A water heater is an essential appliance in any home. It provides hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. But like any other appliances in your home, water heaters are subject to daily wear and tear. Over time, they can develop leaks, rust, and other problems. That is why you should have regular water heater inspections and routine servicing by a professional every year. But what if you need to replace your water heater? How does a plumber install a new water heater in your home? Keep reading to find out!
Why Should You Let Professional Plumbers Handle the Installation?
There are many reasons why you should let professional plumbers handle the installation of your water heater. One of the most important is that there are many different water heater brands on the market, and they all have different features and benefits. A professional plumber can help you choose the best water heater for your home based on the size of your home, the number of people in your household, your water usage, the climate you live in, and the water condition in the area. Based on these factors, the plumber can recommend the best water heater type, size, and model for your home.
Are There Any Differences in Installing Electric and Gas Water Heaters?
Electric water heaters are generally easier to install than gas water heaters. This is because there is no need to make adjustments to your home’s gas line. However, electric water heaters require a dedicated circuit breaker, while gas water heaters require venting outside your home. If you are unsure about which water heater is right for your home, be sure to consult with a professional before making a purchase.
How Does a Plumber Install a New Electric Water Heater in Your Home?
Now that you know why it is so important to let professional plumbers handle the installation of your water heater, you are probably wondering how they go about doing it. Here is a brief overview of the steps involved in installing an electric water heater:
Preparation Phase
Like all appliance installations, your plumber’s first step is to turn off the power to your home at the breaker box to prevent any accidents during the installation. Next, the plumber will turn off the water source to the water heater and use a garden hose to drain all the current water from the tank into your nearest sewage or water drainage.
Removal of the Old Water Heater
After the water has been drained, the plumber will disconnect the water lines and electrical wiring from your old water heater. They will then remove the old water heater from its location.
Connect the New Electric Water Heater
Once the old water heater has been removed, the plumber will install your new water heater in its place. Then they will reconnect the water lines and electrical wiring to your new water heater. After the water lines and electrical wiring have been connected, the plumber will turn on the water source and fill up your new water heater with water.
Testing the New Electric Water Heater
Once the tank is full, they will turn on the power to your home at the breaker box and test out your new water heater to ensure it is working correctly and there is no water leakage from the water line and the water tank itself.
How Does a Plumber Install a New Gas Water Heater in Your Home?
The steps for installing a gas water heater are similar to those for an electric water heater. However, a few extra steps are involved because gas water heaters need a venting system to release exhaust fumes outside of your home.
Preparation Phase
The first step is to turn off the power to your home at the breaker box, shut off the water source, and stop the gas supply to your home. Then, the plumber will follow the same steps outlined above for electric water heaters to drain the water from the tank.
Removal of the Old Gas Water Heater
After confirming that the gas supply is off, the plumber will disconnect the gas line at the fitting and remove any gas piping attached to the gas valve of the old water heater. Sometimes this may require some soldering. The overflow pipe and pressure valve will then be removed. Next, the plumber will detach the gas exhaust unit from your vent hood.
This is also when your plumber inspects the condition of your venting system to make sure it is in good working condition. If there are signs of rust damage, they may replace the system before installing the new gas water heater.
Connect the New Gas Water Heater
Once the old water heater has been removed, the plumber will install your new gas water heater. Depending on your heater features, your plumber may do some soldering to properly secure the pipes and ensure there is no gas leakage. They will reattach any gas piping that was removed earlier. The overflow pipe and pressure valve will also be reinstalled at this time.
Testing the New Gas Water Heater
After the water heater has been properly installed and all the pipes are secure, your plumber will turn on the gas supply to your home and test the new system. They will also inspect the water heater for any gas leaks. If everything looks good, they will turn on the water source and fill up your new water heater with water. Once the tank is full, they will turn on the power to your home at the breaker box and test out your new water heater to ensure there is no water leakage.
Lastly, your plumber will retest the venting system by lighting a match near the vent hood. If the flame does not go out, your venting system works properly. If the flame goes out, there is a problem with the venting system, and it will need to be repaired or replaced before you can use your new water heater.
Why Should You Allow Your Plumber to Handle the Purchase of Your Water Heater?
You often see your local hardware stores running specials on new water heaters. Although it may be tempting to purchase the deal and hire a plumber to install it, this is not always the best idea. The biggest problem is that different water heater brands may have slightly different installation requirements that may not be the best fit for your home. Although the new water heater may be the same size as your old one, it may not have the same features or capabilities. Forcing your new water heater to work in a way that was not intended can cause early failures and unnecessary increases in your utility bills.
Let Us Help With Water Heater Installation and Maintenance
As your local plumbing company, Summit Heating & AC is here to help you with your water heater needs in Denver or the surrounding area. Our certified plumbing professionals can help you purchase the right water heater for your home and install it properly. We also offer water heater maintenance plans to keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come. By having your plumber handle both the purchase and installation of your water heater, you can be sure that it will be installed correctly and the best option for your home. Not to mention, you may save yourself money in the long run!
In addition to water heaters, our plumbers work on other plumbing components and provide drain cleaning and repair and pipe repair and installation. We’re also your source for heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Contact us today to set up an appointment or learn more about our service offerings.
