Water Heater Installation Instructions
In most cases, water heaters will either be powered by gas or electricity, and this will make a difference when it comes to installation. Whichever fuel option a homeowner chooses will necessitate removing the old water heater first. Both gas and electric heaters each have their own individual set of hazards and anyone attempting to do this kind of work should be aware of them.
- Take into account the type of heater to be installed. The simplest option for installation is to get the same kind of heater that was there before. Also, it is easier to install the new one in the same way that the old one was installed, assuming that it was installed correctly in the first place. Converting a home from one type to another will involve extra work and possibly even construction, especially when switching from electricity to gas. If electric, the heater will need only to have a special outlet; if gas, then certain fittings can be reused, but others will need to be purchased new.
- Ensure proper ventilation when installing gas water heaters. Improper ventilation where the heater is to be installed can lead to an accumulation of gas should there be a leak, and such an accumulation can cause explosions. A chimney will also have to be installed and this may mean making a hole in the roof to accommodate it. A proper method of exhaust should also be taken into account; the exhaust pipe should be wide enough to take all the exhaust or else there may a carbon monoxide buildup where the heater is stored.
- Raise the water heater above ground level if the area in which it is being installed is vulnerable to being flooded. This can be done by placing it on cinder blocks or some other surface that is above ground level.
- Connect the exhaust, the water lines and then the gas lines or electricity. Threads should be cleaned with a brush and should be attached with pipe joint compound. Teflon tape should be used on male connectors when connecting the gas lines. After connecting them, the gas lines should be checked for leakage by brushing the seals with a soap and water mixture. Bubbling of the mixture is a sign of leaking gas.