Water Heater Installation

Installing a water heater is not hard. If you do not consider yourself a handy person, or it's something that you have never done, you may want to leave it for the professionals to handle. If you decide that water heater installation is a task you want to tackle yourself, there are many steps and some tips to remember.

The first thing to remember is to shut off the water connection before you begin with the water heater installation procedure. This is easily done by shutting the valve on the water line which leads to the water heater. Also ensure that you turn off the gas line as well by turning off the knob. When the gas is off the knob will be perpendicular to the line. Unplug the old water heater if it is electrical.

The next step in water heater installation is to connect a hose to the drain valve. This drain valve will be located near the bottom of the heater. Place the other end of the hose in an outside location or near a drain in the floor. If all else fails and you do not have access to either try putting the hose in a sink or even your washer. Allow the water to drain out of the old water heater by opening the drain valve.

Next you will need to unscrew the water inlet and the water outflow fitting. This is generally located at the top of the heater. You will need a pipe wrench for water heater installation. To unscrew the water inlet and outflow you will have to use a pipe wrench for the task. Now unscrew the fitting for the gas line as well. Be careful as you do this as there may be gas in the lines still.

Now you can remove the old water heater and dispose of it per the rules and regulations in your area. If you have questions about this call your local utility company to see if you can get information from them. Install the new water heater where the old one was and level it appropriately. Be sure that all the controls are accessible on the new water heater when doing the water heater installation. This way you will also have access to them when the job is completed. It is important to be able to reach the pilot lighting area, the drain valve, etc.

Once the new water heater is in place you can screw on the outlet line as well as the inlet line. You will need to use the pipe wrench again for this task. Once these lines have been secured you can open the water line and fill in the tank completely. Connect the gas line to the new water heater using the pipe wrench as well. If you have installed an electrical water heater then plug it in and switch on the power. If this part concerns you then you may want to seek the services of an expert.

Although water heater installation is not difficult it may not be for everyone. You may decide to remove the old unit but have a professional come and install the new unit. It does not need to be a huge task if you follow the instructions given and are safe.