In almost every household, there is at least one task in which there is a need for hot or lukewarm water. This is fulfilled easily if the house is equipped with a hot water heater. This equipment is essential for a regular household and can be seen and utilized in most of the houses. It is one of the necessities which makes the mundane work easier and help us to a great extent. A hot water heater is generally used for heating the water for bathing, washing dishes and floor mops. This equipment is very useful during the winter season. Using a hot water heater is very easy. The main and the difficult phase is the installation of this heating equipment.
Hot Water Heater
Prerequisites for Installation
Before installing a heater in the house, one should check and analyze some of the basic influencing factors such as the water pressure inside the pipelines and the type of expansion tank that you will be required. These two factors can affect the installation and the functioning of the heater in the long run. The ideal amount of water pressure inside the pipeline must be around 50-60 psi. If it is higher than the specified value then a plumber’s help is required to lower it. On the other hand, the expansion tank should be of 2 gallons if the hot water required is around 50 gallons. For the precise size relations, check out the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once the influencing factors are examined and rectified, one can proceed with the installation of the hot water heater.
Installing the Hot Water Heater
Given below are the steps for installing the heater.
- Remove the old water heater if it is installed by turning off the electricity and cautiously removing the circuitry.
- Ensure that the gas supply and the water supply is stopped while the installation is being done.
- Use a drain pan to place the new water heater on it. The overflow of water can be prevented by connecting the drain pan to the source of water overflow. Place the heater at a location which is almost 6 inches and there is sufficient ventilation.
- Twist in and affix the new valve to the heater if it is not installed in the heater by the manufacturer. Generally, a valve comes with the heater equipment. It is recommended to jot down the length of the stem needed by the water heater.
- Attach a discharge pipe that is directed towards the drain area. A bucket can also be kept under the discharge pipe in case of its absence.
- For water hookup, use a hose kit. A plumber’s tape can also be utilized to tape the ends of the heat-trapping nipple.
Hot Water Heater
- In case the heater is based on electricity, use dielectric fittings to minimize the pace of corrosion.
- To the connector body thread, wrap plumber’s tap on its ends.
- Tighten the nut after putting the pipe to the fitting. Assemble the pipe with caution and tighten the nuts accordingly.
- Find the nearest faucet and detach the aerator. Check for the leaks in the water heater. Do this with utmost concentration as it is very risky if the heater is gas based. Light the pilot with a lighter or matchstick if the heater works on gas.
- Open the faucet and let the water run, in order to remove any air and dirt present inside. Ensure that the tank is completely full before running the faucet open.
- If the heater is electric, then connect the wires as mentioned in the guide provided by the manufacturer. Turn the power on. If it fails, then remove the circuitry and reconnect it. Set the temperature as recommended by the manufacturer and make sure that the water pressure in the pipeline is below 80 psi.
The cost of the installation of a hot water heater depends upon the conditions and the location of installation. But generally, it costs around a few hundred bucks.
