Water Heater Replacement
Do it yourself (DIY) projects are often a good way to save money. But there are some projects that you shouldn’t attempt yourself – such as water heater replacement. This is one of those projects that can end up costing you more in the long run if you don’t follow the right steps.
Phoenix water heater replacement are usually a large, heavy unit that can be difficult to move and position in the home. Especially if it’s in a closet or attic. It also requires a vehicle to load into and haul away for disposal. Unless you’re already handy, doing it yourself can be time consuming and frustrating. Plus, it’s dangerous to work with hot water and electricity.
The first step is to shut off the water and gas supply at the valves on the back of the tank. You should also open a hot water faucet on the upper floor of the house. This will allow air into the tank so that it can drain completely before you disconnect and remove it.
Do it Yourself Water Heater Replacement
You’ll need to use a pipe cutter or tubing cutter to cut the copper pipes that connect the old and new water heaters. Depending on the condition of your pipes, it may be necessary to sand them down before you can remove them. You should also drain the old tank and flush the sediment trap and tee. Then, you can remove the old tank and dispose of it in accordance with your local regulations.
If you’re replacing a gas water heater, make sure you disconnect the meter and shut off the gas at the main valve on your house. You’ll need to open a faucet on an upper floor of the house to release the pressure inside the tank and prevent a vacuum from forming when you drain it.
Once you’ve disconnected and removed the old water heater, drain and clean the new water heater before connecting it. You should also reposition the vent piping to comply with your local codes. If you’re installing a gas water heater, you’ll need to follow the manufacturers instructions for lighting the pilot.
Once you’ve installed the new water heater, it’s time to reconnect the plumbing and test for leaks. If you’re not comfortable with the work, call a plumber for professional installation. A licensed plumber will know state and local building codes, inspection requirements and will be able to register the manufacturer’s warranty. They’ll also run diagnostics to determine the cause of your water heater failure and tell you whether repairing or replacing is the best option. Oftentimes, a licensed plumber will find that your problem is caused by something other than the water heater itself and you could have saved thousands of dollars by not replacing it. And if the water heater fails, you’ll be able to file a claim with your insurance company to recover any losses.