Water Heater Installation is a serious job that requires specialized tools and knowledge of electricity, gas, plumbing, and more. Hiring a professional will ensure that the work is done correctly, efficiently and safely.
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The plumbing for the new water heater needs to be connected properly. If there are existing water and gas lines, they may need to be moved or modified to accommodate the new water heater. This can increase the cost of the project, especially if a professional is required to modify the lines.
For gas water heaters, the installation kit usually includes gas connectors and a discharge pipe. The installer should follow the printed instructions for connecting these components to avoid dangerous fume inhalation and fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. The installer should also connect a PVC pipe to the hot water outlet, sloping it downward so that condensation drains away from the house and into a floor or outside destination.
If the water heater is being installed in a new location, the existing pipes should be replaced with PEX or Uponor flexible tubing. This can save a significant amount of money on the materials portion of the bill, as copper is expensive. Make sure the plumber isn’t using pro-press fittings that require a press tool for connection, as these can be more expensive than regular copper fittings that can be soldered.
A recirculating pump can be installed with a new water heater, and this helps reduce energy use by reducing the time that the tank is unpressurized. The pump can also help to eliminate hard water, which can be caused by mineral build-up.
When the water heater is new, it will likely come with a factory installed Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P). This is a safety device that prevents explosions if a ruptured tank or over-pressurization occurs. The T&P valve should be opened and closed regularly to keep it in working condition.
The wire connections to the water heater should be tightened and secured, using a cable clamp and a wire connector. Then, the electrical power source can be disconnected from the circuit breaker and the junction box at the top of the water heater. It’s important to leave plenty of space and clearance around the new water heater for future maintenance. Also, consider replacing the water supply line with a polyethylene or neoprene foam pipe sleeve. This can increase energy efficiency and can raise water temperature 2-4 degrees F higher than uninsulated pipes.
Electrical
If you’re installing a new electric water heater, there are some electrical connections that must be made. These are usually 240-volt connections. Unless you already have one in your home, a new breaker panel will need to be installed. This can cost up to $3,500.
The first step in installing an electric water heater is shutting off the gas and electricity to the existing unit. Next, remove the access panel on the side or top of the unit and mark the position of the wires to make sure you know where to attach them on the new unit. It’s important that you disconnect the wires carefully. It’s a good idea to use a piece of tape to mark the position of each wire so you’ll be able to reconnect them in the same place on the new unit.
You may need to disconnect a wire called the bonding jumper. This connects the metal water pipes to the electrical grounding pathway. It helps prevent electrolysis that can cause corrosion in the tank. It also helps reduce the risk of fire in case the temperature or pressure in the water heater rises too high.
Most electrical water heaters need to be hard-wired to a 240-volt circuit. Check the printed instructions that come with your water heater for details.
It’s best to consult a professional when installing a gas or electric water heater. This is an advanced project that requires special tools and equipment. Having the right experience can save you time and money in the long run. It’s a good idea to set aside a day for the project and get all of your materials together before you start.
You should also read the safety instructions and warnings on the printed water heater instructions. Lastly, make sure you follow national and local building, plumbing and electrical codes. Working with electricity, gas and hot water is dangerous. Unless you have a lot of experience, it’s a good idea to hire a professional. They can do the job safely and efficiently. This way, you can be sure the installation meets all local codes.
Ventilation
The combustion process of gas water heaters produces harmful gasses like carbon monoxide (CO). Ventilation systems are designed to safely transport these byproducts outside, preventing them from building up indoors. Water heater installation rules and regulations require that a ventilation system be installed, properly maintained, and regularly inspected. This is because improperly operating water heaters can produce CO, which can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations.
Water heaters can be vented through a chimney, a vent pipe, or through a power vent. For most homes, a metal vent pipe is the easiest option. Venting pipes should be made of stainless steel or copper tubing that’s rated for high-temperature applications and have a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI. Venting pipes should also be insulated to reduce the risk of heat loss. The length of a vent run should be limited to 10 feet, and any vent runs that are long or horizontal should be supported at their ends. In addition, the vent pipe should be positioned away from combustible materials, and any flammable or explosive objects should not be placed near it.
Atmospheric venting is the most common type of water heater venting and relies on the natural principle that hot air rises. A UL-listed double-wall vent with a vertical or upward sloping pipe is used to vent out the water heater. Other atmospheric vent appliances, such as furnaces and dryers, can share the same vent system with your water heater. However, there are certain conditions that can interrupt this natural flow and cause combustion gases to spill back into the home, so it is important to understand your options.
Power venting systems use room air for inlet combustion rather than exhaust, allowing them to be used in smaller spaces. They can be used with direct and power direct vent tankless models, as well as with some older model gas water heaters. A power vent system also eliminates the need for a chimney and requires that the vent termination point be capped with a UL-listed vent cap. Another option is concentric venting, which allows a single assembly to provide both the inlet and exhaust for gas-powered water heaters. This option works with both direct and power direct vent tankless models, and it can be used for longer vent runs than either the straight or horizontal options.
Installation
Installing a water heater involves soldering pipes, connecting lines, and securing valves. It is a project that requires some plumbing and electrical experience, but it can be done by a skilled DIY person with a little time to invest in the job.
Electric water heaters are simpler to install than gas models, but the work involved is still considerable. A new electric unit must be connected to a circuit breaker and the incoming power cable must be properly grounded. To connect the wires, you will need to remove the cover plate on the top of the appliance and access the electrical connections. The wires should be matched and the ground wire from the incoming power cable must be led to the green screw on the water heater tank.
If the new water heater does not have a T&P (temperature and pressure) valve, you will need to add one. This valve is designed to release excess pressure from the appliance if it becomes over-pressurized and can prevent injuries caused by the scalding hot water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the valve. The supply line leading to the water heater must have a shutoff valve installed. This can be either a traditional galvanized steel pipe or a flexible tubing system such as PEX. If using PEX, review the manufacturer’s installation manual and review YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with this modern plumbing material. You can also use copper tubes and fittings, but you will need to know how to solder.
Some states and municipalities require earthquake restraints on all water heaters. These can help to reduce the risk of damage from earthquake motion, which could cause a gas leak and result in fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a safety measure that you will need to consult your local building code or homeowner’s association guidelines before installing.