Water heaters heat and store hot water for dishwashers, clothes washers, showers and tubs. They operate either with a gas flame below the tank or electric resistance inside it. A thermostat controls temperature and a pressure valve prevents a dangerous build-up of water pressure.
Installing a water heater in a location that provides easy access for inspection, cleaning and servicing can reduce energy costs. It can also avoid expensive, long-term complications. Keep reading the article below to Learn More.
Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane (Liquid Propane) to heat your home’s water. They generally cost more to install than electric models and require a larger natural gas line if one is not already present in your house. They also tend to have lower energy efficiency ratings than their electric counterparts.
Working with gas is not an easy task and requires professional skills. If you try to handle it yourself, you could be seriously injured or killed by explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas water heater is a major appliance and should only be handled by a qualified professional.
A professional plumber can remove your old water heater and have it safely disposed of, as well as complete the required inspections to ensure that your installation is up to code. They can also provide you with a variety of options that will meet your specific needs and budget.
You must drain the existing water heater before installing a new one. To do this, shut off the water at the home’s main water valve or at the isolation valve on the incoming cold water line. Then, open a hot water faucet and let it run full stream for three minutes. This will flush out any debris in the plumbing system and allows you to see if there are any leaks in the tank or connections.
Once you’ve drained the water heater, you can disconnect it from its gas and electrical supply lines. If you have a standard vent model, the gas shut-off valve is a quarter turn valve that’s easy to find and operate. Power-vented units plug into a standard 115V receptacle and are just as easy to disconnect.
When it comes to connecting the new water line, it’s important to use copper pipe. It’s more durable and meets the requirements of most local codes. You should also use thread sealant designed for gas line connections. Once you’ve made all of the connections, test them for gas pressure using a gauge. Then, connect the new hot and cold water supply lines to the heater.
Electric
Running hot water is one of the great conveniences of modern life. It allows us to wash clothes, dishes, shower and take care of a myriad other chores. The best way to ensure that you always have a steady supply of hot water is to install an electric water heater. Electric water heaters are lightweight, quiet and energy-efficient. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of sizes and features. You can even install point-of-use options, which are small water heaters that serve specific areas of your home instead of the main tank.
If you decide to replace your current electric water heater, it’s important that you first turn off the power to your appliance. To do so, locate your home’s electrical panel and find the circuit breaker that is connected to your water heater. Switch the breaker off, then remove the access panels and plastic guard on your electric water heater. Once the wiring is disconnected, you can safely remove the cover plate and test for voltage with a multimeter or non-contact voltage tester.
It is recommended that you use a professional to install your new electric water heater. However, if you do decide to go it alone, set aside about a day for the project. Also, be sure to have the proper tools for the job and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you have no experience with plumbing or electricity, it is best to leave the installation to a qualified plumber.
Most homes will already have an electrical connection running to the water heater area, but if yours does not, you can hire a licensed electrician to add it. This is a good time to consider rewiring your whole house for electricity as well, since it will reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and increase the efficiency of your appliances.
When installing your new electric water heater, it is important to place a sturdy heat-resistant drain pan underneath the unit in indoor environments. This will protect the floor and any nearby individuals from water leaks or pressure valve runoffs.
Tankless
Tankless water heaters offer many benefits to homeowners including energy efficiency, unlimited hot water and cost savings. However, they can be more difficult to install than a conventional storage tank water heater. This is primarily because they require a higher flow rate to operate effectively, as well as access to adequate gas flows and a power source that can deliver enough BTUs for the system to heat your home’s incoming water.
During a tankless water heater installation, the technician will first need to determine what type of fuel your unit is configured for. Some are configured for natural or propane gas, and others may have an electrical heating element for backup. The installer will also need to make sure your home’s electrical service panel can handle the increased load that a tankless water heater requires. This will typically involve upgrading your current circuits to ensure they can handle the additional electricity required for operation of your new unit.
Then, the installer will need to find a suitable place for your new water heater and make sure there’s sufficient clearance. They’ll also need to install any necessary ventilation to help keep the unit safe and operational. Once all of the necessary steps are completed, they’ll need to reconnect your gas and water lines and turn the power and water back on. The last step is to test the unit and make any adjustments as needed.
Once the installation is complete, the plumber will need to reattach the unit’s front cover and ensure all of the screws are in place. They’ll then need to reconnect any wiring and close the circuit breaker for the unit.
If you’re thinking about installing a tankless water heater, be sure to hire a licensed professional to do the work. If you try to DIY it, you could damage your unit or void its warranty. And if the unit fails, it could cause major plumbing issues and/or safety hazards for your family. In addition, some insurance providers won’t cover any damages to your home that occur because of a DIY water heater installation.
Installation
Water heater installation requires a number of tools and materials. A professional installer will charge $50-$200 per hour. The location of the water heater matters, too. If you are replacing an old unit in the same place, the job will be more straightforward than moving it to a new location, which may require rerouting plumbing and venting systems.
If you are installing the water heater in an area that is prone to earthquakes, it’s important to install a seismic brace to prevent damage to the tank. The water heater’s shut-off valve should be connected to the pipe that leads to a drain. A drain pan is also recommended to protect your floor from water leaks and pressure valve runoff.
The hot and cold water supply pipes must be connected to the new water heater. Use a Teflon tape to seal all threaded connections. Make sure the temperature and pressure relief valve is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is a good idea to insulate the hot water pipes, especially if you are in an area that experiences freezing temperatures.
When the water heater is in place, it’s a good idea to test it by turning on a hot water faucet. If the temperature is too high, adjust it using the water heater’s controls. You should also check that the unit is level by placing a straight board across the bottom of the water heater and using shims to raise or lower the side with the problem.
A professional will also install a heat pump to provide hot water during times of low demand. This is a cost-effective option, especially for large households that have multiple people running showers and washing machines at the same time. The unit will be more efficient than traditional electric water heaters that are sized for small families and single-occupant homes.