Looking for a water heater installation service or DIY installation instructions? This overview outlines gas, electric, tankless, and solar water heater installation procedures and cautions, as well as tips for finding the best installation service for your money.
Cautions for DIY Hot Water Heater Installation
While it is possible to install some types of hot water heaters on your own, if you’re unfamiliar with electrical and/or propane systems, it is highly advisable to seek professional water heater installation service. Improper water heater installation poses extreme dangers (on top of poor efficiency, raising your energy bill). If the water heater is improperly vented, carbon monoxide may leak into your home, which is often deadly. If the pressure relief valve is not properly installed on a tank water heater, the unit could explode and cause serious structural damage. If the water lines are improperly set up or the temperature settings are incorrect, you are put at risk for burns. If the wiring or piping is wrong, any number of serious problems can arise, including leaks and house fires. Thus, while water heater installation steps are outlined below, keep in mind that the best and safest way to install your new hot water heater is to leave it to the professionals. At the very least, perform extensive research beyond the information in this article (especially for the specific water heater model you purchased) before attempting an installation yourself.
When choosing a hot water heater installation service, it is advisable to “shop around” for the best service with the lowest rates. You can check reviews of companies online, and call your top choices to find out if they offer a free estimate (this is especially important if you’re switching to a different type of water heater than your last, as each type requires different kinds of pipes and wiring). Be sure that someone who can pay for the services is home during the time the serviceman is scheduled to arrive. If you’re having a pricier water heater installation done (see Water Heater Installation Cost), you may want to ask whether the company offers a payment plan before you have your hot water heater installed.
Water Heater Installation
If you’re looking to install your new water heater yourself, be sure to use caution and research in depth, beyond the scope of this article, before attempting the water heater installation on your own, since it is a dangerous operation that can have even more dangerous effects if done improperly.
Gas Water Heater Installation
For gas water heater installation (replacing an old gas water heater with a new one):
- 1. Shut off the gas to the unit by turning the gas line’s knob until it is perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to the gas line.
- 2. Empty the water heater by connecting a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the hot water heater and leading the hose outside or into the bathtub. Then, open the drain valve all the way, ensure that the water is draining properly, and turn off the water to the water heater. To release the vacuum inside the tank, open the relief valve near the top of the water heater (be warned: this may be extremely hot) and turn on a couple hot water faucets in the house.
- 3. Unscrew the water inlet and outlet connections and the gas line near the top of the water heater using a pipe and crescent wrench.
- 4. Disconnect the vent pipe from the tank by taking the flue hat off the top of the water heater.
- 5. Remove the old water heater and throw away according to your city’s regulations, and set the new heater in its place. You may need to use shims to level the water heater.
- 6. Wrap the threads of the water inlet and outlet lines in pipe tape. Using the crescent and pipe wrenches, screw the water inlet and outlet pipes and the gas line into the water heater.
- 7. Connect the flue hat to the tank.
- 8. Turn the water line back on to allow the water heater to refill with water, and turn on a few faucets in the house to allow air to escape the new tank. Ensure that the temperature settings are correct, and then turn on the gas line.
Electric Water Heater Installation
For electric water heater installation (replacing an old electric water heater with a new one):
- 1. Turn off the power to the water heater and unplug the unit.
- 2. Empty the tank by hooking up a hose to the drain valve at the base of the water heater. Run the hose outside or to a drain. Next, open the drain valve entirely and make sure the water is draining correctly. Turn off the water to the water heater, open the relief valve at the top of the water heater (careful, it may be hot!), and turn on a few hot water faucets in the house while the water continues to drain from the tank.
- 3. Unscrew both water lines at the top of the water heater with a crescent and pipe wrench. Then, disconnect the electrical wires at the top of the water heater.
- 4. Remove the old water heater and dispose of it in accordance to your city’s codes. Then, put the new heater in place, using shims to level the water heater if needed. Make sure that you have adequate electrical power the new water heater. If you don’t, you’ll need to hire an electrician at this point to upgrade the power before proceeding.
- 5. Wrap the threads of both water lines with pipe tape and screw the water lines into the top of the water heater with a pipe and crescent wrench. Reconnect the electrical wires.
- 6. Turn the water on to refill the tank with water. Then, turn on a couple hot water faucets to let air out of the water heater. After checking for leaks in the water lines and ascertaining that the temperature settings are right, power on the water heater.
Installing Other Types of Water Heaters
To install a solar, gas tankless, electric tankless, or to replace one type of water heater with another type, contact your local plumber, electrician, or a specialist water heater service company. When switching to a different type of water heater, wiring, venting, gas, and plumbing will have to be altered and updated. Switching to a new solar water heater, tankless water heater, or changing to a different kind of hot water heater requires professional water heater installation.