Water Heater Installation involves properly connecting the gas, plumbing and electrical lines according to manufacturer specifications and local codes. Modifications to pipes and ducting might be necessary, adding to overall costs. For professional help, contact Water Heater Installation Denver.
A water heater should be installed in a safe, dry location away from children and pets. Some locations might require a “closet,” a protective enclosure to keep the unit from damage by weather, animals and children.
Getting cold showers on a winter day isn’t a pleasant experience, but installing a new water heater will ensure you have warm, hot showers. Water heaters are a crucial home improvement that will save you money on utilities, help you live comfortably and improve your home’s overall value. But how do you know if you’re making the right choice? It’s important to select the best water heater for your family and your budget. To make the process easier, check out our handy guide to help you choose the perfect one.
Storage-type electric water heaters are simple appliances. Unheated water enters the tank through a dip tube and is heated by a couple of electric resistance elements. The heating elements are regulated by the thermostat and a safety switch to prevent overheating. If the elements fail, they can burn out, or they can corrode, leading to insufficient heating.
To troubleshoot electrical problems with an electric water heater, first shut off the power at the circuit breaker that serves the appliance. Then, use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that there is no current flowing. Next, remove the cover plate on the heater to gain access to the wires. Connect like-colored wires together using wire connectors and lead the incoming grounding cable to the green screw on the heater’s access panel.
If the problem is with the heater’s electrical supply, it’s likely because of a tripped circuit breaker or improper wiring. It is important to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions or other literature to verify that the breaker and wiring are correctly sized for the appliance.
If you’re replacing an existing water heater, you’ll need to drain the old one by opening the hot and cold taps positioned closest to the system’s lowest point. Then, disconnect the water lines from the water heater and remove it from the wall. Lastly, turn off the gas line to the water heater before you begin any work and shut off the electricity to the new appliance. Finally, use a non-contact voltage tester again to verify that the electricity is off before you reconnect the wiring.
Plumbing
Water heaters must be connected to cold and hot water lines, a gas line, and sometimes to a drain valve. These connections are typically made of copper tubing sized to the manufacturer’s specifications and soldered together using an electric soldering gun. The plumber will use lead-free solder and a MAPP torch to avoid overheating the copper pipes and the water heater. He will also open all line valves to purge air from the system. This is to ensure that the new water heater will have a full flow of water and that the connections are working properly.
The installer may also install a temperature and pressure relief valve on the cold water line and a discharge pipe per local and state installation codes. It is important that this be done because excessive water pressure can cause damage to the home.
It is also recommended that a copper drip pan be installed around the water heater to protect the floor and walls from leaks. The drain pan must be larger than the water heater and positioned so it is easily accessible for maintenance.
If the new water heater will be vented outside, the installer will need to install a vent kit per the manufacturer’s instructions. The venting will need to be a specific type, depending on the location of the house. For example, in California, a water heater must be strapped or anchored to the home’s rim joist to prevent earthquake movement.
Other accessories, such as a drain pan and expansion tank, can be purchased separately or as part of a package deal. These parts are designed to make the water heater installation process go more smoothly.
Some plumbing services might require other carpentry work to install the new water heater, such as removing or adding woodwork in an attic area to fit a larger unit. This additional labor will add to the total cost of the job. It is also possible that the existing piping will need to be upgraded during this time to accommodate the new water heater. The installer will be able to tell the homeowner whether this is necessary, and it will depend on the location of the new water heater, the piping size, and the type of water heater that is being replaced.
Insulation
The proper installation of insulation is an important aspect of water heater installation. Insulation helps inhibit the migration of thermal energy into and out of your home, keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulation has the ability to save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills over time. In fact, the cost of most types of insulation is quickly paid back through the energy savings it provides in less than a year!
There are many different types of insulation materials available, but the most common are fiberglass batts and loose-fill cellulose. The type of insulation used will depend on the location within your home and how it’s being installed. Installing the material requires measuring, cutting to size, and placing it between framing like studs or joists. Spray foam and polyester matting are also popular forms of insulation, but they’re usually only used in new construction projects and require professional equipment to install properly.
If your hot water piping isn’t adequately insulated, it will take more energy to heat the water. Insulating your pipes will help prevent this waste by reducing the transfer of thermal energy between them and other elements of your home, allowing you to use less gas and electric energy to keep your household warm.
Pipes that carry hot water should be insulated to the minimum required by your local codes and the manufacturer of your heater. The insulation should be continuous, not just around the water heater. This will improve the performance of the entire system.
The resistance to conductive heat flow of most insulation is measured by its R-Value, which is a measure of its thermal efficiency. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation. R-Value doesn’t tell the whole story though, as most insulations lose efficiency over time due to temperature changes and moisture accumulation.
It’s a good idea to lift your water heater on cinder blocks or concrete blocks during installation to minimize the risk of it falling off and damaging the floor underneath. It’s also important to insulate the water and gas lines and to protect the tank from damage by the vibration of the water and hot water plumbing during operation.
