Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement Selecting the new water heater nothing gets more annoying than to witness their water heater going all cranky on a Sunday morning. Then not having someone to ask advice.. That’s when you are just in the mood to spend the day just sitting around and being lazy at home. Now what? And what’s next? Where do we find our Academy Disc Plumbing & Repair? Who services water heaters on a Sunday? Well, this article is a complete guide to help you replace your water heater with a new one with easy steps.
Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement New Water heater
When the old one goes bad and a new one is found to replace it, make sure you buy it with the same fuel type either propane, gas or electric. You can select a different water heater but make sure if you are wanting to upgrade to a larger size then make sure have you enough space left from the wall for the larger capacity water heater to fit. Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement new water heater check our blog. With the greatest of info.
Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement Prepare the Installation
This guideline list will assist you in some decisions you might have when replacing your water heaters. Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement Prepare the Installation:
- Flush old water heater before removing helps it to drain.
- Start draining the tank if it will.
- Disconnect the water lines from the top of the water heater.
- Now disconnect the flue pipe (if it is gas). Being super carful not the disturb the connections in the attic.
- Disconnect the gas line from the tank at the control valve.
- Turn off the power to an electric water heater.
- Now disconnect the power line from the tank (if it is electric).
- Remove the old tank. Being carful with the drain pan. Don’t smash it.
Check the plumbing
Be sure and check the plumbing and measure the dimensions between the hot and cold water pipes which are on the top of the water heater and make sure the new heater has the same size to fit. Installation is easier if you measure things before starting the replacement. The gas union should be there in the gas line if it’s a gas heater but not if it is a water heater and make sure there is a shutoff for the cold water inlet pipe and a union connector for the hot water outlet pipe. If you don’t have them then cut the pipes from the old heater and install the cold water shut off valve or the hot water pipe union.
Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement Setup
This stage requires two people to do a good setting for the new heater. So make sure you have a helper as well. As the heater is heavy it is a good idea to have a rented appliance dolly for time and expense saving.
Top Tips on New Water Heater Installation & Replacement Setup:
- Clean drain pan if not replacing.
- Lift water heater and set it in the drain pan. Don’t squash the pan.
- Install new ball valve on water line.
- Replace seals
- Reinstall water lines to tank using flex lines.
- If reusing the old ones. Make sure the rubber washers are new. So remove old ones and replace.
- Turn water on and fill the tank.
- Check for leaks before proceeding.
- Install new flue unless reusing the old one.
- Remove old gas. Flex supply and install a new one.
- Turn on gas and bleed line.
- Make sure water heater is full of water and light the water heater..
- Always check in the attic and double check the flue is secure and solid. This is a must and don’t EVER FOGET!💥
Turn off the water
Then turn off the water utilities connecting to the water heater whether it is on the electric mode or gas. Turn off the water’s main valve at priority. If you have an electric water heater, shut off the electricity to the water heater by eliminating the fuse or turning off the water heaters circuit breaker. If your tank is run on gas, there will be a gas cock on the gas supply line for the water heater. In either case, make sure you turn it off and disconnect the gas line.
Drain the Hot Water
The 4th step is to drain the water heater once the water is turned off. Now open the hot water faucet and attach a hose to the drain valve on the water heater. Drain the water heater by placing another end of the hose or pipe to the floor and open the valve.
Disconnect Utility Lines
Next step is to disconnect utility lines whether it’s the electric heater or the gas heater. Disconnect the flue from the heater and once all the modes are disconnected, here you get all ready to remove the old heater and replace it with the new one. Remove the old heater, clean the place, move the new heater into the position of the old heater. Use a torpedo level, level the new water heater until it gets in the right position.
Connect Electric or Gas
Additionally install the fittings to connect gas or electric, usually ¾ copper flex lines by attaching the connections to the old water heater’s location. Therefore with the help of a helper. Set the temperature in accordance with the requirements. Therefore now connect the electric or gas pipes to the new heater. Use flexible copper supply lines. If you are not able to fix the new inlet and outlet openings that the old heater had. Connect the pipes using the dielectric unions to prevent an electro-galvanic action. Called electrolysis which will damage your pipe connections and water heater unless you are using pex water pipe.
Step 8:
Attach Flue and Set Temperature
Because if you are fixing a gas water heater. Therefore then attach flue and set temperature. Therefore by attaching the draft diverter over the water heater flue. Additionally make sure you read the new heater installation guideline booklet. Whereas now fill the heater tank with cold water, Therefore once it is filled switch on the main gas. Then light the pilot to heat the water.