Installing a water heater is a big job, and as with most home renovations, there are always unexpected challenges. There are a few things you should know before beginning this project, but they’ll help you avoid potential problems and make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re considering installing a water heater at your home, here are some things to think about before getting started:

Know what your requirements are

A water heater is a huge investment, so it needs to be sized correctly for your home. To do this correctly, you’ll need to know the size of your hot water tank, the water flow rate and the amount of time you want your water to stay hot. If you’re not sure what your water usage is, or if you’re not sure what kind of water heater you’re looking for, it’s best to hire a professional to help you out. Otherwise, you could end up with a water heater that’s too small or one that’s too large. Both of these situations are things you don’t want to have happen, so make sure you get it right the first time.

Confirm that the area has the right water pressure

If your water pressure is weak, it could make it difficult to supply adequate water to your water heater. This is especially true if you have a tankless water heater installed or if you have water pipes that are far from your water heater. If your pressure is weak, you may need to add a water booster to your system to ensure the water pressure is high enough. This can be a bit more expensive than installing a tank water heater, but it’s definitely worth it if you have a low-pressure water system.

Talk to your utility company about any potential rate increases

If you’re going to be installing a new water heater, you may want to ask your utility company if they plan on increasing their rates. This is especially important if you’re considering a tankless water heater, because these systems use more water and can increase your monthly bill significantly. If you’re not sure if your utility company plans on increasing their rates, it’s a good idea to call them and find out.

Check the local building codes

Water heaters are classified as “critical appliances” in many local building codes. This means they need to be installed using specific installation methods in order to protect the safety of the home. You should check your local building code to make sure that the water heater you’re planning on installing is approved for your location.

Understand the different types of water heaters and their pros and cons

There are several different types of water heaters you can install at home, but you’ll want to make sure you choose one that’s right for your home. Generally speaking, there are three types of water heaters: tank, tankless, and hybrid. A tank water heater is the most common type, and it’s the most efficient option. A hybrid water heater is more efficient than a tank water heater, but it’s also more expensive. A tankless water heater is the most expensive option, but it’s also the most efficient. Generally speaking, a hybrid water heater is the best choice if you have a large family that showers frequently because it’s more efficient and cheaper than other types of water heaters.

Conclusion

Water heaters are a necessary part of every home, but they can be difficult to install. There are a few things you should know before beginning this project, but they’ll help you avoid potential problems and make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re considering installing a water heater at your home, here are some things to think about before getting started.

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.