Consultation With A Professional Installation Service Provider
Professional assistance can help you choose the appropriate water heater for your home based on how much hot water your household consumes and whether your current system uses gas or electricity as the power source. They’ll also consider factors like the existing plumbing, electrical, and gas systems within your property.
If your current tank leaks or emits an unpleasant odor, professional inspectors can assess its condition to ensure it does not stem from hydrogen sulfide gas or bacteria that require flushing the entire system. They’ll also examine your pressure relief valve by lifting and releasing it to ensure its functionality.
Once they’ve assessed your current system, a professional will suggest repairs or replacements as needed, explaining its energy efficiency, cost, and longevity benefits to help you decide whether installing a new unit is necessary.
The Water Heater installation process usually takes two to three hours: an hour is spent disconnecting and connecting the old unit, followed by another hour for connecting the new water heater to the home’s water, electricity, and gas sources.
Draining the Water Heater Tank
Leaks around your hot water heater tank are more than a mere inconvenience: they can soak away valuables, create pools in the basement, or cause mold growth when water seeps through walls into your home’s structure.
Every six to 12 months, it is advised to drain your water heater in order to eliminate mineral and particle build-up on its bottom. Doing this can also prevent overfilling of the tank with sediment that collects.
Assemble and disengage gas and electric sources by opening the top gas valve and unhooking cable clamps from wire connectors at the junction box.
Next, connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your unit so it leads outside towards a drain or receptacle. Then, open the valve and let all water drain through until all drain valves have fully opened.
Remove All Electric & Gas Connections to The Heater
If your water heater is leaking, it may be time for replacement. Electric water heater leaks indicate rust or corrosion inside of its tank and could ruin your belongings and home if left unrepaired; speak to a professional to ensure you replace your heater quickly to avoid irreparable damages.
Start by turning off the water supply lines to your heater before disconnecting all the pipes. If you plan on reusing these pipes with your new heater, installing dielectric unions instead of existing connectors may make removing and installing the new heater easier in future water heater installations.
Use a voltmeter or circuit tester to ensure that all power wires have been disconnected from your water heater. Then, unscrew and cap any wire nuts, connecting the service wires from your old heater with new wire nuts.
Unscrew the water heater’s drain valve, connect it with an outside drain pipe, and attach a drain hose that will transport any overflow to drains or outside for disposal.
Installation Process of the New Hot Water Heater
Before installing the new water heater, a licensed plumber should read its owner’s manual for safety tips and a list of tools and materials needed.
A non-contact voltage tester or multimeter ensures the circuit that powers the new water heater is de-energized. Shut off the circuit breaker feeding your existing water heater and use channel-lock pliers or pipe wrenches to disconnect its gas unit from it.
This process must also include disconnecting the existing vent pipe from its vent pipe and unhooking and removing its draft hood for gas water heater replacements.
Once your new water heater is installed, inspect its pressure relief valve for any signs of rust or sediment buildup; this is usually where leaks originate.
Furthermore, run your hands along any pipes leading to and from it and check for moisture or mold growth that indicates leaks; any such indication could prompt quick repairs in case an issue exists.
Reconnecting The Water Heater With New Connections
Usually, a tankless water heater runs smoothly, but If it keeps tripping or suddenly loses hot water, this could be a telltale sign of electrical trouble. It may be due to a thermostat, heating element, loose wires, or short-circuiting due to an electrical short.
Before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance to the heater, turn off its energy source by turning off its water valve. This will stop gas and electricity from flowing into it – helping prevent serious injuries or property damage. Next, open up its junction box cover and disconnect its power wires; you should also disconnect its vent pipe for gas water heaters.
Reattach the new heating element carefully by hand and then use a wrench to tighten it further if necessary. This will ensure that it’s secure without over-tightening it and causing leakage issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that our readers have asked us
How long can water run after a new water heater?
After installing a new water heater, running the water for 10-15 minutes is recommended to clear out any debris or air pockets from the plumbing system. This ensures clean, fresh water flows through your pipes and helps verify that the heater is functioning correctly.
Is it hard to install a new water heater?
Installing a new water heater can be challenging and typically requires plumbing and electrical skills. It involves disconnecting and removing the old unit, connecting the new one to water and power lines, and ensuring it meets local codes. Many people hire a professional to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Can I replace my water heater myself?
No, hiring a professional installation company to replace your water heater is important. Professionals ensure the job is done safely, correctly, and up to code, avoiding potential leaks, electrical hazards, or voided warranties.
Conclusion
Replacing a water heater is a crucial home maintenance task that should be handled with care and expertise. While the installation process typically takes around two to three hours, it can vary depending on the type and size of the water heater and the complexity of the existing system.
Tommie’s Plumbing | Best Water Heater Installation Services
At Tommie’s Plumbing, we understand the importance of a well-installed water heating system. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, we offer various services, including water heater installation, tankless water heaters, sewer and drain cleaning, assistance with high water bills, and fixing high water pressure issues.
Don’t compromise on comfort and safety—contact Tommie’s Plumbing today for reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
