Water Heater Installation
Rheem RTG-64XN Gas Tankless Water Heater
One of the greatest frustrations for a homeowner is the failure of a vital household system. A failing water heater affords one the opportunity to plan for a replacement if signs precede the device’s demise. The unexpected failure of the device, though, can cause tremendous frustration and panic. Regardless of the circumstances, there are many important steps to take in order to make sure that the new water heater installation is handled correctly.
While many homeowners become handy by virtue of the fact that things frequently need repair in a typical household, the water heater is often a bigger project than the average homeowner wants to take on. The professional knowledge and experience of a contractor or plumber can mean the difference between a speedy water heater installation and several days without hot water. Even though a professional handles the mechanics of the repair, though, it’s important for the homeowner to observe the process and to follow up by inspecting the area personally.
As the plumber prepares to handle the water heater replacement, it’s good to ask questions and to be aware of the process. It’s tempting to walk away and let a professional work, but becoming better educated about one’s household systems may provide understanding in the future, when the system show signs of another failure. Water heaters generally have a life span ranging from 8 to 15 years, and it is likely that more than one replacement will happen in the course of life in the home.
Asking questions about the model being installed is important, especially if the plumber is supplying the water heater. What is the capacity? Is it a quick recovery system? What is its expected lifespan? Is it energy efficient? It’s important to make sure that the model installed is the model contracted for and expected.
With a basic replacement, little adjustment in the water heater placement is needed. If the area is intact, the old water heater will be drained and moved, and the new one put in place. From this point, connections will be made from the new system to water lines and fuel sources. If the water heater is gas operated, then the venting system will also be reconnected. With an electric water heater, wiring will be reconnected and a discharge pipe, used to avoid excessive pressure in the tank, will be connected at the pressure release valve. Water will be turned on, allowing the system to fill, and the homeowner may be asked to open a faucet in order to allow air to escape from the tank. Prior to restoring the fuel source, the contractor will assure that the tank has filled sufficiently.
The contractor will check for leaks in the water lines and in the tank. Generally, leaking is a sign of connection problems, but there is always the potential that a new system is faulty. Making one’s own visual observation of the connections is important, and any signs of water should be brought to the attention of the installer immediately. If there is any dripping from the discharge pipe, the installation of a cold water expansion tank can alleviate the problem. In many places, this is now a required by local building codes.
With a gas fueled heater, before the gas is turned on, the plumber will check for leaks in the gas connections. It’s good to observe the process, and to ask questions about signs of a gas leak. A homeowner can later check this if there is ever a concern by spraying soapy water over the connections, and watching for the solution to suds up, an indication of a leak. A couple of minutes of observation are sufficient. If no leaks are present, the pilot will be lit, and the system should begin to heat. With an electrical system, the power is reconnected, and likewise, the system will begin to heat.
It will take a couple of hours for the full tank to be heated. As the contractor cleans up the materials from his repair, he should provide instructions on what to do if there are any problems. Before he leaves, it may be possible to determine that water has heated, but it’s wise to make sure that emergency contact information is recorded in case the system fails to heat correctly. It’s also wise to verify location of the thermostat on the new heater, so that temperature adjustments can be made as needed.
With the help of a qualified professional, a water heater installation can be handled properly in just a couple of hours. The most important problems to watch for are moisture around connections and lack of hot water. In either case, it’s important to contact the contractor right away to have the issue rectified. It’s not necessary to be an expert to check the work of a plumber, and personal observation can allow problems to be corrected quickly.
