When it comes to plumbing, it’s natural for people to have a few concerns. After all, plumbing can be seen as a mysterious and complicated system that seems difficult to understand. However, when it comes to installing a new water heater in your home, there are only a few things you need to know. A properly installed water heater is essential for a safe and healthy home. It is the main source of water in your home. If your water heater is not installed correctly, it can be a danger to both you and your family.In this blog post, we will take you through some common mistakes people make when installing a water heater and what you should do instead.

Not using the right sized water heater for your home

Water heaters come in many different sizes and styles. However, if your water heater is too small for the size of your home, you will find that you will have to use an excessive amount of water. This can lead to higher water bills and an increased risk of water damage. Additionally, it can put an excessive strain on your water heater and may even cause it to break down sooner than expected.This is why it is important to use the right sized water heater for your home. If your water heater is too small, you will have to use more water, which can be costly and lead to more water damage. Additionally, a smaller water heater will not be able to sufficiently heat water in your home. This means that you will have to run the hot water faucet longer, which will cause your water to run out quicker. If you have a water softener in your home, you will also have to use it more frequently.

Not properly locating the water heater

Water heaters should be placed in a location that makes it easy for it to be accessed by a plumber whenever they are needed. Ideally, you should place the water heater in a central location in your home. This will allow you to easily access it whenever you need to change a water filter, flush your pipes, or perform other water-related tasks.If you are going to place your water heater in a less ideal location, you should make sure that you have a way to easily access it. This will allow you to change out the water filter or perform other maintenance tasks on your water heater whenever needed. However, it is important to note that water heaters should never be placed in basements or crawl spaces.

Not installing the water heater correctly

One common mistake that people make when installing a water heater is not using the right materials. One of the most important parts of installing a water heater is choosing the right materials for the job. If you don’t use the right materials, it can lead to leaks, faulty installation, and other problems.There are two main materials that you should use when installing a water heater: - Fiberglass - Cast iron - Fiberglass is the most common material used in water heater installation. It is a synthetic material that is strong, durable, and easy to work with. However, fiberglass is not the most efficient material for heating water. If you are going to install a fiberglass water heater, you should make sure that you use the right sized tank. A tank that is too large will not be efficient and will cost you more in the long run. If you want a more efficient water heater, you should consider installing a cast iron water heater.

Not properly insulating a new water heater

Another common mistake that people make when installing a new water heater is not properly insulating it. When installing a new water heater, you should make sure that it is properly insulated. This will keep the water in your home warm and can even save you money on your water bill. There are many different types of insulation that you can choose from. However, you should make sure that the insulation you choose is approved by your state and is safe for indoor use.There are two main types of insulation that you should consider when installing a water heater: - Fiberglass blanket - Foam insulation - Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of insulation used for water heaters. However, it is important to note that it does not meet the recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) for an indoor installation. If you are going to install a fiberglass water heater, you should make sure that you use the correct size tank. A tank that is too small will not be able to properly insulate your water.

Conclusion

The installation of a water heater can be an awkward and difficult process. However, with the right information and the right tools at your disposal, it can be a simple and quick process.When you are ready to install a water heater, you should make sure that you follow these tips. Not only will this ensure that your water heater is installed correctly, it will also help you reduce your water bills and prevent potential water damage.

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.