One of the most pleasant comforts that modern technology brings to the human race is the invention of the water heater. What can be more comforting than a hot bath or shower on a cold morning to awaken a sleepy mind and body? It also helps cleanse the skin by removing excess oil and dirt. Because of the benefits it provides, for generations people have been willing to spend their hard-earned money to install a water heater in their home.
Here are some tips for effective water heater installation and repair should you ever need these services. When installing a new water heater, you must first choose the right one for you. Water heaters can be electric or gas. Sometimes a gas water heater can cost less to operate than an electric one, but it will vary by area, so check the ratings of the one you want to install. If your home does not have gas service, then the only reasonable option is electricity.
Check the plumbing by measuring the dimensions of the hot and cold water pipes that currently exist in the house and make sure your new heater will fit properly. Depending on how old the house is, you may need to buy some couplers to get the pipes to fit properly.
Before doing anything, be sure to turn off all utilities connected to the unit, be it gas or electric. Once turned off, you can now drain the hot water tank and disconnect the old hot and cold water pipe connections. To drain the water from the tank, connect a hose to the outlet at the bottom of the tank and drain the water outside or into a drain.
When the old unit has been completely drained of water and has been properly unplugged, you can remove it to make room for the new unit. Next, install accessories on the new unit, such as the temperature and pressure relief valve, if they are not already installed. Then connect the water lines making sure to use proper procedures so you don’t leak when you fill the new tank. You can then connect to the power source, either gas or electric. If the fuel source is a gas line, then you must connect the smoke vent to ensure that the fumes are properly directed out of the house. After making all the connections, you can now fill the water heater with cold water and turn on the new unit.
It is a good idea to insulate the water heater tank with a water heater tank blanket. This step can lower your costs to keep water hot when you need it.
While it is possible to install a new unit on your own, hiring a plumbing professional is often the best way to go and will save you time and money in the long run, unless you are experienced in plumbing and plumbing repairs.
