The units have gotten bigger in size compared to models built before 2015 of the same capacity from the same manufacturer. Electric water heater installation requires that the expansion tank pressure match the main water pressure to work effectively. Keep this faucet open as it will allow the tank to drain faster. Gas water heaters need proper venting for operation. Unplug an electric heater. Technically, I was replacing a gas water heater using the existing set up and not installing one from scratch. Use a hose rated to withstand heat. Leave the top of the water heater open—it is important not to block the vent on top of a gas unit. Learning how to install a gas tank water heater can be a challenging process. Here are the steps: Use pliers to remove the thermal coupling from the gas valve then install the automatic shutoff valve coupling in its place (Image 1). Apply soldering paste and assemble. Be sure the follow the instructions that came with your water heater as the process varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Replace the burner access panel and set the control at a temperature between 118 and 123 degrees. Remove any gas piping that is attached to the old water heater’s gas valve. Apply the solution to the new fittings. Open the water inlet valve and begin filling the tank with water. Having a non-licensed professional perform the installation can cause operational and performance issues and could negate the valuable Rinnai warranty. manual with the water heater (for internal/ indoor units) or give the manual directly to the consumer. Check with your local sanitation or recycling company for information on how to discard it properly. Step 4 – Decide on the Location of the Tankless Heater. When installing, you'll need to line the threads with Teflon tape or pipe joint compound to prevent leaking. Gas water heaters use gas fuel to increase the temperature of the water. Apply gas-rated pipe joint compound to the union’s flare connection. Follow any specific start-up procedures provided by the manufacturer of your new water heater. If you can bring water heater into the house and change it yourself, it is only a few dollar cost. 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. You can install an expansion tank using push-fit fittings. First, always check your vents to make sure they are properly drawing. Check your water heater's manual for the correct vent pipe diameter. That would be slightly more complicated! Press and hold down the control knob. This is a very important aspect for a hot water heater because they rely on the proper water supply as well as the ability to drain water out when needed. In the case of gas or propane, even a minor … Let’s run step-by-step instructions on how to install an expansion tank on your gas water heater. If you are looking to do the job yourself, it is something a novice can accomplish. If the smoke doesn’t draw up the vent pipe, the fumes are not venting properly. Flush the line by opening and closing the valve. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. If the supply here is made of black iron pipe, keep the tank tee and sediment trap intact. A reducer should NOT be used if the recommended vent pipe diameter is larger than the vent hood. x 80 in. If your water heater was plumbed with copper pipes, you may need to. Tankless water heater location code. Learning how to replace a gas water heater can be very dangerous. This will aid in tankless water installation without additional demolitions and free from accidents. ", Everbilt 29 in. With the water and gas off, drain the water heater. Many water heaters have an estimated life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. Dielectric nipples reduce the corrosion between 2 different metals and increase the life of the water heater. If you are installing a new water heater, you have a number of choices for type, size and power source. However, use caution not to damage the gas control valve while tightening. Apply gas-rated thread seal tape or piping compound to the threads of the black pipes as you connect them. It's also a good idea to check with a local plumbing inspector. 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. For a gas or propane powered heater turn off the supply valve and then remove the line. Move the new water heater into place. Low Profile Washing Machine Drain Pan in White-98244, Gatco District II 24 in. I am answering under the assumption that you are not asking about tank-less, hybrid, etc water heater. Why Not to DIY Hot Water Heater Installation. Close windows and doors and turn on the nearest hot water faucet. 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. Turn off the gas. More expensive gas water heaters … Double check that the gas supply is in the OFF position. Note: Tankless gas water heaters have different installation demands. Towel Bar in Chrome-5360, JELD-WEN 30 in. Before getting started installing a gas water heater yourself, ask this … 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. Clean the floor where the old water heater stood. Place the lower dial on the gas regulator to "Pilot Lighting" then turn the control knob on the gas regulator to PILOT mode. For and electric water heater, simply unplug the appliance from the wall outlet. Still, if you enjoy doing projects yourself, and you would like to save yourself some money, replacing a gas water heater is not hard. You will probably have some water left in the line even … However, you may need to make a new T&P drain pipe. Is there anything I need to know before I get started? Others have a sight glass that will allow you to visually check if the flame caught. Before connecting the gas line, clean all threads with a wire brush and rag. Begin the gas water heater installation by draining the old water heater tank. To do this, measure and cut a copper pipe with a tube cutter. Installation Considerations Install the Heat Trap Fittings and Water Line Connections This is where the gas line will connect. ", Step 7: The plumbing fixtures should accommodate the installation of the water heater. A licensed technician will need to do the installation. ", Step 2: The expansion tank connects onto the cold-water supply line near/above your water heater. If it doesn't, remove the access panel and relight the pilot. Connect the hot and cold water supply lines. Press and hold down the reset button on the control box for 60 seconds after the pilot ignites. Turn the knob on top of the control box to the pilot position. When sweating the remaining copper sections, dry fit everything first. Install the New Water Heater. To allow air into the hot water lines and speed up the draining process, go to the highest faucet in the house and turn on the hot side only (on single-handle faucets, push the lever all the way to the left). All Rights Reserved. The automatic shutoff valve has an option that will also shut off the gas on gas water heaters. SMITH CORPORATION www do not attempt to find the cause yourself. How to Install a Gas Water Heater Remove the screws connecting the vent pipe to the water heater using a screwdriver or nut driver. Thank you for purchasing a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater. Step 1 – Select a Water Heater. You will probably want to install the tankless heater near the location of the old hot water tank so that you can use the supply lines. Snap the new draft hood onto the water heater and secure it with sheet metal screws. This means installing a new water heater, the installer has to cut the pipe the broken heater connects to and then install the cold water shut off valve and a union. Water heaters are appliances that supply hot water to your home, but they don’t last forever. Have the pieces in place, separate the parts is typically installed just after the pilot expansion! Slide onto the cold-water supply line is a black iron pipes, there is a flexible pipe is detach... 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