Water Heater Installation and Repair Tips

[ad_1]

One of the most enjoyable comforts brought about by modern technology to the human race is the invention of the water heater. What can be more comforting than a hot water bath or shower on a cold morning to wake up a sleepy mind and body. It also helps clean your skin by removing excess oil and dirt. Because of the benefits that it provides, for generations people have been willing to spend their hard earned money to have a water heater installed in their house.

Here are some tips to have an effective water heater installation and repair in the event that you someday need these services. When installing a new water heater, first you must choose the right one for you. Water heaters can either be electric or gas-fuelled. Sometimes a gas water heater can cost less to operate than electric but it will vary by area so check the ratings on the one you are looking to install. If your house does not have gas service to it then the only reasonable option is electric.

Check the plumbing by measuring the dimensions of the hot and cold water pipes that presently exist in the house and make sure your new heater is the proper fit. Depending on the age of the house you may need to purchase some couplers to make the pipes fit properly.

Before you do anything make sure to turn off all the utilities attached to the unit whether it is gas or electric. Once turned off, you can now drain the hot water tank and disconnect the old hot and cold water pipe connections. To drain the water from the tank you hook up a hose to the outlet at the bottom of the tank and drain the water outside or into a drain.

When the old unit is completely drained of water and successfully disconnected, you may then remove it to make room for the new unit. Next, install any fittings to the new unit like the temperature and pressure relief valve if they are not already installed. Then connect the water lines making sure to use proper procedures so you don’t have leaks when you fill the new tank. Next, you can connect to the power source, either gas line or electric. If the fuel source is a gas line then you need to attach the flue vent to make sure fumes are properly directed out of the house. After making all the connections, you can now fill the water heater with cold water and turn on the new unit.

It is a good idea to insulate your water heater tank with a water heater tank blanket. This step can lower your costs to keep the water hot when you need it.

While it is possible to install a new unit on your own, hiring a plumbing professional is often the best way to go and will save you time and money in the long run unless you are experienced in plumbing and plumbing repairs.

[ad_2]

Source by Keith Piper