It is common for an old hot water heater to stop working eventually. If you have been using this hot water system for a while now, it is time to give up on repairs, save some money, and just replace the machine with a new one! Hot water heater replacements can be carried out by homeowners or by professionals.
Professional hot water plumbers carry out the procedure of replacing the system for an odd $500 dollars, which is not bad. But for homeowners who have had prior experience in situations as such, this money is just an additional expense when they can make a DIY project out of it. However, if you have little to no experience when it comes to hot water heater replacement, you need to straightaway call a place that provides electric water heater plumbing instead of carrying out your own little experiment. It is way too dangerous and might cost you more than what you will end up paying for professional replacement.
The first step of figuring out how to install a heater is to identify the type of heater you have: gas or electric. Next in line to find out the size: 30, 40, 50 gallons, or more? Stick to these specifications. You can sprout for bigger measurements if you were not satisfied with your previous system!
In some scenarios, it is illegal for homeowners to fix their own heater but if you do not belong to that region, let’s get to work! This is not a task that can pass as just easy, there is a reason why plumbers sometimes take all day. Plumbing connections, wiring, gas hookups, and vent connections will be needed according to specifications. If this is too complicated for you, it is better to hire someone. If not, let’s get to work!
- Shut Off Water, Electricity, And Gas:
Shut off utilities to the system. Then, shut off the main water supply, followed by the electricity or gas supply. Turn the circuit breaker off at the water heater’s circuit breaker in case of an electric heater. Turn off the gas supply if you have a gas heater.
Locate the nearest drain valve on the water heater and attach a garden hose. By turning on the nearest hot water faucet, you should be able to drain the water from the other end of the hose. Once everything is drained, detach the hose.
- Disconnect The Water Lines:
Use a pipe wrench or channel lock pliers to disconnect the cold and hot water lines from the system. You may use a tubing cutter if needed.
- Disconnect Electric Or Gas Lines:
Make sure that the power source for the water heater is not still on!
- Disconnect Water Heater Vent:
Un-screw the draft hood that is connected to the hood pipe. This is on the top of the heater.
Use a platform with wheels to roll in the new heater once you have detached the old one. Make sure you have someone to help you out since it may get difficult to handle single-handedly.
Next is to install all other fittings, especially the TPR valve and the discharge drainpipe. Use the manufacturer’s instructions down to the last detail.
- Connecting The Water Lines:
Attach the plastic tubes on the top of the heater to their respective outlets. Tighten with channel lock pliers or a pipe wrench.
With this, most of your work is done! All that remains is to connect the gas or electrical lines and if you have a gas heater, to reconnect the vent! If you find all of this confusing and stressful, don’t attempt it just so that the cost to replace a hot water heater is avoided. The cost to place a hot water heater is not more than your safety and sanity. Simply reach out to professionals and let them take over!
