subject: Installing Your New Hot Water Heater [print this page] The installation of a new hot water heater is something that any average homeowner can complete without assistance, yet you must ensure you do it right the first time or disaster may result. Read all directions before you begin the installation process so if you have any questions or anything you do not understand you can get clarification before starting. Although it may be difficult to live without hot water for a day or two, that is always preferable to living without it for a week or more due to a catastrophe which results in major repairs. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call in a plumber as this is a common installation for those in the plumbing field.
Once you have read through the directions, you will need to disconnect the fuel source from your old unit. When you no longer have water, gas and electricity connected to the heater, drain the water from the old unit. How you will accomplish this depends on the type of water heater that was previously installed. It may be as simple as opening a drain valve or it may be much more involved. A wrench may be used to undo inlet and outlet fittings which stop the water from exiting the unit. If you have a gas heater, remember to detach the vent pipe connected to the draft hood. Once this step is completed, remove the hood to ensure the pilot light it out. Do not forget to cap the gas line once it is disconnected and, last but not least, remember to remove the flue hat which is located at the top of the water heater. If you do not feel comfortable working with gas, again don't hesitate to call in a plumber.
Now it is time to install your new water heater. Use a doily or ask someone to assist you in moving the new heater into place as you don't want damage to occur. Locate the heater so that all pipes may be connected easily and ensure that your gas connections are secure before continuing. A gas leak can be deadly so this is of major importance. Six inches of clearance should also be maintained on all sides and flammable materials should be removed from the area. Plumbers can ensure all gas connections are in place if you have any doubt.
Now it is time to reconnect the water supply. Do this by hooking the inlets up, blue for cold and red for hot. The arrowheads located on the pipes must point in the same direction as the water flow. Double check this before continuing. Now fit the third line to your main water supply. A shutoff valve on the cold water inlet should be installed if it hasn't already been done so. Finish this process by engaging the relief valve to control both air and heat pressure within the unit. Once this has been completed, it is time to connect the fuel source. As you fill your new model open at least one hot water faucet within your home to remove any air remaining in the pipes. As you can see, this is not a difficult project, but don't wait to call a plumber if you have any questions or concerns. They will be more then happy to help.
