As a licensed professional plumber, I have seen the consequences of homeowners attempting to install water heaters themselves. Not only does it put your home and family at risk, but it can also result in serious damage. That's why I always recommend hiring a licensed professional for any water heater installation needs. Installing a water heater is not your average DIY project. It requires knowledge of plumbing, electricity, heating, ventilation, and carpentry.
You must also be familiar with state and local building codes, obtain a permit for the work, and arrange for an inspection from your municipality. One of the biggest safety risks of installing a gas water heater yourself is incorrect installation. This can lead to serious injuries or even explosions. If the tank temperature is too low or the pressure limiter is not working properly, an explosion can occur. Additionally, if the tank is drained, dry combustion can cause damage to the tank or even burn the heating elements of electric water heaters. Another important factor to consider is the electrical wiring throughout the circuit.
It must be of the correct gauge to meet the demands of the water heater. Keep in mind that your homeowner's insurance may cover water damage, but this coverage can be void if the policy requires a licensed plumber to install the water heater. When installing a water heater, it's crucial to ensure that the TPR valve is working properly and that the hot water it expels passes through the discharge pipe. If a soldered connection is placed too close to the top of the water heater, heat passing through the copper tubing can melt plastic parts or even cause an explosion. For most homes with 2.5 bathrooms and two to four residents, a 50-gallon water heater will suffice. Before beginning any installation, be sure to shut off the water supply to the water heater you are replacing.
If you are unable to do so, you will need to install a lock in the switch box or a separate electrical disconnect switch, circuit breaker, or electrical disconnect box near the water heater. It's also important to keep gas water heaters separated from walls and stored objects to allow for proper airflow for combustion and to keep the heater at a safe distance from combustible materials. This may seem like a lot of precautions, but it's necessary to prevent potential disasters. Unfortunately, explosions of water heaters are not just a myth. In fact, I have personally witnessed a water heater launch like a rocket due to a build-up of pressure. It destroyed the concrete blocks underneath and the roof above, causing significant damage.
The steps for replacing a propane water heater are similar, and those for an electric water heater are almost identical. When installing an electric water heater, be sure to place a metal electrical box close to the wall or ceiling. Connect the old wires to the box and then install a new section of shielded cable or electrical conduit to the water heater. However, it would be a shame (and a waste of money) if you misdiagnosed the problem and replaced the entire water heater when it could have been fixed by replacing a faulty heating element or anode rod. That's why licensed plumbers always perform diagnostics before recommending any action. The plumbing code requires vacuum relief valves in bottom-fed tank water heaters to prevent a subsequent tank siphon in case of sudden pressure reduction in the water supply.
Boiling water can cause serious injuries and result in costly water damage. When you hire a licensed plumber for your water heater installation, their company assumes the risk and has insurance that covers any potential damages.
