It\’s not uncommon for homeowners to replace their water heater at some point. It might be because the old one is leaking or it could also be due to a different problem, like corrosion of the tank. The installation process is relatively straightforward and best left to professionals.
Because most water heating systems last ten to fifteen years, you\’re probably unfamiliar with the available newer, more efficient options. Today\’s appliances, ranging from 50 to 300 gallons, offer homeowners more options than ever before. Installation timeliness, costs, and usage vary from system to system, so being aware may save you time and money.
Remove the old water heater (60 Minutes)
The drain valve is at the bottom of the tank.
It can be a little hard to find to the untrained eye, but it\’s usually right in front of you when you remove the access panel from the back or side of your old water heater. The valve will have a hose running out of it that goes up and over to an outside faucet. Your plumber will turn off your faucet before draining your old water heater. Once all the water has drained, the plumber will disconnect both hoses from their respective valves on either side of the tank.
You\’re now ready for installation!
Place the new heater (30 Minutes)
You\’ll need to be careful when positioning your new water heater so that any heat is diverted away from the house. Next, your plumber will connect the wires for the power source, turn on your power supply, and you\’re done!
Connect the system & Test (60 Minutes)
The final step your plumber will take is to connect your water heater. They will connect the power wires, turn on your power supply, fill it with water, and test the new system.
It\’s important to test the device after installation. You can do this by turning up the thermostat and waiting until your old hot water tank has heated up completely.
While waiting for the water to heat up, it\’s a good idea to discuss with your plumber basic system maintenance and how to make simple adjustments on your own.
If the pressure relief valve opens during this time, then that means there is a leak in your system. Otherwise, if everything checks out fine, congratulations! Your new appliance should be working without any problems now.
Conclusion
Install a new water heater is not difficult, but it\’s best left to the professionals. You can remove an old water heater and install a new one with just three steps: disconnecting from the power source, positioning the new heater right in place, and connecting and testing for proper connections and function. Hire your friendly plumber to safely handle the work for you!