI20SOMT, the replacement is the thermostat 100108424.
Quick checks before you reset (what we recommend)
| Check | What you are looking for | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Upper thermostat setting | Set unusually high | Set to about 120°F and monitor |
| Wiring condition | Melted insulation, discoloration, loose screws | Tighten/repair wiring with power off |
| Heating element condition | Signs of shorting or repeated overheating | Consider replacing the element |
| Tank condition | Heavy sediment, popping sounds | Flush/drain tank and recheck |
Why it matters
The reset button is a safety cutoff. If it trips repeatedly, resetting without fixing the cause can lead to overheated water, damaged wiring, or repeated loss of hot water.
For broader troubleshooting steps, we use the water heater common questions guide.
Last updated: January 2026
Will a 20 amp breaker run a 4500 watt water heater?
No. For a State SCI20SOMT electric water heater with a 4500-watt heating element, a 20-amp breaker is undersized and will trip. A typical setup uses a 30-amp, 240-volt dedicated circuit with the correct wire size and a properly matched heating element.
What the electrical math says
A 4500-watt element on 240 volts draws about 18.75 amps (4500 ÷ 240). Because electric water heaters are treated as a continuous load, the circuit is typically sized at 125% of the running amps, which is about 23.4 amps. That pushes you beyond a 20-amp breaker.
- 4500W at 240V: ~18.75A running current
- 125% sizing: ~23.4A minimum circuit capacity
- Common real-world choice: 30A breaker on a dedicated 240V circuit
What we recommend for SCI20SOMT
Use this as a practical checklist before changing anything:
- Use a dedicated 240V circuit for the water heater (no other loads).
- Use a 30A double-pole breaker in most 4500W installations.
- Confirm the wire gauge matches the breaker and local electrical code.
- Match the replacement element to the heater’s voltage and wattage; see element 100108358.
- If water temperature is unstable or you suspect control issues, check the thermostat; see thermostat 100108424.
Quick sizing table (typical)
| Element rating | Approx. amps @ 240V | Typical breaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3500W | 14.6A | 20A | Often acceptable on 20A if wiring is correct |
| 4500W | 18.8A | 30A | Most common residential electric water heater setup |
| 5500W | 22.9A | 30A | Often still 30A, but verify nameplate and wiring |
Why it matters
An undersized breaker can nuisance-trip and leave you with no hot water. More importantly, breaker and wire sizing protect the wiring from overheating under sustained load, which is critical for electric water heaters.
Last updated: January 2026
