Change Your Water Heater

Whether its a gas or electric water heater in your home, it can easily be replaced without the need of a plumber or an electrician. First you need to remove the old water heater. This should be done by turning off any electricity or gas to the heater and also the water supply. Once that is done, begin to remove all the wires, hoses and lines. A garden hose attached to the outlet valve will allow the water to drain out into your yard or down a drain. Because this water is heated, make sure there are no young children around who might get burned. Once the water has drained, you can move the old water heater out.

Now, move the new water heater into place, making sure that the wires and vent pipes are aligned for easy access. If the heater is to be heater by propane or natural gas you will need to attach the draft hood next. Draft hoods have legs that easily fit into the top of your water heater so there is no wrong way to attach it. After the draft hood is attached, you will need to make sure your gas water heater has proper ventilation. Vent piping shouldn't be any smaller than the draft hood collar. If there is any sign of corrosion or deterioration of the old vent pipe, this will need to be replaced next. If the old vent pipe is still in good shape, you can continue and attach the new heater to the existing vent pipes.

When the vent pipe is attached, begin hooking up the water lines. If you had to cut the lines to remove the old water heater, fear not. Flex-connectors make attaching lines simple by soldering them to the copper pipes. Next, reattach them to the water heater and the outlet. Then attach the inlet to the shut off valve.

Next, you will need to make sure the new water heater has a pressure relief valve and line. This is essential so the pressure can be relieved automatically when its necessary. Check with your local building code officers to make sure everything is done properly and to avoid any problems in the future. Doing it right and having it checked is crucial!

Once everything is reconnected, you can close the drain valve and open the cold water inlet to begin filling up the water heater tank. While it is filling, check for any leaks anywhere. Release any air that may be trapped in the tank by turning on a hot water faucet somewhere in your home. Lastly, you will need to hook the gas lines or electricity back up to your water heater. Check for leaks around the gas lines by using dishsoap. Any air or gas coming out will cause the dishsoap to bubble up. When you are sure there aren't any leaks, turn the gas back on to the heater and allow it to heat the water.

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