Lots of homeowners like a good DIY project, but what about water heater replacement? Is that something you should attempt to do on your own? There are many considerations when it comes to replacing a major appliance like a water heater. Let’s take a look at how complicated it is and if you can take on the challenge or leave it to the pros.
Gas or Electric?
The first thing to look at when replacing your water heater is the fuel type. Is it gas or electric? If it’s electric, you’ll need to turn off the circuit breaker before doing any work. If it’s gas, you’ll need to turn off the gas at the shutoff valve. As long as you know where to look, this part of the process is easy. It’s also critical to make sure you turn off the gas or electricity correctly to make sure you’re safe while doing the work.
Drain the Tank
Most people have tank-style water heaters. The heating and storage happen inside this big, round tank. Please don’t take any additional steps to replace the tank until you drain it. If you don’t drain the water, all of it could end up on your floor. If you have a 40 or 50-gallon tank, that’s a lot of water.
To drain the tank, you’ll need to use a hose attached to the valve located on the tank. With the hose over a drain, slowly open the drain valve. Be sure to have a hot water faucet somewhere in the house open slightly. This will help keep the water flowing quickly by preventing suction.
Bring in the Tank
The next step is to disconnect the water from the tank. Once that’s done, you’re ready to bring in and install the new water heater. Some steps you’ll need to take include:
- Make sure the connections line up with the plumbing lines.
- Be sure the tank is level. You can use shims if necessary.
- Install the tank and plumbing fittings.
- Connect the water – the cold water goes to the inlet connection, and the hot water output valve goes to the hot water pipes.
- Connect the tank to the gas or electric and set the temperature on the thermostat.
Is It Too Much?
Installing a new water heater is possible, but it might not be a good idea for the average homeowner. In addition to needing an understanding of gas and electricity, not to mention plumbing, you must be sure the installation meets plumbing codes.
Instead of risking disaster if something goes wrong during your DIY, let the pros handle the project from start to finish. Reach out to Progressive Plumbing for your water heater replacement so you can rest easy knowing the work is correct, done safely, and up to code. Connect with us online now to get started.
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