21 March 2023
 Categories: , Blog

Hot water heaters are a major appliance in your home. It's one that can be difficult to install, but if you're handy and if you are in need of one, you may be able to install it yourself. If you don't feel that you can tackle this task yourself, you should hire a professional plumber to install this appliance for you. If you think you can handle this project yourself, read on for some instructions that may be able to help guide you.

Tools And Materials You'll Need:

• New hot water heater
• Pipe wrench
• Pliers
• Solder 
• Flux
• Pipe tape
• Saw
• Garden hose
• Dolly

Instructions:

1. You'll need to turn the water off to your hot water heater and turn the gas off as well going to the water heater. Once these things are turned off, you should turn the power off as well. You're going to need to drain the water out of the tank, which will take some time to do. You don't need any gas or electricity going to the water heater while this occurs.
2. Drain the water from the tank by attaching the garden hose to the tank. Stretch the hose so that the water can drain away from your home. It can go out to your yard or to the street. Be sure it doesn't flood your yard or your neighbor's yard or doesn't flood back into your home. Once the hose is in place, open the drain to allow the water to flow out. 
3. After the tank is empty, you can disconnect the gas line and the water line as well. The gas line can be removed with a wrench. The water line may need to be cut out from the tank. Cut the water line and use a bucket to catch any water that may still be coming out from the pipe.
4. Remove the old tank from your home using a dolly, then install the new one in its place.
5. Once the tank is set, you need to reattach the gas line. Then install a new water pipe, attaching it to the old water line using solder and flux to secure it and prevent leaks.
6. After the lines are both installed, turn the water and the gas on, and check them both for leaks. Check for water dripping from the pipes and re-solder the water line as needed. The gas line can be checked for leaks using bubbles. If you see bubbles on the gas line, you have a leak and you need to turn off the gas, then tighten the connection.
7. Once you have found that you do not have any leaks, allow the tank to fill up and you should have hot water again after a few hours.

If you are in need of a new hot water heater, you may be able to install it yourself, or you should hire a professional plumber to install it for you. For more information on hot water heaters, contact a professional near you.