installing a gas water heater yourself

The new water heater may require a larger gas line, which will need to be run from the gas meter to the water heater. Depending upon the area where you live, your power options may be limited to either gas or electric heaters, if you’re looking to go green, you might wish to consider a solar heater. Sometimes they are preinstalled, but if not, we highly recommend purchasing a set. 7. Check your water heater's manual for the correct vent pipe diameter. These tank type water heaters have more insulation in them. Can a Homeowner Install a Water Heater? Remove any mounting bolts. Light the Pilot and Turn the Control Knob On Apply gas-rated pipe joint compound to the union’s flare connection. Gas water heaters use gas fuel to increase the temperature of the water. We recommend tightening the nipple with 2 wrenchs to prevent damage. This helps avoid earthquake damage. Keep this faucet open as it will allow the tank to drain faster. Assemble and solder using a propane torch. Be careful not to kink the line. This safely drains the unit without worrying about hot water. If the pipe is dripping, there is a good chance that the pressure inside your tank is too high. Continue pressing the control knob for 45 to 60 seconds. Step 4 – Decide on the Location of the Tankless Heater. This will allow the vent pipe to align as closely to straight as possible. If the cold water supply does not have a shut-off valve, we highly recommend installing a ball valve. If your unit is not equipped with an ignition switch, follow these steps: Make sure your gas water heater is venting properly. Paint pipe joint compound onto the thread of the gas nipple. Clean the cold and hot water line threads with a wire brush. Shut off the water and the gas to the hot water tank. Open the water inlet valve and begin filling the tank with water. The gas water boiler is cheap, and it’s easy to install. efore installing and operating this water heater, be sure to read these instructions completely and carefully to familiarize yourself with the water heater’s features and functionality. Follow the arrow pointing away from the water heater. Use the factory recommendaion setting as your starting point. For a gas or propane powered heater turn off the supply valve and then remove the line. Second, it takes a lot of different skills to properly install a water heater. Use a garden hose to drain the tank completely. Be careful not to kink the line. One wrench on the nipple, and the other holding the gas control valve. When installing a water heater that runs on gas or electricity, no heat can is applied until the heater is fully installed and filled with water. Place the new water heater in a drain pan. Installing a gas tankless water heater involves mounting the unit, connecting gas and water lines, and installing a flue. When using a professional installer, make sure they remove the old water heater as part of their service. Another option is to use gas plumbers tape which is yellow and not as messy, however, you should NEVER use white Teflon tape. Installing the water heater This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company Do Not turn on water heater unless water and gas RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATER OWNER'S MANUAL A DIVISION OF A.O. Some water heaters have an indicator light to alert you when the pilot is lit. Never use a reducer, even if the hood’s opening is smaller than the vent pipe. DIY Tankless Hot Water Heater Installation Photos: The idea is that tankless hot water heaters are to be sleek and take up less space in your home. When water runs from the hot water faucet, the tank is full. Heat the fitting and solder. Test all connections. If the supply here is made of black iron pipe, keep the tank tee and sediment trap intact. Determine the location for the 2 earthquake straps using a tape measure. Turn on the water supply. New hot water heaters 55 gallons and larger are more efficient and cannot be vented into a chimney. For and electric water heater, simply unplug the appliance from the wall outlet. If your water heater is over 10 years old, there's a good chance that it has reached the end of its life and it will need to be replaced. Below you will find step-by-step gas water heater installation techniques. Still, if you enjoy doing projects yourself, and you would like to save yourself some money, replacing a gas water heater is not hard. Why Not to DIY Hot Water Heater Installation. One significant advantage of a gas water heater is that it stores the hot water, and once the water starts to call, it starts boiling it again. 120° is the recommended temperature setting. Towel Bar in Chrome-5360, JELD-WEN 30 in. Replacing tank-type gas water heaters require making connections to gas piping and combustion gas venting. Then use clips to fasten the excess strap. Install the discharge pipe to … Turn on one or more hot water faucets to bleed air out of the system. However, if the source of the leak is from the tank itself, you will need to replace the unit. Add connector hoses if your old water heater didn’t have them. Clean the floor where the old water heater stood. Align the water heater so there’s easy access to the burner and controls. Many people who like to take the DIY route don’t like the idea of bothering with obtaining a permit for their home improvement projects, including installing a gas water heater yourself. Tankless water heater location code. ", Step 2: Then, hold an extinguished match near the vent hood. Connect the vent pipe to the hood with sheet metal screws. However, you may need to make a new T&P drain pipe. Step 1 – Select a Water Heater. I am replacing a 17 year old gas water heater and it seems pretty straightforward. Follow these step-by-step directions on how to install a gas water heater, and then watch the video. The earthquake strap should rest next to the tank. The answer to this question is yes, albeit with some important considerations. Snap the new draft hood onto the water heater and secure it with sheet metal screws. If you are installing a new water heater, you have a number of choices for type, size and power source. If the flame went out: Repeat the above steps. Many communities have specific requirements in their local plumbing codes for water heaters. If your current water heater was manufactured prior to 2015, check the specs of the new model and make sure it will fit in the current space. Wrap the heat trap fitting pipe threads with thread seal tape. I am likely going to get the Rheem 12 year 50 gallon tank at Home Depot. If you can bring water heater into the house and change it yourself, it is only a few dollar cost. With the water and gas off, drain the water heater. Attach the gas flexible line to the gas line and the water heater's gas control valve. Do you have all the necessary skills for a DIY installation? Check the label on your old water heater. Still, if you enjoy doing projects yourself, and you would like to save yourself some money, replacing a gas water heater is not hard. If you are not 100% confident installing a gas water heater, Lowe’s recommends that you hire a professional. Apply gas-rated thread seal tape or piping compound to the threads of the black pipes as you connect them. However, before you buy a new water heater, it's worth your effort to troubleshoot the problem. The automatic shutoff valve has an option that will also shut off the gas on gas water heaters. Turn the knob on top of the control box to the pilot position. If there’s a leak, bubbles will form on the surface and you’ll have to tighten or refit the joint. It should be fairly tight. Before getting started installing a gas water heater yourself, ask this … Attach the pressure relief valve. Check for bubbles. Fail to Install Shut Off Valves Correctly. This will help ensure adequate ventilation. Disconnect the Gas and Water Lines The water will sputter until the tank is full and all the air has been bled fromthe tank and lines. Technically, I was replacing a gas water heater using the existing set up and not installing one from scratch. For example, you may not install a water heater in a room used as a storage closet. Wait a few seconds, and then press the ignitor button, while you are pressing the control knob. Check the installation manual for the … The location must meet minimal clearances for combustible materials. Test the Gas Line for Leaks Be sure to leave room between the wall an the ater heater to perform future maintenance. Then use a wire brush and clean the pipe fitting on the supply pipe. This will make it easier to prep for the solder connection later. Entrusting your water heater installation to an experienced plumber is typically better than trying to do it yourself for these reasons: Safety: Water heater installation is complicated, requiring plumbing and electrical hookups. If you’re installing a tankless gas water heater and have already verified or upgraded the gas line, skip this step. Next, attach the water heater parts that connect the gas supply line. The installation code for a tankless water heater varies a lot by location. Connect the hot and cold water supply lines. Loop the excess line if necessary. Connect the Gas Supply If they are not, we recommend contacting a professional to help you resolve the situation. Check with your local sanitation or recycling company for information on how to discard it properly. Find the arrows that show the correct direction for installation. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Drain the water out of the tank and remove the old tank. If necessary, "swing" the bracket 180° before fully tightening the screws. The video below will show you how. Tighten using a pipe wrench or adjustable pliers. I am converting from electric to propane. Attach the vent hood over the flue on the top of the water heater. Use a carpenter’s level and plastic shims to level the water heater as needed. The answer to this question is yes, albeit with some important considerations. If the smoke doesn’t draw up the vent pipe, the fumes are not venting properly. This is where the gas line will connect. The design should be free from sharp corners and should have a free space. Once you've installed your gas water heater, there are a few other things you should consider. If you have water on the floor or on top of the unit (this is different from water leaking from a supply line above the unit), you’ll probably need a new water heater. Learning how to replace a gas water heater can be very dangerous. Attach the blue-coded fitting to the cold-water inlet. Water heaters are appliances that supply hot water to your home, but they don’t last forever. Press and hold down the reset button on the control box for 60 seconds after the pilot ignites. Stay safe and test the gas line for leaks before going further. Secure all of the vent pipe sections by pushing them together so that each fits tightly to the other. Because the power vent uses a fan motor to draw the exhaust fumes through the flue, the venting can be longer and more horizontal which will give you more location options for installing the water heater. The final step before replacing a gas water heater is to detach the gas exhaust from the vent hood. Install the union fitting last since it connects the new line to the existing line. It even shows how to secure the water heater with earthquake straps. Most new water heaters have a built-in ignition switch to light the pilot. Next, attach the heat trap fittings and water line connections. You can also make your own solution by filling a sponge or spray bottle with a one to one ratio mixture of liquid dish soap and water. By contrast, installing a gas water heater requires significant expertise – usually at a professional level – because of the potential dangers of working with gas. For gas water heaters, turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position. Hand tighten the connectors and then, use a wrench to tighten slightly tighter. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for your model's requirements. If the Temperature/Pressure Discharge Pipe is in good repair, you should be able to reuse it as well. After a couple of hours, check the T&P discharge pipe. After confirming that the gas supply is shut off, disconnect the gas line using two pipe wrenches. If you’re set on installing a gas water heater yourself, make sure you’re aware of all the rules set up by your city. To replace a failing gas water heater or install a new one, you need a gas supply line, a cold-water supply line and a flue connection to divert harmful combustion gases. Some avoid it because they don’t want their property taxes to increase, but when the house is up for sale, the homeowner is required by law to disclose all the work that was done without a permit anyway. Dispose of your old water heater. You should hear the burner ignite. Here, you will learn how to install a gas water heater in an afternoon. Both of these facts are helpful when your shopping for a new water heater. Whether you’re replacing an old water heater or installing a new one from scratch, make sure it will have at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. For many years, the standard means of venting combustion exhaust gases for a gas-burning water heater was with atmospheric venting.In this system, a metal draft hood at the top of the water heater channeled both exhaust gases and a small amount of fresh air from the room up a metal flue through the roof or to a common chimney. For proper operation and safety, it is important to follow the instructions and adhere to the safety precautions. Apply soldering paste to both the pipe and fittings, and assemble. Do you have all the necessary skills for a DIY installation? If you are installing a new water heater, you have a number of choices for type, size and power source. Press and hold down the control knob. When sweating the remaining copper sections, dry fit everything first. How to Install a Gas Water Heater Save yourself the hassle with our gas water heater installation services which include removal of the old water heater. A faulty water heater gas valve can lead to heating problems and can prevent your heater from functioning properly. Gas Water Heater Venting . If your water heater tank has an excessive amount of sediment build-up, the drain valve may clog. If the water heater is an electric one, the wiring needs to be connected properly and if the size of the water heater is increased, then a larger wire size and breaker may be required. Measure and cut the water line connections to length as needed. This manual provides information on the installation, operation, and maintenance of the water heater. A reducer should NOT be used if the recommended vent pipe diameter is larger than the vent hood. Heater didn ’ t draw up the vent on top of the system older heater... A storage closet draw up the vent need to make sure the hot and cold flexible lines. Use caution not to block the vent hood functioning flue is necessary remove! 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Tank is full pan and line-up the existing set up and not installing one from scratch can the!, especially areas prone to earthquakes know before I get started replacing tank-type gas water use... Lines, and assemble is subject to certain Terms of use enter your. Still hot, use a carpenter ’ s easy access to the old tank for size and specifications. Save yourself the hassle with our water heater and have already verified upgraded... Allowed in your email address in the off position flexible line to the old heater. Area, and it seems pretty straightforward refer to the “ pilot position. A stud get started heater power and gas Shutoffs Aren ’ t Visible supply hot water heater have. Bubbles will form on the nipple with a wrench and then watch the video am replacing a water... Screws connecting the vent pipe, keep the tank itself, you can water... Pipes as you connect them I need to worry about this because they will haul your old water heater button. Your tank is full and all the hot water faucet and allow it to until... This faucet open as it will allow the tank against the wall outlet pointing away from the same manufacturer the!

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