Installing a Water Heater

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When the time comes to install a new water heater,specifications. Improperly venting a water heater may
it may at first seem like it’s going to be alead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide
simple job for the layperson, but when it comes rightinside the home.
down to it, there’s a lot more to installing a7. A professional knows about improper installation or
water heater than meets the eye. Having been inhow an inadequate valve can cause damage to the
business for more than 20 years, I can say withoutwater heater or even cause hazardous pressure
hesitation that calling in a professional is criticallybuild-up. When a professional installs a new water
important to getting the job done right. And althoughheater, you get the most for your money and the
some people believe they are pretty handy when itsatisfaction of knowing the job was completed with
comes to installing appliances, installing a water heaterexpertise and experience you can trust.
can be extremely challenging.8. A professional knows what types of materials and
What are some of the pitfalls about installing a watersizes to choose for venting, as well as water inlet
heater for someone with little experience? To beginand outlet pipes. After several years of good service,
with there is the potential of damaging delicate parts,a water heater could leak or expel water due to
cross threading gas connections, forgetting topressure build-up. This could cause damage to floor
elevate the water heater or failing to remember tocoverings and other items. A professional will install a
use earthquake strapping where necessary. Thesedrain pan and pipe it properly to a drain to avoid
critical elements are all addressed when a professionalfuture problems. An understanding of venting as well
installs your water heater. In addition, not only areas draining should be left to a professional.
you given all the right options, but a professional will9. Because water heaters are factory set at a
not sway you in a direction you don’t needcertain temperature, a professional will explain the
to go. Instead, the professional will explain anysettings and the dangers of improper use of the
improved features and higher operating efficiencies inwater heater’s thermostat. In addition,
the latest water heaters. Plain and simple, when youinstallation of electric water heaters requires
hire a professional to install a water heater,knowledge of the properly rated wiring material as
you’re assured of the proper handling of yourwell as the home’s electrical capacity, which
new water heater, in addition to proper installationmeans adequate electrical services, is a requirement.
which covers safety features and compliance to10. With new industry-wide design changes,
state and federal laws.today’s water heaters are more complicated
A non-professional can overlook many steps whenthan ever. Proper installation and service require that
installing a water heater, which is why the followingwater heater manufacturers provide training and
are the top 12 reasons why you should always hire aeducation. This type of valuable knowledge is only
professional.available to a professional installer.
1. The first and most important reason for hiring a11. The layperson might not be aware of whether his
professional is because he or she knows thesystem is an open or closed water system. Closed
different brands and which ones are best for eachsystems are subject to thermal expansion and
situation. A professional knows how well waterpressure build up. Open systems can become closed
heaters work and the importance of properwhen check valves, water softeners or water
installation. There are many dangers involved in badmeters are added. Even if your water heater tank
installations, which is why a professional should onlydoesn’t rupture from thermal expansion,
be used to install a water heater.pressure inside the tank can cause a constriction of
2. Water heaters must comply with stringentthe flue tube, causing a back up of combustion gases
standards regarding Flammable Vapor Ignitionand carbon monoxide inside the home. Only a
Resistance. Beginning in July of 2003, all conventionalprofessional will know how to address an open or
30, 40, and 50-gallon residential gas-fired waterclosed water system.
heaters required specific compliance, which is12. Oftentimes special water heaters aren’t
something the layperson knows little about. When itsold to consumers. For example, one of the finest
comes to oil and gas-fired water heaters, thesystems made is Bradford White’s Defender
professional has the knowledge of the gas or oil fuelSafety System, but the public cannot purchase it. In
source as well as an understanding of gas connectionfact, there are thousands of models with important
supply lines and start ups.variations and safety features that the layperson will
3. When adding a new tub or shower or even addingnever know about unless a professional is on hand.
an entire bathroom, your water heater should be ableIn Closing
to meet those additional requirements. As a familyIf your water heater appears to be fine but it just
grows, the demand for hot water increases, sowon't make hot water, a professional can diagnose
when installing a water heater, a professional knowswhat may be a simple problem. You may just need
how to access the types of hot water heaters thatan inexpensive replacement part. But even if your
are built for change. A professional uses his expertisewater heater is functioning adequately, maybe you're
for proper sizing, which includes calculating thenot getting as much hot water as you need, which
demands of multiple bathrooms, dishwashers, clothesmeans it may be time to upgrade. When it comes to
washers and other important points of use.making a decision about a water heater, it’s
4. Safety should always come first. A professionaltough for a retailer or non-professional to advise you,
installer knows all about safety, as their knowledge,but a professional can give you guidance and explain
skill and experience ensures that the right wateryour options. And because professionals often attend
heater is installed with safety. By having atrade association meetings, events sponsored by
professional plumber install your water heater, youwater heater manufacturers and also subscribe to
have the peace of mind that your family is safe andtrade magazines, he or she is the first to know when
secure.more efficient models or technology changes are
5. The layperson may not be familiar with strangeavailable. In brief, a professional has the education
rattling noises, an odd sulfur smell, or even aand experience it takes to hone in on his craft.
reduction in available hot water. A professionalInstalling a water heater is one of the things he or
installer will be there to make sure everything is inshe does for a living, so when a professional plumber
working order, plus when a professional installs acomes into your home, he knows exactly what to
water heater, he is there to back up his work. Ifdo. Furthermore, in many parts of the country, state
anything goes wrong, the professional will take onagencies and local municipalities have laws and codes
the responsibility by making sure the job is donegoverning the installation of water heaters, often
correctly.stating that a water heater must be installed by a
6.The professional installer knows that for a waterlicensed professional. Never take chances when
heater to work properly, it is critical that it be ventedinstalling a water heater.