Although a water heater is a relatively straightforward household appliance, getting it set up can be more complicated than it should be. The heater contains both electrical and plumbing components, and if you’re a do-it-yourselfer and are familiar with plumbing and electrical work, installing a water heater won’t be difficult.
It is best to hire a reputable company to install a new heater. You can install your heater at a reasonable price if you hire a company with a good reputation, many positive customer reviews, and proven ability. However, if you’re up for the challenge and want to save money, you can get the job done by keeping some basic tips in mind.
It is strongly recommended that you hire a professional to install your heater, but if you must do it yourself, you should have a plan. To save time and reduce trips to and from the hardware store for items, make a list of the fittings and equipment you will need for the installation process.
Because it’s a new device, read the manufacturer’s guide and follow the instructions to avoid mistakes that will void the warranty. If you’ve planned ahead or hired a professional to handle the installation, fixing the hot water heater should be a breeze if you follow these steps.
Step 1: Tank Setting
Before installing the heater, choose a suitable location for it, which is usually a few meters off the ground. Place the heater on the base using two or three perfectly aligned concrete blocks of the same height as the base. Shake the tank slightly back and forth to check for instability and reposition the blocks and tank until the tank is stable. When positioning the tank, keep the drain faucet in the front.
Step 2: Soldering and Plumbing
Soldering and plumbing are two of the easiest building skills. Copper pipes and tubing, pipe adapters, tubing cutters, and soldering irons are needed, and they can all be purchased from a hardware store.
Cut a 15 cm copper pipe with a tubing cutter and connect its ends to the water intake valves on the top of the water heater. If it doesn’t fit, use an adapter and solder it together. Align the pipes that are already in place with the water pipes that stick out of the ceiling or walls. Solder the pipes together so that they don’t leak.
Step 3: Pressure Relief and Temperature Valve Installation
This safety device monitors the pressure in the tank and creates an escape outlet for the water if the pressure rises to a dangerous level. It is also known as the T and P valves. It is important to purchase a valve with the same rating as your heater.
To begin, thread the T&P valve briefly into the tank, measure the distance between the floor and the bottom of the valve, subtract 4 inches from your measurement, and cut a matching length of tubing. If the valve does not fit in the water heater, tape it to a large opening with Teflon tape at the heater’s base. Reinstall the heater with a pipe wrench and solder a copper pipe to the open end of the relief valve. The open end of the copper pipe should point downwards and be about 3–4 inches long.
Step 4: Electricity and Testing
Open the cover plate at the top of your hot water heater to access the electrical component and connect the wiring. Some heaters’ wiring may differ; if you’re unsure, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact an electrician. After connecting the power, fill the tank with water and reconnect the power once you’re certain there are no leaks. If there are any leaks, empty the tank using the drain valve; otherwise, close the drain valve. Set the temperature to 49°C (120°F) and wait for the water to warm up. If you have any questions about the temperature, consult the user manual.
Installing a water heater should not be difficult. If you have a plan and basic building skills, you should be able to install your heater yourself; if not, you should hire a professional. Look no further than Paul’s Way Home Services for hot water heater installation in Holbrook, NY. We are the area’s leading hot water heater installation experts and can complete the job quickly and efficiently.
You can trust us to install any kind of hot water heater you need. We also provide a variety of other home services, so if you need anything else done around the house, give us a call at (631) 518-2004, and we’ll be happy to assist. Thank you for choosing Paul’s Way Home Services!