If you’re thinking about installing a new water heater in your home, there are probably a few myths floating around in your head that you’ll want to clear up before committing to the project. After all, it’s an expensive and involved process that could have a lasting impact on your home. It might seem like these myths are making things more difficult for you, but they’re actually just helping you avoid potential problems down the road. Let’s take a look at some of these common myths and dispel them once and for all.

Lack of space and ductwork

One of the biggest myths about installing a water heater in your home is that you’ll need to tear up the floor and ductwork to install it. This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there, and it’s unfortunate because there are lots of people out there who don’t have the proper space for a water heater.If you’re renting and don’t have the option of adding on to your home, you might not have the correct ductwork for a water heater. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck with an old, outdated model that leaves you feeling like you’re being smothered in steam every time you turn on your shower.

Not enough hot water

Another major misconception about installing a water heater is that you’ll end up with not enough hot water. The truth is that a water heater is there to store water and to release it when it’s needed. It has nothing to do with how hot the water comes out of the faucet. There’s no rhyme or reason to why you’re not getting enough hot water, but it’s important to understand why this is happening so that you can get it resolved as quickly as possible.There could be a variety of reasons for not getting enough hot water, ranging from a faulty thermostat to a clogged pipe. It’s best to contact a plumber and have a thorough inspection done to rule out any issues.

Water leaking out the sides

Another of the most common myths about water heater installation is that you’ll be faced with leaking issues if you don’t buy a certain brand. This is a common misconception because many people assume that the only way a water heater can be made is by using a tube and welding it onto the side of the tank. In reality, there are plenty of different types of water heaters on the market, and not all of them use welding as a method of installation.If you’re trying to decide between two different brands, it’s a good idea to do a little research and see what types of materials they use.

It’s a DIY job, so why pay for a professional?

One of the other major myths about installing a water heater is that it’s a DIY job. This is unfortunate because it’s actually a job that requires a professional with the right skills, experience, and tools. It’s not uncommon for home owners to try to install a water heater on their own, but the risks are far greater than you think.While it’s true that you can learn the basics of water heater installation and how to use common tools, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. It’s important to hire a professional who can safely and accurately install the unit.If you’re renting and don’t have the option of adding on, you’ll likely have to upgrade your unit to accommodate a larger tank.

Bottom line

As you can see, there are a lot of myths about installing a water heater floating around. While some of these may seem as though they’re almost impossible to overcome, there are plenty of ways to work around them. The best way to get past these myths is to educate yourself and do your research. With that said, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to take any of these myths as truths and that there are plenty of other ways to install a water heater.With the right information and the help of a professional, you can make the process of installing a water heater as easy as possible. Now all you need to do is pick a unit that’s right for your home and get to work!

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.