Most homeowners aren’t familiar with water heater installation. As a result, they may unknowingly make mistakes that could cost them time and money. In this blog post, we’ll outline some of the most common mistakes people make during water heater installation, so you can avoid them. We’ll also provide tips to help ensure a successful installation.
After you figure out how to turn it on, your brand new water heater still needs to be installed properly to ensure years of trouble-free service. If your water heater isn’t installed properly, it can cost you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in expensive repairs or replacements.
Water heaters should be installed indoors near an electrical outlet that is properly sized for the heater. In general, electric water heaters should be installed on a dedicated 20-amp circuit and gas units can share an outlet as long as it is properly sized.
Water heater manufacturers typically recommend setting the thermostat at 120°F to provide enough hot water for most household uses and deliver energy savings. There are exceptions though, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Another important feature is an anode rod which provides corrosion resistance in case hard water causes minerals to build up inside your tank. Some manufacturers recommend changing the anode annually but others last much longer without needing replacement. If you have very hard water or are concerned about high concentrations of minerals in your water, you may want to have your anode rod inspected or replaced more frequently.
Incorrectly installed water heaters can lead to a number of problems, from the minor inconvenience of having to reset the temperature on your heater every time you turn on a faucet to more expensive repairs or replacements. So, when in doubt, hire a professional to install your water heater unit properly and safely.
If the temperature and pressure relief valve is not installed on a gas unit, there could be a safety hazard. If a power outage occurs when a standard water heater tank is not being heated and all faucets are closed, high temperatures inside the tank could lead to a rupture, causing the tank to explode and resulting in property damage and personal injury.
The power cord should be connected securely to avoid any tripping hazards that may cause electric shocks or fire hazards when the cord is damaged or chewed by pets. The cord must also be plugged into an outlet that has been properly grounded per local building and safety codes.
Having a water heater malfunction is never a pleasant experience. It can be detrimental to your home and your comfort as well as expensive if not handled quickly. The following are 3 mistakes to avoid during water heater installation so you can have a positive, comfortable experience from start to finish.
1) Choosing the wrong size water heater
When it comes to water heaters, bigger is not always better. A common mistake when choosing a water heater is to buy one that’s too large for the household’s needs. When this happens, the water heater’s components are constantly working at max capacity, leading to reduced lifespan and frequent malfunction. To avoid this mistake, make sure to know your household size in terms of occupants and usage.
2) Not having enough clearance
Space is another consideration when deciding on a water heater size. The average water heater requires at least 6″ of clearance on the top, sides, and front for servicing in addition to extra space surrounding it within the installation area to account for moving parts. Some manufacturers also require additional spacing for proper ventilation. Vertical tank water heaters require even more space. If the chosen heater is too small for your needs, it will most likely lead to maintenance issues and frequent malfunctions.
3) Not having a drain line
A common mistake during water heater installation is not installing a drain line from the unit to a floor drain or laundry tub. Almost all water heaters will need to be drained for maintenance and repairs at some point, which necessitates an easily accessible drain line. Without one, you risk having a useless water heater and a flooded home when it comes time to do maintenance or repairs. Make sure the location you choose has enough room for access in case there are problems with the heater in the future.
A water heater is a major investment and usually the second largest expense in a household after a home itself. A new water heater can add value and improve your convenience and comfort while also saving you money on energy costs over time, so it’s important to do it right. The above tips will help you avoid mistakes during installation and make the process as simple and positive as possible.
Conclusion : You can’t afford to make a mistake when installing your water heater. Whether you’re doing the project yourself or hiring someone, it’s important that you follow these tips so your plumbing system will run smoothly for years to come. Be sure not to do any of the following during installation a water heater never connect power before gas lines are in place; don’t forget about venting and drain pipes (or consider an electric model); be careful with insulation around hot surfaces like copper pipe joints and heat exchanges; know where shut-off valves should go, especially if others live on site who may need access to them; use anti corrosive primer paint over bare metal parts and insulate exposed pipes and wire connections.
Author Bio:- Laura Harnes
Laura is a marketing manager at All Star Plumbing & Restoration. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, she loves to create awareness about the causes, problems, and repair solutions of water damage and slab leak. She shares expert tips to lower utility bills and keep your AC, heater, and other appliances in optimum condition leading to longer lifespan.
Check all the recent articles and know everything about water damage repair, slab leak repair, tools to remove clogging, and HVAC appliances installation, maintenance, and repair.
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